Reflections on Our Wedding Day

One year ago today I woke up after a restless night of attempted sleep and went to the temple to get married. The morning leading up to the temple went by in a blur. I was so tired and the event was so surreal, I felt like I was moving about in a daze. But though I was tired, I was calm.

When Jon and I got to the temple, we had some time to just sit quietly together. Still, I was feeling pretty dazed. But then, we walked into the sealing room to get married, and that all changed.

I have never before or since been in a room filled with such tangible love. One look around the room and my heart immediately swelled up with more love--for and from those around me, both physically and spiritually present--than I have ever felt in my life. There with us in the room were so many people who were important in both Jon and my life. Friends, college roommates, Sunday school teachers, young women's leaders, mission presidents, and--most important of all--our family sat in every seat and filled every corner. It was packed not only with bodies, but with memories of time spent with each of these loved ones, and with gratitude and love for God for placing each one of them in our lives.

Then, Jon and I both knelt at the altar in the room so that we faced each other and the love I felt in my heart grew even more. Jon and I were getting married! And as Jon knelt there across from me and I contemplated on the goodness of his character and the love in his heart, tears started to quietly fall down my face. I loved the people in the room. I loved the man kneeling across from me. And I loved Heavenly Father for bringing us all together in such a special and holy moment.

That love resided with me throughout the rest of the day, and it resides with me still. I'm grateful for power of marriage and families. It enables me to do more than I would on my own because I'm constantly buoyed up with love and support that I know won't run away when things get hard. It fills my heart with joy and peace because I know that someone's always there thinking about me and helping me and having my best interest at heart. It gives me more motivation and purpose in life because things aren't just about me--they're about us. 

I'm grateful for the strength God has given Jon and I to learn and grow throughout this first year of marriage, ultimately bringing us closer to Him and each other. I'm equally grateful for a spouse who supports and laughs with and lifts and cherishes and ennobles and teases and teaches and works with and loves me every single day.

Happy one year, Jon! I look forward to an eternity more with you.