Ryan and I have been married for two years today. I'm a planner- I love filling in my calendar and looking forward to things, whether holidays or trips or even book clubs with my peeps. While it's important to look ahead, it's anniversaries like this one that remind me of the importance of acknowledging and honoring where we've been as well. So this one's for Ryan and all of the friends and family that headed out to Breckenridge two years ago to celebrate our wedding, and for the special loved ones that couldn't make it. But it's also for Liam, so he can know what life was like before.
We left on a cold Sunday before Thanksgiving, with our bright gold XTerra (nicknamed "the school bus") filled to the brim with suitcases, candles, decorations, gift bags to stuff and more, and headed West across the great state of Kansas. I remember feeling so excited for the wedding (of course) but also for the entire wedding week. Breckenridge has always been a special place for us and it was the only place we could picture starting our life together.
After an overnight stay in Colby, Kansas, we arrived in Breckenridge and headed to the house we had rented for the week. It was beautiful and we couldn't wait to have everyone arrive so we could begin sharing in the love and the laughter. And they were worth the wait! Becky, Jodi, Jeff, Jeremiah (just 1 and 1/2 at the time), Michael, Shannon, Benjamin (2 1/2), and little "Baby" Dominic, just 9 months, Mom and Dad, Amy and Michael, my nieces, my nephews, aunts and uncles and close friends all trickled in within the next few days. And suddenly, the house came alive.
One night we went to the Brewery that Ryan and I have always visited in early afternoon when our ski (and board legs) have worn out. Their beer always seems to make the pain go away :)
Another night, Amy and Michael made an fabulous Greek spread for dinner- great finger food that made for good eatin' while we watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" downstairs in the home theater.
On Thursday, my Thanksgiving started off quietly. I went to town with Marcia and Sarah and left them for about an hour to sit at the base of Peak 9 and reflect. Anita Evans, our dear friend, gave us some of the best pre-wedding advice. She suggested that Ryan and I write letters to each other that we seal and open on our 1st anniversary. I ordered a cocktail, took out my favorite pen and began to write. The sun was shining just so and it was one of those perfect moments.
Our non-traditional rehearsal dinner (as there wasn't much to "rehearse") was a Thanksgiving feast homemade by Becky, Marcia and Ross. It was delicious and the toasts afterwards made it feel even more special.
Friday was the day that most of our friends and family were able to finally make it, having eaten themselves silly the day before at home. We welcomed them with a happy hour fiesta. I remember leaving that the night before the wedding, thinking to myself, Wow... it's really happening. I could barely sleep.
The morning of the wedding was perfect. Ryan got up early to go for some solo snow boarding and I hung out with the nephews in their moose pajamas. Just the other night, Liam put on the footie pj's that were Dominic's from the trip! Anita came to do my hair, my sister gave me something borrowed, and then it was time.
Ryan and I met at the base to take photos with Robin, our wedding photographer, while our guests took the lift to 10 Mile Station, the restaurant near the wedding site. Next, we put on our skis and board and took the lift ourselves, getting off and skiing/boarding down to our friends and family who were all waiting for us.
Uncle Jim presided over the ceremony in his sweet, calm way. Marilyn, Cathy, Shannon, Jodi, and my dad's brothers, Bob and Dave, all read meaningful poems and blessings. We exchanged vows, cried and even laughed.
The celebration continued at 10 Mile Station with cheap champagne and lots more laughter. Photos were taken, hugs were exchanged, and then we made our exit (although a bit ungracefully on my part) until the party that night.
The reception was a blast. Robin took us, along with our "bests" Amy and Matthew, to town for some night photos and champagne. Then we arrived back at the house for the party. At one point, I took a moment to look around at all these people we love and who love and support us right back, and I knew that this was what life is all about. And life is beautiful.
Our Wedding Week marked the beginning of what would become the most monumental two years of our lives. So far. Time sure does fly. Lesson well learned.
1 comment:
Such a wonderful weekend! And I will never forget the miraculous recovery of my mom's wedding ring. Realizing back at the house that the ring had slipped off in the snow at the ceremony slopes, we frantically went back up and searched but deep down thought it was futile. Thankfully some blessed soul found it in the snow and turned it in to lost and found.
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