I met my husband when I was 15. It was not love at first sight. In fact, I thought he was going to be trouble because he came off incredibly rude and defiant. Not the type of personality you want to deal with when you're in a class leadership position. Fortunately, he was able to make up for his very bad first impression and I was happy to find out that he was not even close to being that type of person. He was the polar opposite - incredibly sweet and trusting. Over time, we became friends.
Fast forwarding to our first date, we had the usual high school teen plans: dinner and a movie. We were on our way when Ryan realized his parents had something that he needed. They were over at a friend's house for a game night so we swung by. On our very first date I met Ryan's family and the Petersen family. I have known the Petersen family for as long as I have known my in-laws. Over the last 10 years (yikes... has it been that long?!) I've watched their friendship with my husband's family endure despite the separation of being in 3 different states. Needless to say, they aren't just like family... they are family.
This past June, their daughter Kelsey got married in the San Diego Temple. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe that families can be together forever. The Bible teaches us that Peter was given the keys of heaven and he was promised 'whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall also be bound in heaven' (Matthew 16:18-19)
What makes a temple marriage different from any other marriage ceremony is that we believe in using the same Priesthood authority, or keys, that the apostle Peter once held to make promises, or covenants, in the temple not only with our spouse but with God. Honoring that covenant allows us to extend marriage beyond 'until death do us part' into heaven and eternity.
What a blessing it was to see Kelsey and Cody make those very special promises to each other and watch as they bound their two families into one. It was a wonderful day and they celebrated it in a very beautiful way. Isn't the coral and turquoise color palette amazing? My mother-in-law and I took on the candy bar. Kelsey decided she wanted an all turquoise candy bar since there was a lot of coral already incorporated in the decor. Being one of my favorite colors, I absolutely love how it turned out. The candy included gum balls, rock candy, sixlets, salt water taffy, old-fashioned candy sticks, chocolate kisses, and customized monogram suckers. The candy bar was displayed on the most darling vintage dresser and mirror combo.
It was a gorgeous love-filled day and I am so happy for Kelsey and Cody. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring. Once you're done perusing the beautiful pictures, be sure to check out the vendor links below!
Venue: San Diego LDS Temple
Reception: Twin Oaks Garden Estate
Photography: Joiedevivre Photography
Flowers: Florals Designs by Jerri Disney
Candy Bar: Sugar and Soirées
