Tomorrow Chip and I will have been married 11 years~ August 12, 1995. It was a wonderful day and time in our life. One of hope and optimism and the belief that anything in life was possible- simply because our hearts were joining as one.
As most of the world knows by now, I love weddings. It's been that way for a long time. My first set of stitches came when I dove under a table to get the small bouquet of flowers that my sister had tossed as we played, "Here Comes the Bride". I don't know what it is exactly; I think it's mostly about the details. I love seeing the "personality" of the couple and their tastes throughout the event. Maybe it's the colors and designs and the fact that almost everyone is always in a good mood. Maybe it's the flowers and decorations. Maybe it's about the cake...and sometimes on rare occasions, it's about the BUTTERCREAM.
Whatever it is, I have enjoyed looking through my own wedding photos and reliving the events of our day. We were married in the backyard of Chip's parents' home, by the pool, among the flowers. It was a casual, yet spiritual ceremony. It was a special occasion and one I would do again. I'd have a lot more ideas and opinions at this point in my life- just because I have lived and learned and fine-tuned my likes and wishes. I would probably wear the same dress, and even had it on yesterday and it still fits. Just thought I'd throw that in. It made me happy- in a really simple way. =)
The one thing I wouldn't change is my choice in marriage partners. The more years we mark together, the more I believe that I didn't totally "choose" Chip- but that God brought us together. We have seen each other at our best and worst...and I can honestly say that because of our love it is a beautiful thing either way. Love and marriage hasn't always been easy or a bed of roses for us. But I think that's what makes it more beautiful. I think that's what true love really is. Chip and I have had differences- different passions, different desires, different dreams. Yet, we have supported and encouraged and stood by one another in those differences. Those differences have helped shape who we have become as individuals- yet it is those same differences that has helped our love to deepen and grow.
To Chip- the greatest man in my life,
Happy wedding annivesary. I don't remember what the food tasted like at our reception. I don't remember caring that the rain was pouring down as we left our reception. However, I do remember thinking that nothing was impossible in life because we had each other. I know that God has been the one to give us strength and tolerance and devotion...and that He is all we've needed. No matter if it's good times or bad. I had no idea I could love you more than I did on our wedding day, and yet here we are, eleven years later. More in love, more in tune and more devoted to one another than ever. I wish for us more of that and look forward to seeing our love played out in reality- with great expectation. Yours forever. Sweetly~ Jody