This has definitely been a whirlwind year for me! When I look back on how my life has changed in just 12 short months I am constantly amazed. My heart is filled with gratitude for all that I have been blessed with! When I look back on my special day I can't help but show a little public gratitude for so many of you who made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world!
First of all I am grateful for wonderful friends. So many of my girlfriends from all stages of my life made such and effort to come out for the wedding. The night before Steven and I got hitched my girls took me out for a little fun! We had a wonderful dinner at the Melting Pot in Pasadena complete with all the diet coke we could drink! I had so much fun and was so happy to get to spend some time with so many who traveled so far! A special thanks to Melissa who left her hubby and three kids to come hang out with us and have a pre wedding sleep over and to Lindsay my BFF from work! I had so much fun with you!
Now while on the topic of friends I feel as if there are a few who need to be highlighted! First off, Megan, who has been my friend for pretty much forever. Megs and I met in 1984 when her family moved down the street. I was two and she was four. Now you all can figure out our ages! Megan and her cute family now live a hop skip and a jump away in sunny and hot AZ! Not only did Megan and Shane and their three darling children come out for the wedding, but Megs actually came out in June for my bridal shower. I had no idea that I was worth not one but two trips to CA! I now know why we have been friends for so long; she has a real way of making me feel special! Here we are at the wedding!
Long ago, ok not THAT long ago, when I was in high school I was lucky enough to become friends with Jessica and Jessica! When we were in high school we used to cruise around in my dad's little red truck and cause all sorts of trouble. We became affectionately known (probably only by ourselves!) as Ashley and the Jessicai. Both of them and their little families were able to make it out for the wedding. I couldn't have been happier because the day wouldn't have been complete with out them!
After high school I packed up all my stuff and headed off to a new adventure at BYU. Although I had many of my high school friends up there with me I had decided before going that I was not going to live with anyone from home. So heading up to school I moved into the dorms and began a new adventure. As I look back now I can see how this whole college thing could have gone horribly wrong. But it didn't. Instead I met some of the best friends that I will ever have. I met Alicia, Val and Nicole in the dorms and we ended up living together all four years at BYU. Friendship doesn't begin to describe us. To be honest I feel like we are more like family. These four girls not only were all sorts of fun to live with they have always been there for me. Two weeks before the start of our sophomore year my father passed away very suddenly. I went back to BYU so soon after while all of my family remained here in CA. I didn't have anyone to take care of me but these three and that is exactly what they did. They have been there for me through the laughter and the tears ever since then. They had to fly from all over but they also came out for the wedding. Again the day wouldn't have been complete with out them there!
Although she was included in the earlier section I have to dedicate a little bit to my BFF Alicia. Alica did so much for this wedding including being my maid of honor. I don't think it was a coincidence that we were paired up as roommates as freshman at BYU. I think the Lord knew that I was going to need her in my life. Alicia not only came for the wedding but also flew down and helped throw one of my bridal showers as well as my little bachelorette party. I so can't wait until I get to repay the favor for her!
Now while on the topic of friends I feel as if there are a few who need to be highlighted! First off, Megan, who has been my friend for pretty much forever. Megs and I met in 1984 when her family moved down the street. I was two and she was four. Now you all can figure out our ages! Megan and her cute family now live a hop skip and a jump away in sunny and hot AZ! Not only did Megan and Shane and their three darling children come out for the wedding, but Megs actually came out in June for my bridal shower. I had no idea that I was worth not one but two trips to CA! I now know why we have been friends for so long; she has a real way of making me feel special! Here we are at the wedding!
Long ago, ok not THAT long ago, when I was in high school I was lucky enough to become friends with Jessica and Jessica! When we were in high school we used to cruise around in my dad's little red truck and cause all sorts of trouble. We became affectionately known (probably only by ourselves!) as Ashley and the Jessicai. Both of them and their little families were able to make it out for the wedding. I couldn't have been happier because the day wouldn't have been complete with out them!
After high school I packed up all my stuff and headed off to a new adventure at BYU. Although I had many of my high school friends up there with me I had decided before going that I was not going to live with anyone from home. So heading up to school I moved into the dorms and began a new adventure. As I look back now I can see how this whole college thing could have gone horribly wrong. But it didn't. Instead I met some of the best friends that I will ever have. I met Alicia, Val and Nicole in the dorms and we ended up living together all four years at BYU. Friendship doesn't begin to describe us. To be honest I feel like we are more like family. These four girls not only were all sorts of fun to live with they have always been there for me. Two weeks before the start of our sophomore year my father passed away very suddenly. I went back to BYU so soon after while all of my family remained here in CA. I didn't have anyone to take care of me but these three and that is exactly what they did. They have been there for me through the laughter and the tears ever since then. They had to fly from all over but they also came out for the wedding. Again the day wouldn't have been complete with out them there!
Although she was included in the earlier section I have to dedicate a little bit to my BFF Alicia. Alica did so much for this wedding including being my maid of honor. I don't think it was a coincidence that we were paired up as roommates as freshman at BYU. I think the Lord knew that I was going to need her in my life. Alicia not only came for the wedding but also flew down and helped throw one of my bridal showers as well as my little bachelorette party. I so can't wait until I get to repay the favor for her!
And finally what would this post be with out mentioning Nikki, Sarah and Jackie?! Although they didn't have to travel far they still had to give up a whole Saturday for me and I hope that they know that does not go unnoticed! They also threw me an amazing bridal shower! Sarah designed amazing wedding invites, Jackie helped address them and Nikki was a my therapist through the whole wedding planning time! 
And this post could not be complete with out mentioning both my family...
and Steven's...
my cute nieces...
and nephews (minus Kyle who is serving his mission in Italy)...
my sisters and brother-in-laws and brother and sister-in-law who all did so much to set up for the wedding...
my mom...what would I do with out her?
my lovely green shoes (I know, it's frivolous but I love them!)
and this handsome guy who actually asked me to marry him. I still ask myself how I got so lucky and am excited to spend eternity with him!
Phew...that was a long post and I am tired. Who knew blogging was so much work! The problem is that I am still thinking of so many who helped make our day perfect! To all who traveled near and far to be there with us we extend our gratitude to you!
And this post could not be complete with out mentioning both my family...
and Steven's...
my cute nieces...
and nephews (minus Kyle who is serving his mission in Italy)...
my sisters and brother-in-laws and brother and sister-in-law who all did so much to set up for the wedding...
my mom...what would I do with out her?
my lovely green shoes (I know, it's frivolous but I love them!)
and this handsome guy who actually asked me to marry him. I still ask myself how I got so lucky and am excited to spend eternity with him!
Phew...that was a long post and I am tired. Who knew blogging was so much work! The problem is that I am still thinking of so many who helped make our day perfect! To all who traveled near and far to be there with us we extend our gratitude to you!
yeah, I actually teared up a bit reading this. I'm so grateful to have you as a friend, Ash. You are one impressive lady! And that is why so many people count you as a dear friend too. Steve is sure lucky to have you!(as you are lucky too :)
ReplyDeleteFrivolous? Anyone who knows you understands the post wouldn't have been complete without the money-shot of the shoes. Haha. In all seriousness, Julie & I are so happy for you (& Steven). Oh, and welcome to the world of blogging. I love writing down my thoughts...but I find it difficult to be consistent in my posting.
ReplyDeleteI love you, Ashley! That was an awesome post. Thanks for the kind words. You're the best--EVER!
ReplyDelete