XO

Thanksgiving is upon us and, while our families are enjoying the sunny skies in CA and AZ, we're experiencing our first snow of the season. Still, grateful. And going through the photos and videos from our wedding day only serve to remind us of all that we have and the love of the friends and family who celebrated with us that lovely September day. Thus, this post will be heavier on the viewing and lighter on the reading. The perfect treat for when you are crouched in a corner, scrolling through your phone or laptop while hiding from being asked to help with the Thanksgiving dinner dishes. Grab your third piece of pie to enjoy while you walk down memory lane with us.

This summer was a whirlwind that kicked off with emergency ulcer surgery the day before my birthday; followed by a proposal two weeks later, which led to furious packing and planning; culminating in a day filled with love, family, friends, big hair, butterscotch pudding, and our pre-reception meal of Red Bull and beef jerky purchased at a gas station in Midway. (Thanks for the bonus can, Gibby!)

For those who weren't privy to the proposal story, here's a quick recap: the first of July dawned clear and bright. The night before was a perfect date of dinner at Mamacita's, a trip to the bookstore, a surprise gift of a Harry Potter Marauder's Map t-shirt, and dessert of frozen yogurt. (Side note: while we love Cups in Charlottesville, Provo has cornered the market on frozen yogurt. The quality and variety of yogurts is incomparable, and the toppings are stacked. So, go you, P-Town. But Cups does offer Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which I highly recommend on EVERYTHING. Update: Cups has closed indefinitely. What a world...) I had booked a hair appointment with AJ's sister (she's currently attending school at The Forum and is EXCELLENT-I'm holding out for winter break to get it done and these roots are kickin'!), so of course I took the opportunity to NOT do my hair, because hell is filled with washing, drying, and styling my own tresses. Courtney greeted me at the front desk, then proceeded to take me to a room to get my hair washed. OR DID SHE?!?! As the door opened, I saw the space was filled with photos of AJ and me. The door opened wider and, as my eyes swept the room, I saw my boo standing there all handsome in a suit, while the smooth sounds of Primetime played. Below is the video. (Don't watch the whole thing, it goes on for awhile. Thanks to Skyler for the camera and video.) I was shocked. Very, very shocked. And happy, elated, overjoyed, and in ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.

AJ + Candice Proposal

Puttin' a ring on it was followed by lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings for the U.S. vs. Belgium World Cup game, because of course. While wings were had and American hearts were broken, texts were sent and phone calls were made to our loved ones. (Shout-out to Kirstie at Communal for picking up my dinner shift that night!) The day was wrapped up with a trip to the gym and dinner at Pizzeria 712, because every engagement day should conclude with a pile of heirloom tomatoes and hand-pulled mozzarella.

Insert two months of wedding planning, 4th of July at Payson Lake with Lee, Andrew, and Gibson; the BEST trip to San Francisco with Lee and Lindsay for the On the Run tour and delectable food (Chez Panisse, what-what?!) galore; engagement photos with Kelly; bridals with my Aunt Leslie in a beautiful dress lovingly sewn by my Aunt Teresa; packing up AJ, moving him to VA to start school; leaving the people and job I dearly love at Communal (singing Adele's "Someone Like You" on the back bench with Kirstie and Lee as we closed is one of my best memories); packing up my apartment (my brothers and their friends are THE BEST); crashing on Lee's couch for a few days; four bridal showers (thank you to Nicole, Aunt Jill, Andrea, Courtney, Angie, and the women of AJ's home ward)...and I was in Salt Lake, checking into a hotel with my BFF Andrea. She is an absolute saint for being my righthand gal those last few days, bringing me caffeine every morning, driving up and down the I-15 with me while I tied up odds and ends, and telling me to chill during my 2 AM freak-outs. There's a reason she's a Marriott Events Coordinator-the girl gets stuff done. And there is no one I'd rather be having a sleepover with on my last night as a single woman. I love you forever, lady. We'll always have TLC in our Honda Civics. NO SCRUBS.

Design by Etsy shop Printable Wisdom-she was a dream to work with and has great items! Immense gratitude to my sister and brother-in-law for gifting us our announcements.

Andrea and I swooped AJ from the airport on Friday afternoon, and he surprised me with this day-before-the-wedding shirt. He's pretty cool.

That evening, AJ's parents generously gave us a dinner filled with our nearest and dearest, where speeches were made, slideshows were viewed, and Michael Jackson (Mason DuPaix, you're unreal) made an appearance. (I think my friends are still confused...) AJ went bowling with his crew while I was able to spend a couple hours afterwards with my besties from CA, and it was basically a scene from Sex and the City...we like to think.

Cosmos and Manolos and Fendi, OH MY!

I awoke on Saturday, September 6th, refreshed and welcoming the sunny skies. Hahaha, no. I got about three hours of sleep and, as I sat in front of the closet mirror to do my hair and makeup, I heard an "Uh-oh, don't come over here!" from Andrea. So obviously I had to. POURING RAIN. (But TWIST! I managed to stay calm and, by the time we left the hotel, there was literally a rainbow arching o'er us.) My wonderful, amazing, talented, and cool-as-a-cucumber photographer (Cheneil Garrett Photography) arrived early to shoot some boudoir shots (ooh-la-la!), then we were off to the Bountiful Temple. Andrew greeted me at the entrance in all his stylish and creative glory with my bouquet and flowers for the parents, and then I went inside to see my man. Smiles times infinity.

And then we were wed.

Being surrounded by our loved ones as we were married for time and all eternity was one of the most important and precious moments of our lives. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life that has led me to this man to whom I will be with for always.

And then we partied.

First things first, we're the realest

It's turnt, but so are we

Treat yo'self

Communal's butterscotch pudding, prepared by Lindsay Blue Ivie

Birch stands by Dad, gorgeous cake by Jennie Rasmussen of Let Them Eat Cake

Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood

I literally CAN'T EVEN

                                     

Our DJ was THE BEST. Carter "King Darius" Hurst, your mixing skills are like no other. The dance floor just wouldn't quit. Find him on Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, Facebook, and give him big love. House party? Hit him up. Sweet 16? He's your guy. Opening for Tinashe in SLC? Did it.

Lindsay KILLING some Robyn

Show Me Love sing-a-long

AJ started law school at UVA (TOP TEN!) this year, a few weeks before our wedding. This meant he flew out of UT on August 17th, after a glorious few days at Bear Lake with the Jones-Swartwood crew. He and I woke up before dawn and we drove to the airport, all the while singing along to the greatest songs of Mariah Carey, Babyface, and other R&B hitmakers of the '90s for two hours. Go listen to Always Be My Baby IMMEDIATELY. And wear some cut-offs and a denim shirt while you're doing it. While we had the three weeks apart, AJ took the opportunity to choreograph (thanks for the help, Lena!) and perfect a dance for me that he surprised the crowd with at our reception. This man...143

My boo's got moves YOU'VE neva' seen

And then the skies opened up, the thunder boomed, and the rain poured. Can't stop, won't stop. This rain dance culminated in a group of us gathered on the dance floor under a tablecloth, AJ and I in the middle, surrounded by our people, while Rihanna's Umbrella played. Hollywood couldn't have planned a better ending. (But thank you to my sister Courtney who traveled all around northern UT to gather sparklers that were never lit!) 

Quick good-byes were had, my amazing family cleaned everything up amidst the downpour, my Kimisha whisked the gifts to safety, and we raced to the car. AJ and I had a late dinner of tapas at Eva in Salt Lake in our soaking wedding attire, and it was perfect. Thank you forever to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and efforts to making 9.6.14 so special and such immense fun, especially my parents. So many people came from near and far, and it really meant the WORLD to us; I am continually overwhelmed when I think of it and you. Being across the country for the next three years as AJ finishes law school and I complete my novel is allowing us to struggle, grow, learn, and love together; but this day, with everyone, will always be a part of us. 

XO