Opening gifts

When we got home everyone came over to watch us open our wedding gifts. I'm not sure why everyone came over, but Mom said it was a tradition, so we did. We got come great things to help us as we started our lives together. Luckily we didn't need a whole lot because I still had everything that I took to college with me, but it was nice to get things that we could call "ours".

Honeymoon

Ben planned the honeymoon completely by himself, he said he wanted it to be a complete surprise. Our first night we stayed at a hotel in Ogden and then headed out first thing in the morning. After a few hours I still wasn't sure where our destination was. Finally after 6 hours we pulled off onto a first road. We were in southern Utah and headed to check into the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

All the reviews he looked at raved about it for summer activities, but said that even in the off season there were still plenty of things to do. They even had a food package, we didn't have to drive back into town every time we got hungry. After checking in and settling into our cabin, we walked around to see what the place offered. 

Besides fantastic views and the wildlife, we had a plethora of activities to choose from. You could use ATV's, bikes, hiking trails up the wazoo, and even a rec room filled with a T.V., billiards tables, foosball, and ping pong. Our stay was only 3 days, but we had plenty to do to occupy our time.

We even spent some of our time inside the National park. We found some very pretty spots and even went on a few leisurely hikes. It was definitely different than during the summer, but it was still beautiful and breathe taking.

After what seemed like a very quick three days, we were headed home, back to reality, and onto the next chapter of our lives as a married couple.

Wedding Reception

After we were done with the luncheon, it was time to get things ready for the reception. We put out the rest of the pictures to place on the tables, finished putting together the sign-in table, and any other last finishes touches that we could see. Once that was done it was time to get back into our gown and tux to take more pictures.

When everyone was finally there we took some more pictures. I was glad that we did because not everyone was able to come to the Temple with us. I seemed a little redundant with some of them, but over all, they went smoothly.

 When we were done with pictures we only had a small amount of time to spare. Not enough to do anythings, so we just stayed at the church until the reception started. Out photographer actually had to get going so he asked us if we wanted pictures of the traditional stuff like cutting the cake, the garter, the first dance, etc. We had some time so we decided to do so. It wasn't the real thing, but it was fun pretending/practicing.

When the reception started, it was slow going, but it picked up a little in the middle. When it was time we stepped away from the line to cut the cake, throw the garter and bouquet, and had our first dance. It all went very quickly, but it was a lot of fun while it lasted.

When all was said and done, it was time to change and head out. When we walked out of the gym we got a giant present to help us off. It wasn't exactly the present we wanted, but it was an interesting attempt to open it up. After all the wrapping paper was off we found it wrapped in saran wrap and then topped with chocolate syrup and cookies. This was going to take us forever. Melissa and Brandon offered us their car for the night, and we happily excepted. We decided to leave the Bronco at the church until we got back, then we'd deal with that last mess.

We said our goodbyes and Thank yous and headed to our hotel. Ben got us reservations at the Comfort suites in Ogden before heading to our honeymoon.

Wedding day

Our Wedding day is a blur. I honestly couldn't tell you what happened that day. 

We woke up early having to be there an hour before the ceremony. When we got there we got dressed and ready to meet with our sealer. Before they took us to meet with our sealer they walked us to the veil. When we were done there we then went to a small office near the sealing rooms and waited for our sealer. 

When he came in he sat down and talked to us a little bit. He said he wanted to get to know us a little before performing the ceremony. He even shared a few things that have been beneficial to him and his wife. One that we both liked was a signal that they both knew meant "I Love You", tapping their fingers 3 times. He said there was a time when he was a Bishop and when he was on the stand and his wife down with the congregation he would tap his cheek 3 times when looking at his wife. They both instantly knew that they loved each other and were thinking of each other in that moment. 

After he was done talking with us we followed him to our sealing room where all of our family and friends were waiting. Once in there the ceremony began and from there I have no idea what exactly happened. I was so nervous and excited all at the same time. The next thing I knew the ceremony was over and we were walking out the front doors of the Temple to thank all those that came to witness our ceremony.

After visiting for a few minutes we then followed our photographer to the front of the Temple to take a few pictures before everyone ran off. We of course started with the big group of everyone, then the small family groups, and then last but not least a few shots with our friends that were there.

When all the group pictures were done they were all cleared to go. We had a luncheon planned back in Ogden in 2 hours. So they all left and we then went off with the photographer and get some of just us.

 When we were done we got changed and headed to the church for our luncheon. Everyone was already there when we got there. We quickly said a prayer and allowed everyone to sit down to eat. When the luncheon was over we all pitched in to get the tables cleaned up so we could get ready for the reception.