Eight years ago today*

*by “today” I really mean yesterday, June 16. I suck at getting things done on time.

Eight years ago today, you were 21 years old and I was 22 years old. We were just three weeks out of college. We had been told we were too young, but we knew better.

Eight years ago today we had just signed the lease on our first home together, a tiny, tiny apartment with exactly two windows and a cable box that had a tendency to overheat and explode.

Eight years ago today was a beautiful, warm, sunny June day perfect for a wedding.

Eight years ago today my bridesmaids and I got our hair done by a crazy lady who did a great job.

Eight years ago today I sent my future sister-in-law on a frantic chase to find a new ring bearer pillow after I spilled soda on the one I had spent so much time sewing myself.

Eight years ago today I had my first and only bridal meltdown when I refused to get out of the limo until all of the guests were seated. Sorry, Mr. Limo driver.

Eight years ago today my father walked me down the aisle and I vowed to love and cherish my husband forever, yet I only remember alternately concentrating on not fainting and not laughing. I hear we got through the ceremony just fine, though.

Eight years ago today my poor maid of honor decided to forgo pain medication after a car accident in favor of drinking at the reception – thus coining the popular phrase “whoooo got me another drink?!?”

Eight years ago today the bartender did not have to worry about covering his dinner break.

Eight years ago today my parents realized that they were very lucky that they had paid for an unlimited open bar rather than paying per drink.

Eight years ago today, a group of 150 of our closest friends, family and coworkers came together for one hell of a party that no one will ever forget.

Eight years ago today my two cousins executed a perfectly synchronized, unchoreographed turn on the dance floor that my sister and I still laugh about at random times.

Eight years ago today, without being asked, my thirteen year old twin cousins took it upon themselves to videotape the entire ceremony and reception, a gesture that has preserved some of the funniest and most unforgettable memories of our lives.

Eight years ago today I cried for the only time of the entire wedding when I danced with my dad.

Eight years ago today my new husband smooshed wedding cake into my face, although he will deny intent until the day he dies.

Eight years ago today my husband made a grand entranced onto the dance floor by sliding across the floor on his stomach, thus making us glad we were not the ones responsible for returning his rented tux.

Eight years ago today we had an unexpected guest in our wedding night suite.

Eight years ago today was long enough ago to look at the pictures and remark how young we all looked, but not too long ago that our outfits and hairstyles look ridiculous (yet).

Eight years ago today we had no idea what we were getting into, but we knew it would be good.

Eight years ago I married a man who I loved dearly then but love infinitely more today. We have grown up together and have learned the meaning of “through thick and thin”, but are still each others best friends and confidants. I’ve learned that no matter how busy, how stressed or how tired I may be I will always have the love and support of a great man, and there is no better feeling.

Eight years ago today I would not have changed a single thing, and I wouldn’t change a single thing today either.

Happy Anniversary, Ricky!

Love,
Dames