I'm typing this post as the totally mature, grown-up, all-sorts (Camille, that's for you) of-married Carrie Cluff. ;) Just kidding. I really am just the same 'ol Carrie... just with a wedding band on my left-handed ring finger now.
Playing the part of a bride was sure fun... we took lots and lots of pictures in the beautiful dress that is my own wedding dress now... a dress I hope one day to pass on to my daughters.
We had SO much help with the wedding plans, and with the many hands at work, we pulled together a simple, yet elegant and perfect wedding for my David and I. From a former elementary school librarian arranging my bouquet to friends and family in Arizona and Idaho helping set up for receptions/open houses... it was incredible to see how many people love us and were willing to pitch in. :)
The day of our wedding was a busy one... it started early after a good night's rest that always follows a day full of play. The two families got to meet the day before the wedding and boy did we play... hard! I slept next to my wonderful and very much cherished friend the last night as a single girl. She and I have shared many a night talking late into the wee hours of the morning about this man I chose to marry-- and I can't thank her enough for being there as a listening ear and a sound source of advice and counsel. I love that girl. :)
As much fun as girl-friends and sisters are, there is no comparison to being married to a very best friend. The ceremony within the walls of the Logan Temple left us both with permanent smiles as we came to realize that we were married-- FOREVER! The smiles didn't stop all day long. The 3 hour drive to my home after the luncheon flew by in a happy daze and the reception that night didn't even phase us. We were laughing and hugging and smiling our cheeks off all night. :D So many friends and family came to visit, wish us well, and leave something or other for us to start our new life with. :)
The next week involved a LOT of traveling... we journeyed clear to the land of Arizona for an Open House the next weekend... Thank you Leven Thumps for the entertainment you provided in the form of a book on CD. We adventured in Zions and did a bit of hiking, watched the Hunger Games in theaters, got to visit the St. George Temple as a newly married couple, and made it down in time to help with decorations for the big Open House. Again, we were showered with gifts and hugs and smiles and 'Congratulations!'-- it was neat to meet a lot of my new extended family. :)
It has now been 7 weeks since the big day. We're still very happily married and enjoying the newlywed feel as we work in Jackson for the summer. The summer will be a rough one as my job takes me away from my new husband 4 days of the week... not the ideal situation for a new couple, but we're surviving. Time on the weekends is well used to be with my sweet husband. I'm one happy camper for the time being. :D
