A Surprise Vow Renewal

For her birthday, Melina's mom was given tickets to a play.  The event was hosted in NJ and her daughter also included a promise of glam for the day - hair, nails, lashes, the works!   As the day approached, Lucy was told the tickets included VIP access to the event which offered photo-ops and access to attend an all-white party.  The couple headed to NJ for the event and, when they arrived for the party, they were greeted by their children.  Their 4 daughters were dressed in matching dresses.

Mrs. Lucy's husband was guided by his brother to the ceremony site.

All of their family and friends showed up for the ceremony.  Talk about surprised.  The couple was thrilled!

I drove to NJ.  I brought my kid.  I arrived early.  I was supposed to take pictures during the ceremony.  I was supposed to be at the ceremony.

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

On the ride to NJ, Melina called and told me she set it up and everything looked good.  She wanted me to stop by and check it out before heading to the ceremony site.  I arrived onsite at the reception venue.  It was so nice but I had some concerns.  I needed to make some changes.  Melina arrived.  She was panicked.  On the way, the cake was damaged and needed some TLC.  We only had 15 minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to start and so many things that needed to get done.  Then, I said it,

"Go.  I'll set-up.  This needs to be right and done on time.  I'll stay.... it's okay."

She hated that she had to leave.  She hated that I wouldn't be there.  I was in the zone.  Munch and I worked.  We finished with enough time for Munch to change and get her hair done.  As I returned to my car to add a little makeup, mother of the groom tapped on my window and asked a question.  That was my sign.  The ceremony was over and our guests were arriving.

They entered the space and Mrs. Lucy locked eyes with me.  She was so surprised.  She was so excited.  She was -- happy.

Did you see her face light up when she saw me?  She ran over to me and gave the biggest hug.  She was SO happy everyone she loved was in the building for such a special occasion.  The photobooth was a crowd favorite for guests of all ages.

The space was beautiful.  Ambient lighting, tufted white couches, chic striped walls -- the decor was on point.

My favorite moment at the reception was when the dances started.  It started with Mrs. Lucy dancing with her son, Kenny.

After a few minutes, each of her children had a few moments to dance with her.  Then, it was her grandchildren who danced with her and lastly, her brothers.  Lucy spun into the arms of the people who were closest to her.  It was such a beautiful moment.

Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  May God continue to bless your union!

Life Before Birthday Party

We've spent a lot of time covering the Rock Star Festivities and Back-to-School fun.  Today and tomorrow, however, I just want to talk about how summer life was before and after the rockin' birthday party :)

The blog focused on so many other things during that time I didn't have the opportunity to post about celebrating our 10 year anniversary.

August 14, 2014

Our anniversary started with an exercise in compromise.  Hubbs received a text that he was needed at a basketball game that evening (he plays in the work league).  Sure, he told them he couldn't make it that day but the coach insisted they wouldn't have enough players and he needed to be there.

What the-?! On our anniversary?

He asked me.

I said yes.  Then, between kisses and showering me with the whole "you're the best wife ever" compliments, he told me the game started at 5:00 p.m. and we needed to leave by 3:30 p.m. and I would have to dress for dinner and... can you hear how my timeline for the day was completely JACKED up?

We spent the day together just mousing around the house... breakfast together, some minor yard work together, ya know... just old married couple stuff.

After a stressful journey to his office located deep in DC, I made it:

... in my fancy shoes and booty dress (as Hubbs called it).  Can you imagine how awkward it felt for everyone to be in work-appropriate clothes and I had on this... well, BOOTY dress?

Happy Time 'Round These Parts

10 years with this guy:

8 years with this gal:

Islanders, please excuse me while I celebrate my blessings. 

Yes, there are family photos you haven't seen :)  O and I'll see you next week with more party updates!

Cheers to a rockin' weekend!!

9.

Today, August 14, 2013, is my 9th wedding anniversary.

9 years.

No, it hasn't been easy.  It hasn't been a walk in Target (yes, Target.  I don't necessarily enjoy strolls in the park but I've never met a TARGET I didn't like).  We've fussed and fought.  Cried and yelled.  We've been at our wits end but what I've come to learn over the years is, because we truly believe that we are each other's soul mate, we always make a way.

We don't always agree.  Matter of fact, we seldom agree.  

I hate that he hugs me after the gym when he smells like a sweaty foot.

Bumping my foot on his sneakers annoys me to know end.

He is lactose intolerant but loves cheese and milkshakes and ice cream.  Need I say more?

The key to our marriage isn't that I've chosen to ignore his flaws (or vice versa); it's that I love him despite his flaws (except that lactose intolerant piece... Not cool, man. Not cool.).  He accepts me for the nerd I am.  He loves me when I'm hyper-sensitive.  He adores my freckles... He thinks I'm cute when I know I look a mess. In his eyes, I'm pretty awesome... even when I'm being a total brat.  He lets me neglect him when I need to be there for someone else.  

9 years ago today, I married the love of my life.

We've made memories.  We've made a family.  We've made a home.  We've built our own happily ever after.

I thank God for that.

So, no, today won't have big girl room updates or party plans or any of that stuff. I'm going to spend time with him...