What we are looking forward to...

I don't know about you but its exciting when you have something to look forward to. It makes working hard a little easier when you know you have something fun coming up. Jace and I have several fun things we are looking forward this fall; here are just a few...

The heat has finally subsided in Florida and dare I say, it has cooled down. The native Floridians are bundling up in North Face jackets and sweaters. Not Jace and I! We are still wearing our shorts and flip flops. We finally turned off our A/C and have opened up the windows. It feels great outside and we are soaking up cooler weather and enjoying Florida's "fall".

We hope to enjoy the weather next weekend when we travel to Chattanooga for Kennedy and Elizabeth's wedding. Jace and Kennedy were classmates and studied for the bar together this summer. We hope to experience the "real" Fall and see trees changing color and feel the cool, crisp air. We are also excited to see our MS friends and catch up with everyone!

What does everyone love about weddings--the wedding reception! At wedding receptions, Jace A. Stamper-this serious, professional, firm hand shake kind-of-guy-turns into a dancing machine! We started practicing our moves at Ross and Beth's wedding. We can't wait to dance the night away!

Exhibit A

Folks, that is not a squat; that is my reaction to a great song!

Most likely after the wedding we will ache and need to eat bananas for our stiff calves! Yet, we will have to bear through the pain as we travel to Knoxville on Sunday; next Monday morning, Jace will be sworn into practice! It will be a big day! Time to break out the black suit kids, we are going to court!

As if all of this isn't exciting enough...I start a new job this Friday. Last Wednesday I accepted a telecommuting position with North Carolina State University and I can't wait to get started. It is with Extension but with a slightly different angle. I will be working with the online Extension resource, eXtension. I feel grateful for the position and am thankful for the opportunity.

Bar Results

October 11th. This day was a day that Jace and I had an imaginary red circle around on the calendar. It would be the day the Tennessee bar results would be released. So much has happened since Jace took the Bar exam: we got married, went on a honeymoon, left our homes, created a new home in Gainesville, Jace started his LLM program, I started working for UF, etc. etc. etc.

Even though all the changes and major events, Jace couldn't close the law school chapter of his life until he knew the results of the Bar exam. Surviving law school is one thing but passing the Bar is a whole other story. Hence the reason why we were so anxious to for October 11th.

I fervently starting praying about the Bar exam after our MS friends found out their scores. Thankfully, all of them passed and we congratulated them and were, and still are, so proud of their accomplishment. As excited as we were for them, we knew we had another 3 or so weeks of waiting. I prayed for patience and understanding for both Jace and I. Over the years we have gotten pretty good about waiting around for things but it doesn't make the wait any easier.

I was so proud of Jace because the week before the results would be released I thought he would be extremely anxious and it would consume his every thought. However, he was calm. It wasn't until the night before/day of that he and I were READY to get the scores. On Friday morning, I rolled over and found Jace wide awake at 5 AM. He said he was ready to get the day going and I couldn't blame him. He stayed in bed as long as he could stand it and then jumped out and started his day.

I got up quickly after he left for school because I knew that I had to get all my errands done before 4 PM, the time we thought results would be released. I told Jace before he left that day to call me the second he knew his results and then to call his momma. I literally stayed by my phone all morning. He called me at 10:30 AM and I screamed "Did you pass?". He said he didn't know anything and was just calling me because he got out of class. Lord, it scared me to death. I got all worked up and found out we were still playing the waiting game. I asked him how he was doing and he said it was the closest he had felt to nausea in a long time. I could tell just by talking to him that if given the chance, he would have chose to pace the rest of the day until the email came through. Now, pacing makes me incredibly nervous and I was ever so happy that we were not together at this particular moment in time.

Around 11:00ish he called me back, I jumped at the phone and answered. When I picked up there was a long pause and then I heard, "you are married to an attorney!". I screamed and probably made some neighbors mad but it is not every day that your husband passes the Bar. We shared in the good news and I told Jace how proud of I was of him. We both knew there were several people we needed to call and text before making it "Facebook official". After calling and telling the people we love the most, I put the status up about Jace passing the bar and the status has gotten more likes than when we got married or engaged! Jace felt the love all day from friends and family and it was just an overall good day.

Jace decided to take the rest of the day off and we hung out and spent time together Friday afternoon.  Jace requested chili and brownies for his celebratory meal even though I suggested a nice steak dinner. Jace is not one to make a big fuss over his accomplishments or draw attention to himself. He is a humble one; however, he married a girl that likes to celebrate both big and little things in life.  In the end the celebratory steak dinner won out in the end and we had a nice dinner together. At dinner that night I told Jace that we would eat like attorneys; however, the next night we will go back to eating like law students!

Throughout Friday, we reflected on Jace's journey to this huge accomplishment. We remembered the terrible first round of the LSAT, the second round of the LSAT and praying that it would be good enough to get into law school. The blessing it was to be accepted into law school and praying that he would not only survive, but that our relationship would too. We prayed during finals and survived one too many rough semesters and way too many weeks apart. We praised God when he walked across that stage and earned his Juris Doctorate. We prayed throughout the entire summer for focus and strength as he studied for the exam. We prayed during the two days of the exam and rejoiced when it was over. We prayed that it was in God's will for Jace to be a TN attorney and rejoiced when it was official.

Thinking back on the numerous stages and steps it took to get to October 11th makes me realize that with hard work, focus, determination, and dedication you can reach your dreams. Hard work does pay off. Jace is a living example of that for me. He makes me want to work harder and he pushes me to become better, personally and professionally.

I know the Bible says you shouldn't be proud and boast but maybe God can find an exception this time. Lee, I am so proud of you! You accomplished your dream of becoming an attorney and didn't let set backs stifle your dream. You are good at what you do, always have your client's best interest at heart, and don't give yourself enough credit. You know tax law better than anyone I know and you found a niche in which you shine. How did a girl who barely survived pre-cal in high school end up with a guy who knows tax codes and regs like the back of his hand? By the grace of God that is how! I love you Jace A. Stamper, Attorney-at-Law!

Keith Wedding Round 2!!!

Last Thursday I jumped out of bed because I knew by that night I would be back in Kentucky! Back home to see my little brother get married to his very best friend! Oh, what a wedding weekend it was!

I drove down to Orlando Thursday afternoon and flew Allegiant. Jace and I flew separate because he had class on Thursday. My flight got delayed and I got into Lex around 9 PM on Thursday. I really was hoping to fly in early because there is nothing like seeing the horse farms and Keeneland when you fly into Lex. Instead I watched the sun set into an auburn sky from my window seat and landed into a MUCH cooler Kentucky. Teak and Mom were there to greet me and I was beyond happy to see them. Florida is a long way from home and there are some days that I get homesick, so seeing them was such a treat.

Once we got home, Teak had a big dinner ready for me and you know I can't turn down her food. We stayed up and talked until 11:30 and it was great to have just the three of us together again. Friday I took a moment for me. I went to my old salon and got my hair did and my eyebrows waxed. It is a  great feeling leaving the salon isn't it! I helped Teak with a few things around the house and then it was time to head to the rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal and wedding were at Acres of Land Winery in Richmond, Kentucky. I had never been there prior to their wedding and it is gorgeous. The scenery ministered to my soul because this girl is missing Fall and cooler temps.

While everyone is at home drinking pumpkin spice lattes and pulling out sweaters, Jace and I are still ironing shorts and drinking ice cold Countrytime lemonade. Y'all its hot and swampy in Gainesville and the cooler temperatures made me want to be outside all the time!

At the rehearsal, Beth coordinated everything. She was so organized and everyone listened to her detailed instructions. They practiced everything twice and then it was time to eat.

After dinner, they passed out gifts and Ross's groomsmen received monogrammed camo aprons that were a big hit. The reason the guys loved the apron so much was because it came with an attached bottle opener and a place to put a beer. We all got a kick out of the guys modeling and showing off their new apron.

Saturday Jace and I had lunch at Drake's and it was nice to go to a familiar place and be back in Lex. We were surrounded by Gator fans because all UK fans were tailgating. We truly can't get away from Florida. We flew both ways with Gator fans as well. We didn't necessarily want to chomp on with them; what we were ready to do was start the Ohhhhh, C-A-T-S chant! After filling our bellies, it was time to get ready put on my Spanx and head to the wedding.

Sara transformed the reception hall and wedding pergola.

Ross burned the K into stumps from Beth's Dad's farm!

The view from the wedding site was beyond gorgeous. People arrived early and lingered after the wedding to soak up the view.

Beth's girls were in plum and she wore an ivory lace, strapless gown.

She also wore the veil that my Mom and Aunt T wore at their weddings. She was gorgeous!

Ross and his guys were in khaki suits and everyone looked so handsome.

The two men in my life!

We are each other's Ho; a nickname we gave each other long ago!

Beth and Ross were rocks and didn't cry any during their ceremony. They said their vows and exchanged rings and did something that I hadn't seen before. Instead of lighting a unity candle, something they were afraid would blow out since they were outside, they added two roses to a bouquet.

Ross kissed his bride and honey it was time to celebrate!

We headed into the reception and they were formally introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Ross Keith. Toasts were given, the cake was cut, first dances were swayed too and then it was time to get down to business. Jace and I love to dance. We laugh at our bad moves, make up moves, scream sing the lyrics, and just have a good time. Not many people see this side of us but when we dance, we don't hold back. All of this said, my family about died when they saw Jace let loose like he did!

I forget what song it was but the crowd had formed an aisle that people danced down. Y'all I ran out there and before I knew it Jace was right behind me and we shimmied our way down. With that, we burned up the dance floor. The DJ was good but he was even better when I requested some classic wedding songs. Y'all I don't want to brag, but the Stampers brought down the house with our song requests. We requested Get Low, Shout, Mustang Sally, Don't Stop Believing, Achy Breaky Heart, and so much more. At one moment Ely and Jace were on their back during Shout! We had so much fun! It was one of the best wedding receptions I have been too and I will now judge a reception based on if I lost weight. If I dance so much and find out that I lost some weight the next day, that is a sign of a good reception. My calves still hurt and I don't walk, I limp.

Jace and I got to stay almost all day on Sunday with Mom and Teak. Teak fixed a great big meal and then we had to get on the plane. Right before we had to leave, I was sick. I was so nauseous and I think it was from all the rich food from the weekend. I was popping Pepto Bismal chewables like they were sweettarts and praying for God's healing hand to be placed on my belly. Have you ever starred down the toilet on an airplane? Well I don't recommend it. Thankfully, we landed in Orlando without any incident and started the two hour drive home. It was swampy when we landed and a mosquito the size of Texas landed on me. Nothing says welcome back like a mosquito bite while being in swamp like weather!

Overall, it was a great weekend. It was great to see family and so many friends. We loved getting a KY fix and feeling Fall weather! It was wonderful to be a part of Ross and Beth's beautiful wedding and see them come together as husband and wife. Beth, we love you and you and Ross compliment each other so well. We wish you may years of happiness!

His will be done...

I have been quiet on the blog even though I think about it often and want to journal about life. I have been quiet for a few reasons. One reason is that I don't want to bore you with the routine of our day. A routine that consists of work, dinner, laundry, maybe a quick run at the gym, and then we press repeat the next day. Though routine is monotonous, it provides comfort and a sense of security for me. I know what to expect each day and know what has to be accomplished.

Though the days are routine I am appreciative for them. Oh how we wished for a random day in September when we were waiting on UF's acceptance letter. We were ready to know what a random day would be because it beat the alternative of waiting and worrying about the future. When I think about it like this I realize oh what a blessing this mundane routine of ours really is!

Another reason I have stayed quiet is because I am waiting. I am waiting to see where God leads me and waiting for his timing is never easy. It is so much easier to say "his timing is perfect" after he has blessed you with what you have prayed for. The test is always in the waiting when there is no other option but to lean on him during the long days, weeks, and months. Both Jace and I are seeking his will, whatever and wherever that may be. We pray that our plans match up with his will. We pray for patience, understanding, and wisdom to make the right choices in this crazy season of life that we are navigating.

Though I may be quiet, I am here. I am waiting and praying. I am enjoying the routine that is life. I am doing all of these things and trying to live out the will for not only my life but as our life as a couple. May his will be done.

Our Wedding

Tomorrow, Jace and I will be married for one month; yet our wedding feels like it was both yesterday and a lifetime ago. It was a day that brings back many emotions and feelings and is something that I never want to forget. Our wedding was a beautiful experience and moment; one that overwhelms me still and has left me with the most cherished of memories. Some moments are a blur while others I remember so vividly. This post is for entirely selfish reasons because I want to always, always, always remember that day and the feelings and emotions that make August 3, 2013 so treasured.

Shortly after completing my blog post on the morning of our wedding, I got up. I wanted quiet time with just me and my thoughts. I wanted to go at my own pace and soak up the quiet of the still morning. I knew within hours things would be fast paced and I wanted to relish the quiet. I made my bed and got in the shower. After my shower I put my hair in a wet pony tail, slipped into a maxi dress, and waited. I tried to pray over the day but I couldn't squeak out complete sentences. I was so excited!

Mom got up shortly after I was dressed and was amazed to find me up and ready to go. We talked a little and then she gave me a large family Bible; the same gift Teak gave her and my dad on their wedding day. I read the card she gave me while she was in the shower. I was afraid to let her see me cry because there was no way we needed to start crying before 6:30 in the morning!

Mom was finishing up in the bathroom when Aunt Karen & Sara came over to complete the arrangements.They were so sweet and brought over pastries for us. Though the pastries looked delicious Mom and I didn't eat because we promised we would bring donuts and milk for the girls. We swung by Donut Days and headed to church. There we met Lauren & Whitney waiting for us. Shortly later, Pink Lou Lou, Dana & MeMaw met up with us. As we ate donuts and got settled into the administration wing of the church, Pink Lou Lou unloaded her trunk o' goodies which was filled with beautiful makeup, hairspray, and any type of hair tool you can think of. She got started on Dana & MeMaw first since they were going to go to the Signature Club and help with set up. Lauren, Whit, Mom, and I all visited, ate donuts, and watched Pink Lou Lou do her magic.

Around 10 AM, Jace called me and told me that things were beginning to get set up at the Signature Club. All that needed to be done was cushions tied on chairs, chairs placed at tables, tablecloths and chargers placed, as well as table center pieces. When Jace called I could sense his excitement and he said just how pretty everything looked. I was jealous because even though I had planned it and had a rough idea of how everything would look, I never saw it all come together until we walked into our reception. He got a sneak peak and it made me happy that he liked how everything was taking shape.

At 11 AM, it was time for my makeup and hair. Pink Lou Lou did her thing! She was quiet and provided a sense of calm. I didn't know it at the time but I was growing more and more nervous. I wasn't nervous to marry Jace; I was nervous because I was getting married. A huge moment in life was about to happen. Looking back, something would have been wrong with me if I wasn't a little nervous. For once, I stopped being my normal chatty self and knew I needed to see Jace.

The morning did seem long to me as I knew each hour was leading to something on the estimated time line. I wanted to stick as close as I could to that timeline. After the reception site was finished, Ely, Kirsten, Ross, and Beth came over and did things around the church. Beth took pictures for me just like she did at our rehearsal dinner. I wish I knew more of what they did - the final touches they made - but I was finishing up with hair and makeup and could only hear them. As everyone ate lunch from Jimmy John's, I was constantly reminded to eat; no one wants a fainting bride. I ate lunch after hair and makeup was complete and calmed everyone's fears of me fainting.

Lunch was followed by more "sitting"; my nerves were steadily increasing. I thought to myself that getting into my dress would make me calm down. I adored my wedding dress and nothing makes you feel more confidant than your wedding dress. I knew the time was quickly approaching 1:30 PM and that is when Jace and I would see each for our first look. I told Mom I was ready to get ready and off we went. I slipped into my dress, put on my ivory satin kitten heels, Mom placed my cathedral veil and all that was left was the jewelry. I ordered my jewelry from Etsy.com and found two pieces that were exactly me. The earrings were prized possessions that were a cluster of pearls and a hint of sparkle. They were huge stud earrings that embodied a Southern Lady. The bracelet was a double stranded pearl bracelet that was sweet, elegant, and classic. Yet it was the bracelet that was so hard to get on but thankfully created a good laugh for the serious moment. I grabbed my bouquet of white peonies, white roses, and flowers that Sara so eloquently assembled together. It was finally time to see Jace!

Mary & Gabe, our photographers, were superstars that day! Mary let me know when it was time for me to see Jace. Gabe had arranged Jace near the upper half of the aisle with his back turned to me. I walked in and saw an empty church ready to be filled with loved ones, friends, and family. I also saw my groom waiting for me. When we did see each other we didn't cry, surprisingly. We took the time to really see each other all dressed up - he noticed the details of my dress and I looked over his tuxedo. We asked each other how the day had been and then we exchanged gifts and cards. I teared up reading the card Jace wrote to me, which now permanently stays in the new Bible he gave me with my new name engraved. I had asked for this long before we got engaged and knew he was getting this for me. He, however, didn't know what I had done for him. I wish I could take credit for this idea but instead, it came from Pinterest. I bought a beautiful leather journal and I wrote Jace every week for almost a year. I wrote my love for him, what was happening at school, where we were in terms of planning the wedding, or just whatever came to mind. It wasn't a pricey gift but I wanted to do something that was from my heart and let him know just how much he means to me. We then shared a moment of prayer. With heads together, we took turns praying. Although other moments of the day have faded from memory, our moment of prayer remains crystal clear.

After our first look, it was time for pictures. Along with our wedding party, we drove to the Arboretum. Mary & Gabe set up beautiful pictures and directed us in such a loving and kind way. Mary and Gabe got pictures with Ross and Ely and once done with those pictures, they were free to leave. Same thing with the bridal party photos. Once done, everyone could leave. At the end, it was just Jace and I. Mary & Gabe are not only wonderful people but they have a sixth sense about knowing when the bride and groom need a moment, just the two of them. Mary & Gabe grabbed us at moments when I needed Jace the most. I told them how thankful I was for giving us quiet time because I truly felt like I saw Jace before our wedding, which is what I wanted and more importantly needed.

When we arrived back at the church, we took a few photos in the courtyard and then it was time for family photos. Mary assured us that it wouldn't take long and she was right, which was a good thing because now it was 3:30 PM. After all family photos were over, everyone met in the Chapel. We waited here with screens over the doors so no one would see us. Kory prayed for us for which I am greatly thankful. The time between 4:00-4:25ish PM may have been the longest stretch of time in my life. I was beyond nervous! I literally kept my eyes on Jace the entire time. I remember drinking some water and holding Jace's hand.

Mary let me know that my Dad had arrived and we quickly got pictures with him before the ceremony. These pictures meant the world to me and I am so thankful that he came to our wedding. After this, Joanna, whisked Jace off and the bridal party started lining up. I watched as the grandmothers were led down the aisle, as Ross led Mom, Rickey led Dana, and as the girls walked down with the guys. All that was left was Ross and I. I remember the doors opening up, Jack playing the trumpet, and Ross and I walking out. I remember walking fast until Ross slowed me, helping me realize to soak up this moment. I saw Jace and saw the crowd. I remember seeing Liz, Vicki Wynn, and Jennifer. Jennifer was crying and I knew I had to hold it together. I remember looking at my Mom, but only through my peripheral view because I was afraid that if we made eye contact we might both lose it.

Kory started our ceremony and I stood beside Jace, holding his hand. The ceremony was beautiful and was more than I could have imagined. Doug Hutcherson sang "Give me Jesus" and it took everything in me to fight back tears. Through Jane's fingertips on the organ and piano, Doug's voice, and Kory's words, our ceremony was touching, moving, spiritual, and I know without a doubt Jesus was glorified; His presence was felt.

One component of our ceremony was the affirmation. Our parents affirmed our marriage with the saying of "we will" and then our guests affirmed our marriage. Let me tell you there is great power and reassurance when you hear the people you love the most affirm your marriage and say they will support and love you as you journey through life with your spouse. Hearing their spoken words was a blessing to both of us.

Sidenote: When it was time to move to the alter, I almost tripped. In one hand, I held Jace's hand. In the other hand, I held my bouquet; there was no free hand to lift up my dress. I didn't fall down but I think everyone could sense I was having a tough time getting up those stairs. I will also say that God replaced my legs with cement during our ceremony. I thought I was going to come out of my heels but decided that wouldn't be real tasteful at my wedding. However, the thought did cross my mind but without a doubt, God drained the blood flow from my feet and replaced it was concrete. Needless to say, I came out of my heels during the receiving line!

After moving to the alter, I finally got to look Jace in the eyes. What I saw was pure joy and love. He teared up the entire ceremony, his voice cracked when he began his vows, his chin quivered several times and in that I knew; I knew just how much this meant to him. I knew that he would always love me unconditionally. I knew that I would never go a day without his love. I knew that he was soaking up this moment just like I was; I knew that God created him for me and for us to share this life together. This was the defining moment of our wedding. This is the moment I think of when I think of August 3rd, 2013. This memory of Jace takes me back to the moment of holding each other's hands pledging our love and life to each other and though we were surrounded by friends and family, we felt it was just the two of us.

After lighting the unity candle and serving each other communion, Doug sang the Lord's Prayer. Jace teared up again. I remember blinking every so slowly because I wanted to soak up the moment. I wanted to be aware of what was taking place and for it not to be a blur later on. This was the reason we were getting married. Not for the food we were going to eat at the reception, or the songs we would dance to, or what flowers were used. All though these things are nice and enhance a wedding, the real reason was right in front of me. That reason being a man who was fighting back tears and overcome with emotion while in the presence of our Lord Almighty.

Kory told Jace he could kiss his bride, we kissed, Lauren handed me my bouquet, and off we went as Mr. & Mrs. Jace Stamper. When we reached the foyer of the sanctuary, I wanted to break down and cry. I held strong for so many people but was tired of fighting back the tears. If I could have stopped time and got out a good cry I would have. We had just lived out our dream of being married and after seeing Jace so emotional, I needed a moment to break down. But there was no time for that! We had to assemble our receiving line and hug and love on all our guests! After seeing everyone and thanking them for coming, we made our way over to the Signature Club for our reception.

Lew Jetton, the lead singer of the band that played, introduced us and our bridal party. For the first time, I got to physically see what I had planned for 15 months. At the reception, guests were greeted with two large arrangements in the alcove of the foyer and once inside a large ice sculpture in the shape of a vase was the centered piece. Sara arranged flowers at the top of the vase and it was stunning. The gold chairs and chargers were accentuated by ivory baroque tablecloths and ivory satin napkins. At each place setting, Jace and I wrote a thank you card thanking the guest for sharing in our special day. Servers from Season's Catering poured tea or lemonade, started the meal with a salad, followed by the main course which was pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, and asparagus. Wedding cake and Great American Cookies were for dessert.

Shortly after dinner, Jace and I danced our first song as man and wife to Eric Clapton's "You look wonderful tonight".  Champagne toasts were given by Whitney, Lauren, Jay, and Bo. After the wedding traditions were complete, it was time to get on the dance floor. Lew Jetton and 61 South did a great job and played all our favorite 80s hits. We danced and Jace made me laugh as he always does when he is on the dance floor.

The night prior to our wedding, Lane told me some of the greatest advice that I used throughout the reception. Lane said that everyone would want to talk to us and get pictures and the important thing was to not separate from one another. I tried to always be by Jace's side and it is advice that I passed on to Ross and Beth.

Around 9 PM the crowd had started to thin. I wasn't ready for the night to end but at the same time was growing more and more tired since I didn't sleep the night prior. We said our goodbyes to everyone and got in the car. We drove to Teak's and changed and made our way to Cincinnati. We talked to whole way to the hotel, running on adrenaline but yet also feeling tired from such an exciting day. The next morning we got up and flew to San Francisco and were greeted with 60 degree weather!

August 3rd will always be a special day and I am ever so thankful for the people who were a part of our wedding day. More importantly, I am thankful for the One who blessed the day as well as the person I now call my husband.

Leading up to the wedding...

I have finally found time to sit down and reflect and write about our the day before our wedding. Time went by both slow and fast and some things are a blur and others are crystal clear. The days leading up to the wedding, the actual wedding itself, and our reception was completely surreal. Thank goodness for pictures because those moments in time remind us that we lived out our dream of becoming man and wife.

My Mom arrived in town on Wednesday July 31st which was also the last day of the Bar exam. When I talked to Jace that night he sounded exhausted, as expected, and drove home from Nashville. On Thursday Mom and I got manicures and pedicures. We ran to church and started arranging the sanctuary like I wanted, which didn't include many changes. I had ironed tablecloths the night prior and we placed those on the Lord's table as well as a table that held our unity candle and communion. We dropped off programs and the guest book. We chilled waters and sodas for us girls.

On Friday August 1st, the show got on the road! Lauren & Whitney met me for lunch at our Mexican restaurant that we used to frequent while in undergrad. We got caught up and I relished in the fact that I was having lunch with my two best friends. In my heart of hearts, I knew it would be a long time until we could do it again. I gave them their gifts and we all promised not to read any cards until after the wedding. We all knew if we let the flood gates open, they may never close.

We decided to head back to Teak's after our two hour lunch and there were so many surprises. First, Jace was there! I hadn't seen him in over 5 weeks, he had just taken the Bar, and the next day we were getting married! I was so happy to see him! And then...Aunt Karen and Sara had arrived with all the flowers for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception! They put the flowers on Teak's deck and Sara & Aunt Karen worked out there arranging the most beautiful centerpieces and bouquets I have ever seen. It smelled heavenly too! White flowers everywhere with touches of green, just like I envisioned. It was during this time that I got to sit down and enjoy the calm before all the craziness ensued. I watched Sara & Aunt Karen make art and I was fascinated. Sara is magnificent at what she does and I captured some shots of the flowers and her in action.

 

 

The deck was covered with white flowers

 

Rehearsal dinner centerpieces

I  knew time was ticking and I had to start getting ready for our rehearsal. I showered and slipped into the prettiest white dress, a cherished gift given to me. It was one of those dresses that hides everything you want to hide and accentuates what you want to be noticed. It fit like a glove and honey, I felt like a bride in it! This was the dress you wear to your rehearsal.

As for the rehearsal, Jace, Jay, and Bo were 15 minutes late! Traffic was a little congested on New Circle Road! While waiting for the men to show up, we realized that the air wasn't working properly. It was rather warm in the sanctuary but we had hopes it would be fixed by tomorrow.

Joanna, our wedding coordinator, and Kory, our minister, made the evening run so smoothly. We practiced the recessional first since Joanna wouldn't be up there during the actual ceremony and tell us what to do. Next we practiced the processional and I could have gotten really emotional when Ross walked me down the aisle. Everything was starting to hit me and it is a moment every girl dreams about. I held it together because if I lost it so would everyone else.

Smiling but wanting to just boo hoo on the inside

 

 

Less than 24 hours at this point until Mr. & Mrs.

After we practiced the ceremony, it was time to eat! We all headed over to Sal's and ate in the banquet room. This night is one that Jace and I will never forget. Our friends from Lexington, Graves County, and Jackson, MS as well as our family were all in the same room together. All of our worlds collided and we were beyond blessed by their presence. I was so excited to talk to everyone and eat a great meal but I was nervous in giving my speech. How do you begin to thank the ones you love for being there and supporting you on the biggest day of your life? Where do you begin?

I had put off writing the speech for almost the entire length of our engagement. One day I finally jotted down some points I wanted to make on my phone. I looked over the speech a few times that day but hadn't completely memorized it. After we concluded dinner and dessert, it was time to turn the attention off of us and turn the spotlight on the people that raised us, loved us, have supported us, and would stand beside us on the day we make the biggest vow of our lives. We thanked them for taking off work, rearranging their schedules, and even buying plane tickets to be with us this weekend. We asked that they pray for us as we begin this new journey in our lives. We thanked them for letting us be the third, even fifth, wheels on their dates when we were multiple states away from each other.

 

MS & Lex girls! I adore this picture

We thanked our mothers for loving us as we tackle too much life in 3 weeks.

Mom had an "allergy!"

I made it through the speech just fine until I thanked Jace. I thanked him for being so patient with me, tearing down tall walls, being understanding, teaching me what it is to love, and making me so unbelievably proud. At this point, I needed to wrap up the speech because we didn't need mascara running down and getting on my fancy white dress. We cheered and raised our glasses and in that moment came instant relief! I felt like I could finally relax because what I was so worried about turned into one of the most beautiful moments.

Once the parents and grandparents left, the "kids" made our way down to Harry's for a little after dinner celebration. It was here that I saw Jace relax. The stress of the Bar and the rush that is his life vanished. With his bowtie undone and his closet friends around, I could sense that he was ready for our wedding. His life was so fast paced this summer and centered around one thing that he didn't have much time to process what was about to take place. It was in this moment, that we both knew just how exciting tomorrow would be.

 

We continue to talk about that night. We had so much fun. We loved having our MS friends in KY and visiting with them. We would have stayed out later if we could but we all knew the next day would be fun and exhausting. I got home a little after midnight and thought without a doubt I would sleep from such a fun day. Not the case. I stayed awake all night because I was so excited. This time, reality was better than my dreams and I couldn't shut off my brain. I thought back over the day and the night and anticipated what the next day would be like. My alarm was set for 5:30 AM but it never went off. I turned it off around 4 AM and started blogging.

And that is where I will end for today. I will blog more on the actual wedding and reception soon.

Gainesville so far...

Gainesville so far is great! We are loving Florida and more importantly being married. When we first moved in, I told Jace that we are living our dream and I still can't wipe the smile from my face. We are finally together, married, and Jace is in one of the best programs in the nation for tax law. What we have prayed and waited for has finally come to fruition and the wait was worth it!

School seems to be going well for Jace. It is sorta like graduate school in that it is different. Jace tells me about school and even though I have no idea what he is talking about, I listen. From what he tells me everything is code and regulation intensive. He has to back up everything he says with the code and regulation. Again, I have no idea what this stuff means but I am thankful that he does. He is impressed by his professors. They are the authors of his textbooks and have personally written code and regs. He says he is learning from the best. As for his work load, about every other night he camps out at the library and reads and works on problems. He does his thing and I curl up with reality TV!
He has met some guys and he says most are married. I have only met one wife and am dying to meet more.

As for what Gainesville is like, its nice. It rains every day here, usually in the afternoons, and when it rains it comes a downpour. It is humid and hot, around 85 most days. People are not nearly as friendly as the people we know in Lex and in MS. We are missing some good ol' Southern hospitality. I just want to hear someone ask, "how's your momma and them?" We are also used to seeing churches on every corner and that is not necessarily the case here. We tried out a church on Sunday and when we left I told Jace that we may have to kiss a few frogs until we find the right one. We are definitely missing Crestwood and First Baptist, Jackson now.

After cleaning, organizing, and putting away all of our stuff we feel at home in our 600 sq. feet apartment. I was thrilled to realize that we have so much storage space. We have a pantry, linen closet, walk-in closet, and outside storage. Here is a few pictures of our "Florida Home" as Jace likes to call it (as if we have multiple homes!)



Our little kitchen

The long bathroom countertop is a blessing!

 

Our bedroom. (The euro shams are different colors thanks to a Bed, Bath, and Beyond mixup!)

Lenny, the Lizard, lives on our porch...along with SEVERAL of his friends

Living room
 

It isn't much but it's ours. We have tried to make it homey and we feel very comfortable here. It is the typical apartment with white walls but Jace has a large collection of prints for a 28 year old. We have three golf prints in our apartment which gives the walls some color. For instance, every night I go to bed with two men: Jace Stamper and Ben Hogan hitting his famous one iron shot. Don't be jealous!

We also survived the first week of grocery shopping. We went to the grocery about three or four days straight. If you gave us a gift card to Wal-Mart or money for our wedding--BLESS YOU!!! You helped us tremendously and we were so grateful to have the resources to pay for our groceries and needed items. Surprisingly, the Wal-Marts are not that big. There are two Super Wal-Marts but they just didn't have the selection we were hoping for. Currently we shop at Publix and love it, however, it is a tad pricey although the selection is out of this world!

While we have been in Gainesville, I did something that I have wanted to do for almost two years now. I cut all my hair off! Six inches total! My hair comes to my jawline now and I like it. I was that bride that grew it out for the wedding and then off it went.

Saturday night we ventured downtown and visited Lake Alice. While we were there, we saw our first alligator and he was bigger than my liking. While admiring the alligator and making my getaway plan if need be , the UF band was practicing in the background. Nothing like hearing a little drumline to get you excited for football season!

All in all, life in Gainesville is good. We are happy. So far in marriage I have done more things than I thought I could do and have gone outside of my comfort zone but the reward is oh so sweet. People told us marriage would be an adventure and it is. We still have lots to learn and things to do but are so thankful to do it by each other's side.