Come with me as I walk down memory lane on our first anniversary.
You can watch our wedding video here.

On this day a year ago, we were all up by 8:00 a.m., ready for hair and makeup.
I had this strange sense of peace and ease, and I know he did too.
My mom helped me dress up.
My best friends surrounded me and prayed with me for me, my husband, and our marriage. That was the only time I cried (two tears haha) that day.
Then we loaded up on the shuttle to the ranch where we waited until the music started.

I remember walking down that aisle with my dad like it was yesterday.
Come Thou Fount by Kings Kaleidoscope was playing and my dad was cracking jokes,
keeping me smiling that whole walk from the house,
through the land, under the tent, down the aisle, to the altar.
My eyes never left my husband’s and he had the biggest smile ever gracing his face.
He shouted when we walked under the tent.
Then, I heard a roar or applause around us as we made our way to the altar.

Our wedding was a Christian ceremony that celebrated both Indian and American cultures.
We chose Indian traditions that didn’t represent a specific Hindu God,
such as exchanging of garlands, the seven steps, tying the mangal sutra,
and blessings from our parents and grandparents.
Although we are both Christians, Indian culture is a high priority for us.
With God as our foundation, and family and friends by our side,
we stated our marriage vows and promises.

When I ask him what was going through his head as I walked down the aisle he says,
“You are absolutely the most beautiful I’ve ever seen you.
I can’t believe this is actually happening.
Is this women really going to be mine, forevaa?
Gosh, she’s beautiful.
I think I’m going to explode.”
It was the most powerful moment of our lives and God did us a big favor by keeping the rain off of us even though the weather radar said 100% chance of thunderstorms.

After the ceremony, we headed to the reception.
The reception was filled with great food, hilarious and lovely dances, touching toasts, a memory filled slideshow, margaritas and french 52s, a bouquet and garter toss, a rocking band, a poppin photobooth, and a joyful yet tired dance floor.
We enjoyed sparklers for our reception exit and in a second all the noise
was shut off from us as we closed the doors in our getaway car.
It was the eeriest thing to go from all that pomp and cheer to complete
silence for a second, but it felt like the credits at the end of a movie.

It was the best three days of our lives.
This year has hands down been the best year of our lives.
Jesus shows us his world through our travels and the people we’ve met.
He shows us that taking a leap of faith is the way trust is built.
Above all, He proves consistently that he cares, he listens, he advocates,
he holds, and he loves us deeply.
This first anniversary has been so memorable thanks to my husband,
but even more so thanks to God.

I know not every year will take us to four different continents and a flat in Central London,
but man our hearts are shouting with joy, knowing that our God has us in the palms of his hands.
If you want to know why our marriage or relationship is the way that it is,
the simple answer is because of our faith.
Our faith is bigger than our problems and bigger than this world.
By it we live, are given direction, and have hope.
Thank you everyone for following along these past three days
as I’ve recounted our anniversary details.
As I remember all of this on our first anniversary, I am so thankful.

Cheers,