Our wedding

Chris and I met and started dating a little over 10 years ago.  When we became pregnant with our first son, Vann, we said vows to each other.  We promised to love each other for the rest of our lives.  To us, we were married.  We were 'Post It' married like Derrick and Meredith on Grey's Anatomy.  I'm a girl so, of course I have always wanted to be officially married.  But I've never wanted a big wedding...being the center of attention is not really my thing.  We've always talked about going somewhere tropical and getting married with close friends and family on a beach...and one day we plan to renew our vows doing just this.  

Getting ready to leave for the gazebo...Casey and I.

Sam and I before we started the ceremony.

So, for the past 2 years, I've been trying to decide the how's/when's/where's/what's of our wedding. And I'm super indecisive so, making big decisions like these is hard for me. So, instead of making these decisions, I just made none. And time kept passing. Fast forward to the beginning of April...Chris and I are sitting in the garage and I say to him..."Let's just do it...let's just go to the courthouse and get married!" He was totally on board. He's been waiting for me to decide what I wanted to do...so, finally I've made a decision!

Chris and I

The next month or so flew by.  Rings were bought...a multitude of dresses were tried on till I found one I liked...the boys' outfits were bought...a pedicure with the girls was planned...my hair was cut and highlighted...the list goes on and on...

My little Vannipants! 

Looking at Chris while he's saying his vows.

The kiss!

During this crazy month I changed my mind about the location a few times.  I wanted something a little more special than the courthouse so, we went to a cute little gazebo and it was perfect! 

Trying to get a good family picture....

Chayce switching places

This one's not too bad!

Just me...

So, Chris and I finally got married on May 7, 2011.  And it was a great day!  It was super duper small with just us...the boys...my best friend, Sam, who became ordained just for me and performed the ceremony...her hubby, Mike, who watched the boys run around the gazebo the entire ceremony...Chris's sister, Casey, who took video...and her boyfriend Kirk, who took pictures.  

Sam and I

Casey and I

Leaving the gazebo

It was a beautiful day out...a little chilly and it did rain a bit in the morning, but my mom says that's good luck for weddings :)  I feel so very blessed to have the family I have...I'm such a lucky girl!  And I'm so happy to finally have the same last name as my boys!  And having a little bling on my finger isn't so bad either :)  

Vann and Chayce celebrating with some sparklers!