9.16.2009

As Carl and I drove down the pretty canyon from Sundance this morning, we were greeted by two things, which are actually, in a nice way, the same thing: new life. I called my mom on our way home and she told us everyone was at the hospital because Nicole (my sister-in-law) was having the baby. The long-awaited first grandchild, dear Dash Stephen Christensen. We went straight to the hospital and after a grilled cheese sandwich from the snack bar, our nephew came into the world. It was neat to see my little brother holding his son. I remember when Dane (my brother) was born. My grandparents came to stay the night with me, in the morning my grandma tied two pieces of yellow yarn around my pigtails and put on my striped, rainbow dress. It was June and I'd spent months preparing for a new brother, I'd helped my mom sew a quilt (which probably consisted of me being more of a bother) and arranged my stuffed animals on the bed. I was young, but I remember being so proud of a little brother. It was nice to walk into the hospital room today and find that some things never change.

Upon our drive into Provo, Carl and I also embraced new life, married life. I have so much I want to write about and so many people I want to thank for making our wedding day the most blissful, beautiful day we could imagine. We loved every minute of it. We had a wedding picnic in Manti, after we were married in the temple, and when I look back on my life for moments of perfection, that is one I will remember. At the picnic, I said a few things that I wish I had been able to say to so many more people. In essence, what I wanted to convey is that, whenever I've imagined my wedding day, as so many of us do, I've never cared about fancy things, but rather, I wanted the day to be evidence of the people who make up our life. I feel so blessed that our wedding was just that. Darcie made a beautiful dress for me, Nicole took our engagement pictures and made my hairpieces, our friend Lynette Danbury made Carl's suit, my dad made our matching wedding bands, my mom made the picnic lunches, my aunt made my bouquet, my sister did my hair and makeup, our dear friends lisa and jacob made a perfect and delicious wedding cake, my cousin heather helped take pictures, Carl made our guest book, our friend Diana took the most lovely wedding pictures for us (I will post them soon), Carl's family helped from Oregon and then drove 13 hours to be there with us, and Carl's brother Matt made us a wedding video, there are so many other ways in which people stepped up to help us. I tell these things, not to flaunt, but because it means the world to me. There are so many other kindnesses that were shown us for our wedding, both from friends nearby and friends in other places. I feel like I am beginning to be without proper eloquence for the measure of gratitude and happiness we feel, so I will leave it at thank you, thank you for care, love and service, one to another.





19 comments:

Rob said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rob said...

Looks so amazing Ash, really like a perfect day. Are you guys still going to be living in Portland? If so, we need to kick it soon.

shelly said...

Well, I cried all the way through your writing, then the video...twice. I heard it was all so PERFECT, and I'm so happy I got to see a little piece of it. You look so happy -- I'm so very happy for you both -- and I'm HAPPY you're married! What a wonderful beginning to a wonderful life together. Give Dash a kiss and a squeeze from Aunt Shelly, okay?

butchie said...

So many, many congratulations! This video is lovely and sweet and almost too much to handle on a Thursday morning. Thanks so much for sharing it.

emi. said...

it was so gorgeous ashley. i'm so happy i could hug you on your lovely day.

sara said...

i am in real live tears! oh ash, you and carl and beautiful people. i say that with all sincerity of my heart. thank you for letting me partake in your special day. i love you both!

darcie said...

so lovely ash. matt, wonderful video. watch out adam!

Patricia said...

Ash (and Carl), besides needing to watch that video for sanity's sake, I'm overwhelmed with how happy I am that you two are together. It makes things okay.

david. said...

i got caught being weepy! my reputation of being a hooligan is at risk!
:)
love you. i am so so so happy that you are so so so happy. you deserve the very best in life.

zlb said...

that is the best wedding video i have ever seen, the only one i've even ever liked!!! how perfect, and how perfect that day was and how perfectly wonderful you and dear karl are. i'm so lucky to know you. thank you for letting me share in that special day. xoxo

Unknown said...

you two are the most beautiful pair of loves i have seen. i'm so sorry i missed such a special day so thank you for sharing that small snippet. it was lovely. as are you.

Brooke S. said...

What a beautiful sentiment, ash. I am pretty much devastated I couldn't be there, but VERY happy for you and Carl.
I remember thinking "Everyone I love is here. They came to me! This is the best day" It's the best way to celebrate the day. I love you.

Brooke S. said...

oh, Max and I just watched your video from our student dorm bed of two singles pushed together and a giant crack in the middle.

It was so dear and touching Max thinks I cried, but there was just something in my eye.

Liz Lambson said...

So beautiful! Sam and I can't wait to see you, oh wait, tomorrow!! Yes!

Lindsey P said...

it sounds like such a lovely day, everything your wedding should have been. i love you and am so glad you are happy!

diana palmer said...

oh, man, that was the absolute best thing. i felt so sad martin and i couldn't make it, but now its like we were there. and you two, oh you two broke my heart with your quiet, though obvious happiness.

WildHeart said...

your video is so beautiful we re-posted it on our blog. (let us know if you want us to take it down).

elisa bushman said...

three things...
1.seeing that video reminded me who the heart throb of my life is Kent Christensen. So cute.
2.it made me think of a countless number of beautiful memories I had for gotten I had.
3. studying for 15 hours straight without talking to anyone make you a much nicer person.

And last but not least I am sincerely happy for you. It was all worth it.

Alison said...

yes. i cried. i know, i know. i'm an absurd human seeing as how i barely know you

i was goccoing yesterday and i would have called you to come watch because i know you would love it, but we aren't at that level yet. so let's get there!

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