Happy Anniversary to us!

Yep, that's right...today is Brian and I's eight year wedding anniversary! I remember it like it was a year or two ago, not 8. It was a beautiful day...the sun was shining, it was around 50 degrees, and there was some snow on the ground.

I got up around 8 or 9 in the morning. I headed, with my sister Rachel, to the hairstylist. We met Brianne, Jenny, Jacki, and Breanna there. We all got our hair done and that headed our separate directions. Rachel and I went back to our Mom and Dad's house, got a little lunch, packed up everything I needed to get ready at the church and off we went. My bridal party met at the church and got ready. We shared some laughter and talked. After getting ready, we headed to the Sanctuary for pictures. The photographer took some pictures of me. Then, they blindfolded Brian and Chris (his bestman & brother) led him into the sanctuary to see me. He stood there, I was looking at him, anxious to be his wife. He removed the blindfold and just looked at me. We stood there for a moment and to me it was like no one was around at that split second. Soon thereafter we hustled thru pictures.

At some point, I can't remember what time, we needed to leave the Sanctuary because guests were arriving. We went and took a few more pictures. After the few pictures wdmas e headed our separate ways, for the last few minutes as Becca Maiwald and Brian Johnston. I waited and headed, in a round-about way, to the back of the Sanctuary. I had my Dad and sister with me, along with my other bridesmaids and flower girl. My Mom was sitting upfront already. I waited as the music played and my bridesmaids and groomsmen walked forward. Pretty soon the music stopped and it was my turn. I started to cry, no surprise to those who know me. I looked forward and there were all these friends and family members there watching me. I don't remember too much of walking down the aisle.

I am now up front, I have eye contact with Brian. I can't believe it is finally here, I am getting married! The ceremony was beautiful. We wrote our own vows and shared them with each other. We had 2 songs played at our wedding...Destiny by Jim Brickman and The Wedding Song by Paul Stokey. We had our Mom's light candles and from those we lit our wedding candle. Though we didn't have traditional candles. We had "oil lamp" candles. I had them engraved for our special day. We also shared flowers with our grandmothers in remembrance of our grandfathers...4 grandmas joined us at our wedding, and 4 grandpas with us in spirit!

After the ceremony the bridal party got in a limo and headed to Falls Park. We enjoyed our time there by taking a few pictures and enjoying the weather. After a short time there, we got back in the limo and headed to our reception. The reception as at All Occassions in Tea. We walked in and it was beautiful. I loved the look of the whole place and could feel the love of all our family and friends there. We came in and were announced as Mr. & Mrs. Brian Johnston.

Next it was dinner time, what more can I say except that we enjoyed good food.
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After dinner it was time to dance. We did a lot of dancing! I don't remember too many details from dancing, but I do remember a few things. 1. Brianne had a glowstick break in his mouth. 2. Stacey caught my bouquet. 3. Chris caught the garter. 4. The Pike serenaded me. 5. Brian drank alcohol from his shoe (Thanks to one of his Minnesota classmates). These are the highlights of what I remember.

It was a great night. I think it is safe to say a lot of fun was had by many!! Brian and I headed off to our first night as Mr. & Mrs. Brian Johnston.

Thanks to everyone who joined us on this wonderful day, those who were there in thought, and those who have shown us support. We thank God for all our wonderful family and friends who are part of our lives

And to you Brian, thanks for the wonderful journey we have been on since the day we met (did you ever find those keys?). I look forward to see what our future holds and the path we take! I love you very much.

Love,
Becca

PS. When I told Brian about this, he shared with me his most vivid memory of the weekend. Here it is, in his words: "I remember Pastor Tim looking at us and telling us there will be no alcohol consumed before the wedding. If I find out that you have had even a drink you are out of here and that includes you (Pastor Tim looked directly at me (Brian)).