9 Things about 9 Years Ago Today.

I started this post thinking I would just post 9 things about our wedding day that make me smile when I remember them. The thing is...there seem to be so many more than 9!

9. 300 people - Brian looked at me in shock when I told him how many people were on the invite list. He seemed shocked that we would have so many...however, on that day - I think he fully grasped why we had so many....when we look back at our photo album, we see so many faces of people that mean so much to us.

8. The dress I just got preserved last month - There is something about wearing a dress that makes both your mother and your friend (Sarah!) go..."that's it!". Crossing the street in NYC, to the bank to withdrawal cash for it and heading onto the subway with this large, white bag over my shoulder - the weekend of Sept. 9th, 2000. The little lady, Helen, who so artfully created the bustle and wanted to only charge me $25. It is the only part of my wedding that I got to share with my Grandmother - and I can still remember her hands touching the stitching on the bodice.

7. St. Matthew Church, Flint MI - Not only is this where Brian and I were married, but the site of several members of my families weddings, communions and funerals. Father Taggart was wonderful with us, during our pre-marriage prep...and the church - in my opinion, the most beautiful in Flint. Every time I drive past, I think of that day, and the photo in our album showing all our friends and family spilling out of the front doors.

6. The Heddy House - We were so grateful to the Heddy's for welcoming us and allowing our wedding party to roam about their beautiful house - when all we had hoped for was some nice outdoor photos somewhere close to downtown Flint! The "down time" that we had with our wedding party was priceless...and our favorite wedding photo is from their staircase.

5. Uncle Jim playing the bagpipes - One of my grandmother's last wishes. Brought some of my family to tears...and surprised Brian, because I kinda forgot to mention it to him in the last minute preparations!! (oops)

4. Yummy cake - I let my mom pick out the cake of "my dreams"...and what a great decision that was! The cake was beautiful AND yummy!!! Can you say raspberry and mousse in the same sentence without getting in trouble?! Seriously. Even better: the anniversary cake they made for us a year later!

3. Italian honeymoon - What a great choice that was! We even still have a friend from there (hi Anne!). I will never forget getting bumped up to business class, spending days on the beach in Sicily and watching Mt.Etna erupt from our hotel room. Can't wait to go back someday!

2. Post-Reception fun - Hanging out in someone's hotel room after the wedding reception. Brian and I were staying in a hotel across the way from the one most of our friends were staying in...we looked out the window and saw all the fun they were having....ditched our wedding clothes and ran over to join in the fun!!!

1. Smartest day of my life - Marrying someone I trust, love and respect. And still do.

I love you, Brian.