My husband inspires me. (I know. But, it's the Truth.) I find it no coincidence that the roots of our own love story begin at a wedding. It's our story and marriage that have turned my heart to tune my photography training and skills to capture the magic of weddings, and I feel like I've never made more sense.
I met Mikey J at a wedding in Vail, Colorado. I was the southern bridesmaid flying in from Texas, and he was the groomsman hailing from the Northeast. We were the only two single people in the bridal party, and by no coincidence (matchmaking bride and a gracious God above), I was the fortunate bridesmaid that Mike escorted ceremoniously down the aisle while the bride watched with a little glimmer of satisfaction in her eye! One year ago (yesterday), he escorted me down our very own aisle, and I stand amazed by the way God orchestrates life and circumstances to bring two souls together that He intends to knit as one. So you see, my relationship and love for Mike has fed a vision and insight into the absolute magic that can happen at weddings. It's that kind of magic that I want to capture, interpret and effuse with my eye and camera. So, with that...I will continue with my Ode to Mike!
Our special anniversary date was, to quote my Mom's generation since I'm feeling all sappy, the berries! Mike planned it to perfection, and I am still wondering how I slipped through the cracks and into a dreamworld where I got to marry this man. He had gone to such lengths to make me feel as special as I did when I was the bride. The attention and doting was completely undeserved and humbling! Brevity has never been mentioned by anyone as one of my strong points, but I will try. :)
Mike came back home to pick me up for our special date after he had been out preparing millions of things for our evening. I'd like to note that he graciously overlooked my tardiness as well (demerit for me. dangit!). He would NOT tell me where we were going, but I was so excited to see where we were when we arrived. He had driven me back to Hyde Park Baptist, the church where we married. He'd also come prepared to totally speak volumes in my love language: PHOTOS! My tripod and camera were ready for action, and sweet Mike had made the cutest sign ever so we could Ham (& Cheese) it up. What a guy!
Umm...can I just mention that he made this sign in our wedding colors?! sweetest!
After we had embarrassed ourselves enough in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Mike took the party downtown to Vespaio for a superb dinner. I have wanted to eat at this Italian delight since I moved to Austin, and it was well worth the wait. Delizioso!
Flashback to 2006: On our wedding night, we made our exit from the reception at the Austin Club via horse drawn carriage. (Of course, we had scheduled a photo shoot after the grand exit as well at the Capitol. I'm a photo fool! Thank you to our wonderful (and patient) wedding photographer, Krel of North Light Photography!) So, for our one year anniversary date night, Mike had arranged for the carriage to pick us up in front of the Austin Club and drive that little route again around downtown. It was a blast, and I can tell you that the sentiment was not lost on me! So sweet!!
Next, we headed to the fabulous and historical Brava House B&B. If I was vying for an Academy Award, I could not have censored my excitement. I LOVE this place! I wanted my family to stay here during our wedding week, but it was already booked. So I was giddy when Mike surprised me with a special stay in this home with a history to which I could have listened for hours.
Look at Mike's fancy presentation skills. I had no idea. He even packed some of our china/silverware for a midnight wedding cake feast. I might try to get him a special on A&E or TLC something. ;) (LOVE HIM!)
Somehow, it was cold in Austin for our anniversary (?). What a special treat to get to eat wedding cake in front of the fire! The talented bakers at Michelle's Patisserie created our tasty wedding cakes, and one year later we enjoyed savoring each bite and experiencing what all of our guests were raving about! YUM!
Around the time of the President's State of the Union address, I had told Mike that I thought that he should give a "State of the Marriage" address on our anniversary. In the months that passed, I had forgotten about it. Sweet Mike had not. As we indulged on wedding cake in front of the fire, he humbly spoke to me about the moments of fun, struggle, and growth over the past year and the plans we would make for the time God might give us ahead. Laughing through icing and calories untold, we exchanged our own "highlights" and "who's who" of memories. As we sat there being warmed by both the fire and the memories, I think we both knew that we would be somewhat stunned this time next year by time's refusal to pace itself more slowly...
Love the art-deco furniture! Mike even packed our wedding video from the talented and stealthy videographers at Wildparrot video, so we got to watch that as well and re-live the moments! You know a videographer has serious skills if the groom wants to watch the wedding video on the anniversary! :)
Presents! (Pro photo bag and framed family prayer written by Mike. So sweet!)
Happy Anniversary Mike! I praise God for you and an amazing year. Thank you for planning the most thoughtful anniversary date that celebrates both the times behind as well as the times ahead.
I am excited to grow old(er) with you! :)
1 comment:
Mike needs to give bart some lessons!!!
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