Our 11th Anniversary!

Where has the time gone? I can hardly believe it was 11 years ago tomorrow that I said "I DO!" to my best friend. I thought I would attempt to reminisce with you what that day was like, June 14, 1997. It was a beautiful sunny, 70 degree day that Saturday in June. It was a bustling day as we all scurried around getting ready for "the biggest day of my life." Everything went just beautifully. My Dad walked me down the aisle for a mock processional to my lone groom in the auditorium, because we wanted to take pictures before the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful and went well almost with out a hitch. My wedding ring was not with my matron of honor. As each bridesmaid looked down the line to the next, my Junior Bridesmaid, Jessica Wittebols, proceeded to walk over to my Father-in-law who was holding the ring and delivered his message to me, an inside joke. The whole ceremony was fun and a celebration of our love. My groom sang, "If You Could See What I See" by Geoff Moore and the Distance to me. Another special song was, "Butterfly Kisses". Later we found out why people were smiling at us while we were on the kneeling bench. The groomsmen had written "Oh NO!" on Bart's shoes, only visible while he was kneeling of course. Here are some pictures of our beautiful celebration, taken by our friends at Memories Photography, Tom & Susie Huizenga. (Sorry these pictures aren't the greatest quality, they are pictures of pictures so I could share them with you.)

Bridal Portrait
Bride and Groom on the stairs showing off my beautiful wedding dress and long train.
A beautiful sunny day was celebrated with outdoor pictures. Our Wedding Party
Our Parents, to whom we are SO thankful for, for giving us such a wonderful day!
Our Wedding Cake
Yes... I was naughty and shoved some cake up Bart's nose. (That's what happens when you're shorter than someone. The only place to go is UP.)
Heading off in our stretched limo for some pictures downtown, and then to celebrate our new life of love together! We went to a hotel for the night in town. Sunday we went back to our apartment to open our gifts with our parents present. That day, being Father's Day, we took them out for a nice lunch to celebrate. Monday morning, we headed off to Florida for our Honeymoon.

We have had 11 wonderful years together! I am SO thankful to God for giving me a wonderful, loving, caring, serving, helpful husband! I love you Sweetheart!