Anniversary

Five years ago this morning I was laying in bed at my parents' house, waiting for my mom to come tell me it was time to get up. I was excited, but not nervous. It was my wedding day and I wasn't the least bit afraid.

We drove to the Los Angeles Temple through pouring rain. I barely noticed the cloudy skies and torrential downpour.

We were the only couple to be married that day, so we were not rushed. We waited in the silent and peaceful Celestial Room with my mom and President Sorenson, who would be our sealer, for a long time as our guests got dressed in their white clothes. I don't remember much of the ceremony, but I remember President Sorenson's advice to always look one another in the eye. I think about that often.

Once we were sealed, we waited by the back doors of the temple for our wedding party to assemble on the steps. When it was time, we exited the temple and presented ourselves as husband and wife to our friends and family. The rain had stopped, the sky had cleared, and the sun was shining brilliantly.

After a few group pictures, we were left alone with our strict German photographer, Greta. Many awkward poses later, we finally found the courage to say "enough!", and were able to change out of our wedding clothes and go on our way. We were starving. Neither one of us had eaten all day, so we stopped at Subway. It was a bit surreal. I wanted to tell everyone in the store that we had just gotten married!

We had our reception at the Strawberry Farms Golf Club before starting our honeymoon in Newport Beach. We flew to paradise the next morning, spending an amazing week on the big island in Hawaii. It was perfect.

This has been the happiest five years of my life, but I can't wait for the next 5000. I feel so lucky to not only be married to the love of my life, but to be sealed to him for eternity. We are just beginning our lives together. There is so much ahead of us. Our future really is bright.