Remembering our wedding, 8 years later

John and I are celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary today.  This year hasn't been an easy one for us, in large part because of the stresses of the move last summer, but I also do believe there's something to the idea of a 7-year itch.  So I'm extra glad to have reached this milestone today, and we're in a better place today than we've been for years, for which I'm thankful.


On Facebook today, I'm asking folks to chime in with their memories of our wedding.  I love hearing what others remember, esp. since so much of the day is a blur to me now.  Here are some of my favorites so far:


"The bubbles as you and John left your reception. :) I have a pic of that and it's one of my favorite wedding pics of all-time." -- Sherry, rival from elementary school and friend from high school


"dancing w/ Mike on the dance floor at the reception (we had just gotten back together after our break), being on the outside porch taking pics with you & Meredith, the bubbles at the end & you being sad that it was over, & I believe a funny pink flamingo tied to your get-away car ;)" -- Sarah,  church friend since childhood


"The incredible spy museum!!! I've been back there at least once since the event and remember how cool it was to have a meal there!" -- Jonathan, cousin


"I remember thinking what a special couple you and John are. ( I still think that!) Also watching your family on the dance floor. It was a fun wedding! Congrats!" -- Amy, high school friend


"Happy anniversary to a beautiful couple! I remember lots of little details--the girls playing violin at your ceremony, the pretty purple bridesmaid dresses, your mom as matron of honor, you and John dancing to "Grow Old With You," the weather being unbelievably and unexpectedly beautiful for March, blowing bubbles as you two left the reception to begin your new life together. A wonderful day!" -- Emily, high school friend


"I wasn't at your wedding, but I knew you before you married, and you two worked so hard at your preparation to make sure you had a solid foundation. It got you this far (with God's help). You were good examples of doing it right. I also remember a fun lacrosse game." -- America, work friend


"Happy 8th St. Kitts friends! Wish we could all go back to celebrate!" -- Kristin, whom we met on our honeymoon after both getting married the same day in different states


"I remember you and John dancing to the theme from "Moulin Rouge" and singing it to each other. I also remember loving the bridemaid dress, which I wore to a number of other occasions over the years. I think it's still in my closet!" -- Ruth, college roommate and bridesmaid

"Happy Anniversary Jen! My memory is watching you and John - with such love in your eyes - pledge your lives to one another. I watched with wonder and anticipation, basking in joy myself as Bob and I had just gotten engaged the previous evening. Felt like your joy kicked off our own which is a special memory.: -- Jen, work/Bible study friend

"the purple bridesmaids' dresses and my hair up in the back... I don't think I have worn a dress since. lol John burning himself on the unity candle (hehe), you two dancing to "Grow Old with You", the beautiful reception place, and lots of other little things... :)" -- Laura, sister of the groom and bridesmaid

"I love the picture that you gave me from that day with the Bible study girls and I got to see Mina that day and meet her husband." -- Lydia, church/Bible study friend

"I thought ur wedding gown was so beauty full , most of all you looked amazing that day. loved the reception & was so happy to see all of our friends from the bible study. Happy 8th anniversary to you guys.....Jason & i will be 9 year this jun 28.It has been such a wonder full journey, & experiencing GOD together & seeing his miracle in our marriage it's unbelievable.Love you guys & pray many more 8th;s to come to celebrate." -- Mina, church/Bible study friend

"I remember your beautiful, colorful flowers and how happy you and John were! It was a blessing to be there. Happy Anniversary!!" -- Laura, church friend

"Happy Anniversary! Does Daniel not making the roll call count??" -- Jason, brother of the bride and usher

"I remember thinking that where most weddings are all party and little substance, your wedding was the most meaningful and FAITH-filled. You and John were the most gracious couple at acknowledging everyone there. Oh, and I remember dancing! And seeing the stuffed animals on your couple-table that sing "Get to me the church on time" from My Fair Lady.And you had the BEST BEST BEST rehearsal dinner ever! I loved the theme and location - Spy Museum - plus delicious food." -- Michelle, junior high and high school friend and bridesmaid

"That beautiful bridesmaid dress - I had so many people who compliment about it when they see pictures. And since I was in YWAM at the time and totally broke I remember how you guys paid for my tickets and everything for me to be at your special day! I was so privileged to be part of your wedding! The meal you served was REALLY tasty. I also had a cultural experience when people were shocked when it was revealed by the beautiful bridesmaid dress that I had tatoos!" -- Karin, college suitemate and bridesmaid

"I remember the Congressman and his wife out on the deck."  -- Phil, church and Bible study friend

"I remember thinking, as I escorted you down the aisle, that I would be sobbing. Instead I had a tremendous smile as I experienced such wonderful joy. And I remember, despite my self-consciousness, our wonderful dance together to the song 'In My Life' as my life flashed before me...my little girl was taking the next step in her amazing journey." -- Jeff, father of the bride

"I remember what a PRIVILEGE it was to be by your side both as mom and matron of honor. I was honored to stand by Sue, a godly soon-to-be mother-in-law to my girl, lighting the separate candles before you lit the unity one. I loved being in the dressing room ahead of time . . . the anticipation and care that everyone was giving to one another, and standing in the narthex, a row of 'girls in purple' with the one in white so radiant. The bridesmaids' party (seeing Fiddler on the Roof at a dinner theater) was the best!" -- Debbie, mother of the bride

Were you at my wedding?  Please send along your memories, and I'll add them as I receive them!  :-)

Thanks everyone for adding to my joy today!

Jen

A Poem for John on his 36th Birthday

On November Sixth, Nineteen Ninety Eight,
We met up at ten for our fateful first date.
We both were surprised by our immediate connection
And spent several years deepening this affection.

We were meant for each other, we always knew,
And so, on July Seventh, Two Thousand and Two,
When you sang for me and your intentions professed,
You knew before you asked that my answer was yes.

On March Twenty-Second, Two Thousand and Three,
I was grafted into your family tree.
And though I cried as I said goodbye to our guests,
I knew as we left I was incredibly blessed.

In Two Thousand and Five we couldn’t stop crying
As we disappointed each other and loved ones kept dying.
But our marriage was made stronger by the trials we faced,
And God showed us anew the extent of His grace.

Two years later a daughter brought joy,
And two years after that, along came a boy.
Though parenthood definitely has moments of stress,
The heartwarming moments make up for the rest.

And John, as we enter Two Thousand and Ten,
Please know that I’d happily do this all over again.

The Story of John and Jen, Part 1

John and I celebrate five years of marriage on March 22. There have been tough challenges, sure, but there have been countless blessings as well. I'm so thankful God has given me John as a husband -- it's been one of many ways that He has smiled upon me!

I'm going to steal an idea from my friends Mary and Sarah and share "The Story of John and Jen" this month in several parts to remember the beginning of one of the best adventures of my life.

____________________

The first time I remember seeing John was when I was home from college for Christmas break my senior year. I was on the summer worship team for my home church's college/young adult group, so I was surprised to see someone I didn't recognize leading worship that Sunday. I turned to Sunny, a girl I had just met, and asked who the guy was playing guitar, and she said, "Oh, that's John." I went back to worshipping and didn't give it another thought.

After church, the girl went up to John and told him about the girl sitting next to her who had been checking him out. Excited, John asked who the girl was, and Sunny could not remember my name. By then I was gone, and off to college for my final semester, and John was furious at his friend for dropping the ball regarding a girl who was apparently interested in him.

Eleven months later, I told my new friend Sunny that I had gone on a date with John. And suddenly she remembered who it was who had been "checking John out" that morning.