Three Years Ago the Wedding Bells Rang

Well not really. We had our wedding on a cliffside (Ecola State Park) overlooking Cannon Beach, Oregon, and had our music played from an ipod hooked into a few speakers.

I don’t think a single person could complain of the beauty this location gave. No need for wedding decor, nature already took care of that! It was a great location for a destination wedding, and after I received the park permit for $15 dollars we were set to go. We had our wedding on a Monday of all days..mainly because it was one of the only days the park had available in August, and it happened to be on Derik’s birthday. So yes, we got married on my husband’s birthday. He jokes around that he planned it that way just so he wouldn’t forget the anniversary. To this day I don’t think it’s a joke.

August 16, 2010 came very quickly after our engagement four months prior. I had spent the night before feverishly putting together flower bouquets with my lifelong friend Alexis. We seriously were up until 12:30am getting all those darn flowers arranged. It was another 2:30 hour drive to the beach where we would be spending the night. So much for going to sleep early. I will cherish that late night ride with my bestie though. She already being a married woman of a couple years gave me advice and tips on the upcoming days ahead. I love that girl and miss her very much.

I woke up at 6:00am with a terrible headache and was super sick to my stomach. Being the scatterbrained, stressed out bride-to-be that I was, in the 24 hours prior the only thing I had to eat was half of a chicken sandwich. The lack of food paired with my hypoglycemia made for a bad combination for the day of my wedding. I was so frustrated with myself. Thankfully my wonderful bridesmaids and father came to my rescue and brought in as many ‘hypoglycemic cure-alls’ as possible that would hopefully keep me from fainting or tossing my cookies at the alter.

At around 10:30am I jumped into a car with my father and we took a short drive up to the overlook point where my groom and wedding party would be waiting for me. Thankfully the air was cool and the sun had yet to break from the clouds. It was the perfect temperature for me to gather strength from, and my sickness quickly went away. We had to wait for 30 minutes while some of the guys hand crafted a reveal screen to place in front of our make-shift aisle so that Derik wouldn’t see me right away.

Then it was time. I couldn’t wait to get to my groom! The walk down the hill to the spot overlooking the ocean seemed to take forever. I was sure Derik would see me walk down, but apparently the groomsmen and his mother kept him distracted.

Wedding time! We had a short and sweet ceremony that lasted less than 30 minutes. I was so thankful to have so many important friends and family there. Although our total guest count was under 40, I wouldn’t trade the location, timing, or people for the world. Granted most of the important people in my life were already in my wedding party, but I was so happy for my guests that traveled from Cali, Missouri, Arkansas, and Washington to be there for our big day.

The reception activities followed immediately. After the reception we took our wedding portraits. My biggest regret is that our photographer didn’t take a picture of the whole wedding party together. I’m not sure why, but I guess things like that happen.

We were sent away with lots of bubbles and laughter.

I’m so thankful for my husband. I’m so blessed that God brought this handsome man into my life. Five years ago I would have laughed at you if you told me I’d be married and living in South Korea at the age of 24. My life has drastically changed in the past three years, and I have a ton to show for it. My husband has constantly been my encourager, friend, travel buddy, fellow adventurer, and lover throughout all of it. I love my life. I wouldn’t be in this place without him. I can’t even believe what we’ve done together in the past three years…what the heck is the next 50 going to look like?

I love you Derik, happy 27th birthday and anniversary.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY AND MY SISTER’S LOVELY CAMERA