WARNING: This post contains sappy, lovey dovey, squishy and otherwise sentimental sentences which may cause fake vomit noises in some readers.
Nine years ago today, I married Richard. It was one of the best days of my life.
Richard and I sitting on the dock on our wedding day. Photo by Simon Furlong.
Our friends and family all got together on a hot sticky summer day at my Aunt Sue's house on Georgian Bay for a wedding with an outdoor ceremony and reception, a constant threat of rain and no tent.
Our wedding ceremony. Photo by Simon Furlong, friend and photographer.
We were lucky enough to have my Aunt Nonie and Eugene provide beautiful music and we were married by a family friend and minister, Ian Stuart. Rich and I promised to be together through adventures big and small.
Our wedding day. Photo by Simon Furlong.
The whole day was documented by our friend and photographer, Simon Furlong.
Post-wedding fireworks on the beach. Photo by Simon Furlong.
After the food, drink, speeches music and dancing, the official part of the day was capped off with fireworks. Although it threatened to rain all day, it stayed dry, but we did get wet. It might have had something to do with the open part but at some point several of of us decided a swim was in order. The best man, Shaun, used his Italian leather boots as water shoes (they came out remarkably unscathed). Some people opted for (much) less clothing. We discovered that trying to fit 16 people on a small raft was hilarious fun. Fortunately my Uncle Andrew was keeping an eye on us and providing flashlights for people coming in and out in the pitch dark. I was torn between worrying someone was going to get injured and having the best time of my life. In the end, I just went with it and I have never laughed so hard in my life.
You know it was a good time when the best man is passed out on the beach in his suit but inexplicably without a shirt. (Sorry Shaun, had to post this. Consider it payback for the wedding certificate incident.) Photo by Simon Furlong. (Kudos to Simon for taking an in-focus photo at this time of the evening.)
In the nine years since that day, a lot has changed. Rich and I are now parents to a wonderful little boy, we've both changed careers twice, Richard's dad is no longer with us and is dearly missed and we've moved to a new territory. The adventures big and small proved to be an apt line in our self-written vows, we have had those aplenty. We are lucky that we are both the type to embrace those adventures.
I've learned a lot about my husband. Yes, he may like his tea prepared a certain way, but he is by no means a snob. One of my proudest moments was when he took a job as a bus driver when we were struggling financially. He is an amazing, hands-on father. He is also a talented teacher. The letter of reference he got from the principal of Jack Hulland Elementary School was the most glowing I have ever seen. Recently I learned what I always suspected, he is very smart. He has always disparaged his own intelligence but his 94% and recent 100% grade would prove otherwise.
Richard is an amazing, hands-on father. Photo by Christa Galloway.
I've learned a lot about us as well. We provide each other support when we need it, a kick in the a** when it's necessary and love constantly. Rich has even turned around a bad situation by saying the exact wrong thing and making me laugh. When Rich has a dark cloud, I'm able to give him perspective. After a bad day at work, when my self-confidence has been deflated, Rich always reminds me that he and Oscar love me, and I have value.
Our family on a camping trip to Dyea. Photo by Christa Galloway.
Our trials have often brought us together. We've been through illness, the loss of friends and family, financial and business struggles, a newborn baby and sleepless nights, moving and starting over. Yes, we've had our rocky times, but in the end we've come through it stronger. Together I know we can tackle anything, including our next move. A new province, university, apartment hunting and a job search lie ahead for us, but I know we can handle it.
Nine years ago I followed through on one of the best decisions I've ever made. I married my best friend. I look forward to all of our new adventures, big and small.
Happy Anniversary Richard, thanks for being you!