Thursday, September 04, 2008

4 Years...

Four years ago at this exact time (4:30) I was standing in a dressing room, surrounded by my closest friends and family, crying a little and laughing a lot. I was watching my mom take pictures and watching my friends giddy with excitement. I was on the receiving end of something old (a hankerchief that was made for me when I was a baby), something new (my jewelry and dress), something borrowed (my sister-in-law's ring that was given to her by Jim, my FIL), and something blue (why, my garter of course). I was trying soooo hard not to cry so my makeup wouldn't smear. I was laughing at Ashley who was frantically trying to get her dress sewn where it ripped while being put on. I was watching my Nana do the sewing. I was praying that I would not fall. I was watching Lindsey and fussing at her to pull it together!! I was watching my precious neice and thinking she was the most beautiful flower girl I'd ever seen. I was at the starting block of my new life.

Four years ago I married my best friend.

Four years ago I made a promise to one man, my man, to love, honor, and obey.

Four years ago I became one of the first of my friends to marry (besides you Riss).

Four years ago I was pinching myself, not believing it was real.

Four years ago I became Mrs. Stephanie Vandagriff.

Today, I am still pinching myself - still unable to believe that this is my life, in awe of it all.

I don't know that I would say it was love at first sight. Maybe, "Oh my goodness...he's sooo hot!" (I was in highschool) at first sight! But not love. Love followed shortly after. Jimmy and I dated 4 years prior to getting married, that means we have been together a little over 8. Holy Moly. It's no secret that we have had our moments, especially years 1-2.5. A lot of moments to be more exact. We have had some of the absolute best times. And some of the worst. I have cried and loved more than I knew possible in the last 8 years.

I love Jimmy more than I can put into words. He is my best friend. My soulmate. My handsome husband. An incredible father. An incredible son and brother. A wonderful person.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with someone so wonderful. Thank you for letting me marry my best friend. I want so badly to grow old and wrinkly with that man. I want to sit on the porch overlooking the lake or river one day and just be.

Happy Anniversary My Favorite! I love you!

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Vandagriff
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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tears are pouring down my face. Congrats.

Aimee' said...

how beautiful!! my wedding is in 30 days...and this just makes me more anxious!! happy anniversary!!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for y'all.I remember it just like yesterday when you came to the lunch table and said, "god, he's so hot". I can not believe that was 8 years ago! keep on truckin, love y'all to pieces

Amanda said...

Happy anniversary, sweet friend!

Amy said...

Happy Anniversary !!! The tears are a flowing....

Anonymous said...

hey stephanie! you recently checked out my blog "charlottemommydiaries". my little munckin is 15 months. did you find me on pinkarmchair designs? i love your blog and look forward to stopping by regularly! are you in the charlotte area--i couldn't tell if it's charlotte or texas as i thought i saw some references to charlotte. let me know as i love your new business too! i just started a new business as well--super cute monogrammed items www.mythirtyone.com/ejackson. keep in touch!

Tricia said...

Happy Annivrsary!

Missy said...

Hope you enjoyed your Anniversary. LOVED your recap of the special day.

August said...

wow! What a wonderful post! :o) Happy Anniversary! You both are such an inspiration to me... someone who is looking forward to getting married in a year! :o)

Thanks for the post!

Melissa M. Williams said...

Happy Anniversary, Love! I can't believe that it has already been 4 years since I walked down your isle too! :O) I started having memory flash backs of the dressing room, and how beautiful you looked. I was and still am so happy for you ... what a wonderful woman you have become, yet always were! I love you more and more each day! You and Jimmy are by far the cutest inside and out!