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 13 years ago. Second image is from yesterday. 13 years apart.
The beading is so beautiful on this neckline.
