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In keeping with tradition, Jay gave me a book of poetry for our anniversary. This is not because he’s a Romeo romantic, but rather because I really love poetry.

I remember the first poet I fell in love with. I was in 6th grade–he had long been dead. Nevertheless, I was quite smitten with Edgar Alan Poe–and not just because of his famous “The Raven” bit. I still have my first anthology of his work that my mother bought for me in Russia–I know because the price sticker is in rubles.

Now, I’m not any good at writing poetry, but that doesn’t stop me from trying my hand at a verse or two every now and then. But, most of the time I just stick to reading it…John Donne, Thomas Hardy, Emily Dickinson…and of course the Russian poets–Anna Akhmatova and Osip Mandelshtam (thanks college for exposing me to their talent).

This year Jay gave me Sylvia Plath’s “Ariel.” It’s probably about as far from romantic stuff as you can get. In fact, it’s downright depressing. Despite this fact, I’m quite amazed at her raw talent and deft use of the English language. Still, not exactly your snuggle-up with book.

Do you like poetry? Do you have any recommendations for next year?

I lay wide awake, staring into the darkness of my roommate’s bedroom. I just couldn’t stop thinking: “This time tomorrow I will be married!”

I had a habit of thinking about time like that–especially during finals week in college. “In 24 hours this will all be over” would sometimes be the only comfort had to get me through the end of the semester.

Well, I never could have imagined that in four years from that sleepless night I’d be where I am today. I can honestly say that I love Jay more than I did on August 20th, 2005, but that is only because of the grace of God. Being married to him is truly a blessing–and I need to remember that more often!

So, happy anniversary Sweetie! I hope we have 40+ more anniversaries together.

And now you may be wondering about my wedding photos. Well, ironically, that’s one of my biggest regrets about my wedding–my photos.

You’re probably asking, what happened? Well, for starters, I was only at the hobby stage of my passion for photography, so I didn’t know then what I know now.

Mostly, I blame myself for not planning ahead more–for not THINKING more about what I wanted. I really regret not allotting any time for photos outside of the church. What was I thinking?? Also, digital photography wasn’t what it is today four years ago.

I must say our photographer did do a great job with our getting ready shots, but from there things don’t go too well. There’s a lot of missed shots of us during the actual ceremony and reception. I’m not sure what happened there.

Now, I don’t want to end on a sad note–I’m still very happy that I married Jay, and photos or no, you can’t take that away! And I do think we’ve got some good shots. Plus, my experience has been a tremendous inspiration for me in my work–I strive that much harder to make sure none of my brides have any regrets about their wedding photos. And I hope that shows in my work!

We DID have very nice engagement photos.

I’d forgotten how loooong my hair was.

My favorite.

This was my bridal portrait. I was going for the vintage look, so I converted it into a black and white photo. P.S. My mother made my dress!

That’s my sister helping me out (thanks Martha!).

And my mother, brother, and grandmother…hmm..sounds like a rhyme to me.

Ha, thanks Kara!

I love this shot of Ha, Ha, Jay’s grandmother. She passed away about a year after we got married at the grand old age of 95.

And that’s about it for the ceremony photos until “the kiss.” The groomsmen are giving an Aggie “whoop!”

We had our reception at the Astin Mansion in Bryan, Texas, for which our dog Astin was named.

Our groomscake, made by my friend Ashley–yum, cheesecake!

And although this photo is grossly over exposed, it’s still one of my favorites.

This is also a favorite.

And this shot was taken by my mom-in-law’s point and shoot camera.

And they lived happily ever after!