WEDDING BELLS

I decided it was time to marry my best friend of 10 years...during a global pandemic. I thought it would be a small event with just us and family. I looked into getting a nice Airbnb house and using the yard. Their rules changed due to Covid-19. My next thought as more people were being invited was a small venue. Those were mostly closed due to Covid. We finally settled on the best and most beautiful venue -- Jordan Pines campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The spot was perfect and beautiful. It allowed for more guests to come and be socially distanced out in the open air.

With the help of my mother, we sent out invitations, made some decorations, got some nice outfits prepared, and then we did the thing! It started out raining all morning, tapered off in the afternoon, and became a spectacularly beautiful evening for the ceremony and small reception. Here are a few photos to recap the day.

I love you, Brandon.

 

PROMISE RING

What's love got to do with it? What has happened to our world where your relationship isn't official unless you post it on social media?! People used to give a promise ring to show their love and commitment to each other. I find it really romantic.

Is this ring a passing fad or a new way for couples to declare their love?

Brilliance.com has a new Promise Ring collection. It is a lovely way to say "I Promise" to love you and be faithful to our relationship. Check them out and let your loved one know your promise of love.

TRUE LOVE

Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection.

I'm Deanna...I try to love everybody. It's true.

But I think I have been afraid to be IN love...until recently. I have opened my heart to the idea of nurturing true love as described in this talk by Marvin J. Ashton. He says:

True love is a process.

True love requires personal action.

Love must be continuing to be real.

Love takes time. Too often expediency, infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love. 

Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances. 

Meaningful love is a continuing process that will bring joy and happiness to all participating parties.

I am not a very good impulse buyer when I go shopping so, obviously, I wouldn't be able to just give my heart away to anybody who asks for it. I needed time to grow, learn, and feel like I was ready for love. I have learned love is enduring. Love will stick by your side through the good, bad, and ugly life throws your way. Love will also stick by your side when you tell it to go away (even if that means 4 or 400 years). Love will forgive you for your mistakes and grow stronger with you as you progress together. Love will laugh with you (probably because you are the funniest person you know). Love knows all about you and wants to learn more. Love will blow your mind.

In the talk, MJA continues to say:
...we need and deserve more than the declaration, "I love you." Let us resolve to take the time to give of ourselves in putting love into appropriate action and performance. Those who truly understand love know it must be basically simple, continuing, and sincere.

Sometimes love knows when you need space and will give it. True love will be waiting (and ready to return) when you are ready. True love is real.

Deanna loves you xo

COMMITMENT ISSUES

Costco made me realize I have commitment issues. 

I want to buy trail mix.

*I could go with the big bag that has peanuts and m&m's because I know that one is delicious!

However, I know I don't need to eat the one with m&m's.

*I could try a new kind, but I don't want a 20 lb bag nor do I want to pay $30 for it because I might hate it.

That store seriously fills me with anxiety.

WEDDING COOKIES

IF
I was getting married tomorrow (and that's a pretty big if), I would have these Czech wedding cookies at the reception. I just ate them today on a whim and it was like heaven in my mouth (keep your thoughts clean, guys). 

I had the cream (not my fave), nut, and poppy seed varieties. OHMYGOSH. And they're pretty to look at as well.

MRS & MR AZ

Ten hour drive both ways (me driving and my mom sleeping), 112 degree weather, and I made it to Mesa for my good friend Staci's wedding.

 Love and stuff

 Congratulations to the happy couple

 We posed for a few fun photos in Downtown Mesa

 Ate some greasy tacos & enjoyed Jack in the Box

 Climbed a cactus or two

 Hung out poolside

 Made a few fun pitstops along the drive

Laughed a little

Laughed a little more

 Got to see old pals living in town

ROYAL WEDDING

Dear Prince Harry, 

Let's make it a double Royal Wedding! 

(wink wink. Nudge nudge. Say no more say no more). 

They'd never expect an American bird in the Royal Family.

xoxoxo