11 years

Eleven years ago today, May 24th was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, just as it is today. Back then, I woke up very early in the morning and applied my makeup according to the consultant's instructions. My Mom dropped me off at the hair salon and went over to the reception site to start setting up. It was a typical partly rainy Portland morning, except that it was our big day! It was actually here!

You were probably not awake yet while I was having my hair done. I think it was 6:00 am or something god-awful like that. I know that my bridesmaids were getting up and ready at my parents' house. I remember that Wendy and Jodie were up before I left, keeping me company while I did my makeup.

When my hair was done and my veil was attached, my Dad, my bridesmaids, and my friend who was singing in the wedding all showed up in the rented minivan to pick me up and take us all to the cathedral. I think you guys were probably headed over there, or about to leave your Dad's house, since your drive was shorter. I wonder what you and your friends were talking about that morning!

At the cathedral, my bridesmaids helped me into my dress, and then you and I saw each other for the first time that day. Were you thinking what I was thinking? I'm marrying my best friend this morning! It was the most natural feeling in the world.

We were so young! We didn't know how to put on a wedding, and we'd probably do it differently now that we've been to several; but it doesn't matter. It was beautiful; and anyway, the details are small compared to the big picture. I'd marry YOU all over again.

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Eleven years ago, what would we have thought if we had known we'd be spending our anniversary throwing a slumber party for our daughter's 8th birthday?

Actually, I think you and I would both have thought "Cool!" We were so excited about the family years. Back then we were young and silly!