Our Wedding Story

On an early April morning in southeast Alaska, my fiancé became my husband.  Cody and I had been engaged for almost three years when we finally decided to get married.  The ceremony, dress, and everything else were haphazardly planned within ten days of the ceremony occurring.  Despite the quick planning, the ceremony was perfect.  The rain held off for the duration of the day and we were married in the shadow of the mountains and a breathtaking glacier.  Low clouds hanging over the beach created the perfect wedding atmosphere. Words can't describe how wonderful it was, but I think the pictures do a pretty good job at conveying the mood of the day.

Our witnesses and best friends, Claudia and Suzette. 

Cody holding the bouquet.

Claudia and I trying to figure out how to work my new camera. 

Danel, our good friend, marrying us at Skater's Cabin.

Listening to the officiant.

It's official and Claudia is excited!

Standing with my bouquet of flowers. 

Suzette, Cody, and Claudia goofing around.  Glacier in the background. 

Cody, Danel, and I after the ceremony. 

Mr. and Mrs. Middleton! 

Matching XtraTuff boots on the beach. 

Boots on the beach and low clouds on the mountains. 

I had to bring a big sweater to keep warm before and after the ceremony. 

We're married! 

Your turn…Where did you get married at?
Currently listening to…Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I'm Back!

Wow! It has been three months since my last blog post.  I've been blogging for (almost) five years and I don't believe that I've ever taken such a hiatus.  Honestly, there were many reasons for the break.  For starters, Cody and I got married in April and then I was in Alaska for a week-long trip.  It was a very hectic couple of weeks leading up to the wedding and the trip.

The island finally beginning to look a little summer-y. 

After I got back, a series and of events led us down the path of deciding to stay in the Midwest again this year.  We were initially so excited to be moving back to Alaska and we both had jobs (Cody had already started his). It just seemed right to stay here though, in the end, and spend time with our families and friends.

Taking the ferry away from the island.  New adventures ahead!

School ended (woooo) for the summer and Cody and I are now just enjoying kicking around at my dad's lake house in southern Michigan.  The weather has been stellar, which makes looking for new jobs a wee bit difficult.  What can I say, I'm a beach bum at heart.  Time will tell how things play out over the next year, but it is safe to say that we will be hanging around SW Michigan for awhile.

Reunited and ready to lounge for the summer.

I'm hoping to rededicate myself to the blog heavily and do some fun posts over the next couple of weeks.  Stay tuned for some new topics!

Your turn…Have you ever changed your moving plans last minute?
Currently listening to…Kick Drum Heart - The Avett Brothers

Why We Decided to Get Married

Almost three years ago, Cody drove me out to Pine Hills in Southern Illinois and purposed to me.  I accepted almost before he got the words out of his mouth.  Pine Hills was the perfect place and I was there with the perfect person.  

View from the top of a bluff in Pine Hills.

Fast forward, after such a long engagement we were getting a bit antsy about finally tying the knot.  We had tried to plan a wedding a few different times, each attempt was more unsuccessful than the last.  Time, money, location, lack of vacation days saved up at work.  Take your pick and we've probably dealt with it. 

Hiking trail near the top of the bluff.

Two weeks before I flew up to see Cody I was chatting with my grandmother.  We started talking about the wedding, or lack thereof, and she suggested we just go the courthouse route.  Save the money and put it towards a big reception that we could plan at a much more leisurely pace.  That night, when I talked to Cody on the phone, I put the suggestion to him.  He took to the idea wonderfully.  

Revisiting the spot where we got engaged!

The planning started ASAP.  I didn't have anything.  No marriage license. No dress, No shoes. No minister.  No witnesses.  It all came together in the end.  The license, minister, and witnesses all fell into place.  Our minister was a good friend of ours and two of our BFF's agreed to be the witnesses/paparazzi. The dress ended up being a $40 cutes-y number (that I fell in love with) from Urban Outfitters.  I wore my Xtratuff rainboots as footwear.  It was perfect. 

Your turn...How much planning went into your wedding?

Currently listening to...Dearly Departed- Shakey Graves feat. Esme Patterson