Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Nine Years Ago Today....

Nine Years Ago Today...
How quickly time passes! When Jason and I married at the ripe ages of 23 and 24, I remember feeling so mature and grown-up: a far cry from all those child-brides. My goodness, we were just babes!

This anniversary I'm thrilled to be able to share some of our wedding photos. A decade ago, we were fortunate to find a great photographer on the digital forefront during a time when many other photographers were still working in film. Recently, we acquired a CD these photos. Thank you, Casey! The copyright to all of these photos belongs with Casey McFarland Photography, based out of River Heights, Utah. Should you be in the market for a photographer, look him up!

Jason and I married in the Logan Temple where Jason's father Charles has worked for over 20 years as the head grounds supervisor.
My paternal grandparents, Thomas and Garda Andrus, were also married in the Logan Temple, so we felt a special connection with past generations.
Making room for a bit of silliness.
Naturally, the temple grounds and gardens were absolutely beautiful! We were excited to marry in the spring as tulips are some of my very favorite flowers.
The spring of 2003 was unseasonably warm so the tulips bloomed a bit early. We were worried the blossoms might disappear before our actual wedding day, so we took plenty of pictures a week before.
The bench where Jason first proposed for the second time... Romantic music, twinkling lights, and roses. It was perfect!
So beautiful! (Logan, that is, although I personally find the groom quite dashing.)
Charles was our photography assistant, a fun role reversal since Casey used to work for Charles on the temple grounds.
I have it on good authority that the head gardener was not opposed to our cutting a tulip.
Mr. Handsome in his three-piece suit.
Sorry, that smile's so cute that I just couldn't resist one more.
As lovely as these pre-takes are with the clear blue sky and gorgeous flowers, beneath the beautiful dress and tailored suit Jason and I look a bit tired. Almost as if we'd just finished a grueling week of finals the day before. (Oh wait, we had!)
That's why even though the weather was rainy and gray, our actual wedding day photographs are my very favorite. Despite the drizzle, we are just so stinkin' happy!
It wasn't until I saw our wedding CD that I truly realized how yucky the weather actually was. Despite the cold and rain, I can honestly say I never noticed. My heart was happy, bright, and warm.
The pre-requisite wedding party pics. Don't worry, we didn't make everyone suffer for too long.
The Wheeler side.
The Andrus side.
Joined together.
Callie, Kara, and best friend Heather.
Kara and Cathy.
The gorgeous bouquet that Christy made.
Very gray...
...yet very happy.
Simplicity was very important to me when we got married, just as it is now. I had the train removed from my dress so that I wouldn't have to bother with a bustle and traded in sexy heels for some cute and comfortable sneakers. Not everybody's style, but it certainly fit my personality.
Poor Jason also had his wardrobe altered when he slipped on the wet pavement on our way to the wedding dinner and put a hole in his tuxedo pants.
Our wedding dinner was held at the Bluebird Restaurant, the same place where my grandparents held theirs two generations prior.
We ate...
gave speeches...
(We'll save the story of Loser the Ghost for a post of its own...)
enjoyed lovely music...
acted a bit goofy...
exchanged rings...
and the rest is history!
Happy Anniversary, Peanut Butter! When we married, I didn't think I'd ever be able to love you more than I did at that moment, but as is so often the case, I was quite wrong. I'll be forever smitten--Jelly.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! My,nine years have flown by quickly. Kara,you were a radiant bride and still beautiful, and Jason is still hopelessly handsome as well. Your rainy wedding day merely helped your smiles and flowers look more beautiful. I'm so pleased and thankful you found one another. -Keep smiling!

Becca said...

Thanks for sharing. So fun to look at your wedding pictures. You guys look so happy! Oh, I love the shoes...those look EXACTLY like the shoes I wore for my wedding day:)

Chou said...

YEAH! I'm so glad all over again to have had the opportunity to be part of that fantastic day. I still remember you reciting that section from Ruth to Jason, and it still brings tears to my eyes.

Bruce Richards said...

Happy Anniversary! You don't look a day older. That's funny/sad about Jason tearing the tux. At least he didn't forget to pick it up the day before.

Bruce Richards said...

Oh yeah and great choice of temple!

Susie said...

It was a wonderful day in spite of the weather and truly made for fantastic pictures (and memories!) We are so glad you two found each other. It's been a great journey for all of us. (Besides, look at those wonderful grandchildren you've brought into our lives:)

Julie L said...

I'm late, but happy anniversary. It was fun to remember that very special day. And the photos turned out really good without fighting the shadows cast by sunshine. It was very wet. I love the umbrella. I love the shoes. I love you both, too. Happy Day!

The Favorite said...

Happy Anniversary- good thing you had some fun friends to double date with you and "encourage" this wonderful day :)

Jason said...

Best day EVER! To be followed by nine years worth of even better days, but how was I to know back then of all the good days to come?

As you once said to me all those years ago, I say whole-heartedly to you now: I will go where you go. Your people will be my people, and your god will be my god.

Looking forward to another nine, and ninety more after that.

Brittney Richards said...

Kara, you look so beautiful!! My mom wouldn't let me wear sneakers (although I really wanted to) - she did settle for Keds sandals though. I'm glad we got to know you guys. You look happy and continue to be happy!!

Kelsey said...

I adore these pictures! You two are too cute for words :)

Marilee said...

Love it!