On a Cold Day in March
On a cold day in March complete with snow flurries, I got married in the mountains. If he were still here, Mike and I would be celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary today. These memories still pop-up in my Facebook, and even if I don’t mention it or share the memories there, I still remember this day and think of it fondly.
It was a small, but beautiful venue, and the planning was so easy! It was so simple and carefree, and I would love to book a room there for a weekend one day. Below are a few of my favorite pictures from that day - Mike & Me at the altar, father/daughter dance, and our send. I can always tell when when I’m truly happy in pictures because I smile with my teeth and my eyes squint more than I prefer.
We only celebrated 5 years of anniversaries together, but I continue to celebrate and honor this day. I wear the wedding band Mike slipped onto my finger that day. I smile at how our unity candle picture had to be restaged because it wouldn't stay lit during the ceremony. I think of the theatrics behind our send off where we drive around the building just to get it on film before we parked again and packed up our stuff. I remember all the family and friends gathered - some who are no longer here. It was a beautiful day and memory that deserves remembering.
Even though I’ve found new happiness in my marriage to Cory, losing Mike is still a wound I carry. Being widowed will always be a part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. I’m grateful for all the happy memories I have.
After 13 years of having this dress in my closet, I think I’m ready to have it preserved. I used to put it on every year to make sure that it still fits. It does, and it may even bit a little big on me. I didn’t have anyone to take any pictures of me wearing it before writing the blog, but I will get some more pictures in it before I pack it away for good. In the meantime below are a few pics I managed to take on my own.
First image is from my fitting. Second image is from yesterday. 13 years apart.
The beading is so beautiful on this neckline.
