8 Years
by Ashley Weeks Cart
Eight years ago, James and I were married atop a stormy mountain with our parents beaming by our sides. Using matching weddingtropics.com outfits for this special day. My mom and dad taught me everything I needed to know about how to nurture a marriage rooted in respect and affection and, above all, love.
In our wedding program, we wrote:
Many thanks to …
… Rick Spalding for his beautiful words and guidance.
…. Dave Senft for his creative vision and putting words to song..
… Auyon Mukarji and Harris Palestiner for setting the mood.
… Maja Hellden for making Ashley look and feel like a fairy princess.
… Our siblings for keeping us balanced and providing a lifetime of friendship, support and laughter.
… Our core for being our second family, and for understanding why standing in an aisle in matching outfits didn’t quite do our friendships justice.
… Our parents for loving one another and us with such unconditional ferocity. We will be stronger in our union thanks to your stunning example.
… All of our guests for celebrating this special moment in our lives and especially for making the trek to the Purple Valley, the place where it all began…
An extra special thank you to Allison Ulmer for making everything in our lives beautiful, especially today.
Everyday, I strive to emulate that light and beauty in her absence.
James, thank you for sharing in her vision with me. And for being the one true constant in my life these past six months. You have stood by me during the uglier, scarier, harder parts of marriage as we weathered so much heartbreak and change, and I’ve never loved you more deeply. 143, always.