One year on...

Time is a strange thing. How can it be that I feel like we have been married forever, but also that it could have been yesterday? On this day, just last year, Toby and I became husband and wife. It was an amazing day which holds so many happy memories of the day. Indulge me as I reminisce...

I remember excitedly waking up in the morning to a quiet house. Mary arriving and singing down the house to Jump (for my love) by the Pointer Sisters, and changing the lyrics. Kat and Sarah moaning from their beds and wondering when we'd be out of there!
Arriving at the hair dresser and being spoiled all morning. Lois handing me the letter Toby had written and us texting back and forth in the morning.
I remember wondering if mum would make it home in time from the hairdresser (she did!)

Checking the weather constantly and accepting (happily) that it was going to be freezing and very wet!
Taking lots of photos at mum and dad's and really enjoying getting ready.  It was shocking (in a good way!) to see me as the bride in reflections and to be treated like the bride too. Everyone was so full of love and excitement on that day.

 

 

I remember excitedly travelling in the car to Kangaroo ground, texting our best man, Wally, to ask Toby if he wanted my veil on or off! Being beeped by other cars on the way. Noticing how quiet the roads were as it was grand final day.

I remember cresting the hill, seeing the church and just wanting to be in there. Seeing many of my school children there to wish us well and to watch us marry. I remember with extra fondness on of my boys and his little sister excitedly passing me a letter and drawing that they wrote me. It was extra special because I didn't think he'd make it.

I remember seeing Toby when I walked down the aisle and thinking how happy he looked to see me. I don't remember many specifics of the sermon or the actual ceremony, but I do remember being recognised for conducting our relationship God's way and the Jesus was given the glory. I remember Toby and I holding hands for the whole time and looking into his eyes. It was so good to see him after what seemed like a really long morning. It was hard to believe that this was actually happening, that we were becoming husband and wife.

I remember saying our vows, thinking on each word I was saying and promising to you and to God.

Beck/Toby, I love you.
You are my best friend
and I praise God that He has brought us together.

Today I give myself to you in marriage.

I promise my complete faithfulness to you.

I promise to always love you, no matter the circumstance.

I will encourage you, laugh with you,
and comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to cherish you
and to always hold you in highest regard.

These things I promise to you today, and all the days of our lives, trusting God as our help.

I give you this ring in God's name.
as a sign and seal of our marriage.
May God's love encircle us,
together or apart.
May this ring be a sign to all
that I pledge you
my life-long love and loyalty.

I don't think that I've ever felt more loved or beautiful than I did on that day. Toby looked at me with such adoration and couldn't keep his eyes or hands off me. And I was the same with him. There was such joy in our hearts and we also felt that from all of our guests. It was amazing. And in that little chapel, filled with our favourite people, we became Mr and Mrs.

Then were photos taken in the rain... and hail... and the stunning rainbow that came out at the perfect time.
I remember feeling very out of it for the first while of our reception- adrenaline, being cold and wet and not eating enough, but I soon felt better when the girls took off my veil, redid my hair and I popped on my special new white slippers!

We honoured Frank, Toby's dad who passed away several years ago and was sorely missed and enjoyed some great speeches. There was great food and lots of chats with people (but not with everyone sadly). We cut the cake, we had a dance and tried to find Lois' earing (that fell off at the same time!), then it was time to go.

Toby drove so carefully all the way to where we were staying for the next two nights and could barely keep his eyes on the road. I was all dressed in white, we were married, I was his wife and he was taking it all in.

And the rest is history.

Thank you, my love for making me so happy. I still thank God for you every day and praise Him that He brought us together. I love you so very much and feel so blessed to be your wife. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us! xoxo

P.S. Sorry for the photo heavy post! :) Most of these photos were taken by our photographers, the FABULOUS Lars and Fran Paysen.  We would recommend them to anyone.