7.29.2011

One Year Later





On this very Friday only one year ago, my now-fiancee Stephen picked me up for what would be the last First Date of our lives.

We had spoken twice that week leading up to the Big First Date, both conversations lasting 2+ hours each. I already felt like I knew so much about him, but still had major butterflies because, let's face it, he's a hottie : )




I left work half an hour early to head home and start getting ready. I primped in the bathroom for 2 hours, making sure my dress was perfect, my hair was in place and my make-up was sweat proof and flawless.

He picked me up promptly at 7:00 p.m.....actually scratch that. He was 5 minutes early. Which, as Patty the Millionaire Matchmaker would say, is a good sign.

I'll never forget the way I felt when I first laid eyes on him. It was like 6 feet and 170 pounds of light and positivity walked through my front door. It was as if God said at that moment, "Screw all those bad dates and not-so-nice guys before. This is the one for you. It's your turn to be happy."

I was immediately comfortable and at ease, knowing full well he was a legitimate guy with good intentions.

We went out to dinner at Copeland's, a New Orleans style restaurant that's close to where we live. I really don't remember how the food tasted, the specials, or anything else about the restaurant. But I can tell you exactly what he wore, what he said and the way I felt staring at him from across the table.

We saw a movie after dinner and then he walked me up to my door at the end of the night. A perfect, southern gentleman. (The beauty of this date is in the details, but those memories are ours : )

Two days later, we were hanging out again, watching True Blood and playing with Ari (our dog) in the backyard.

We've never been apart since.

Did I know I'd marry him the moment I saw him? Yes. (And I've always made fun of people that said that.)

As I type this, it's amazing how my life has done a 180 in just 365 short days. We're only 50 days away from our wedding and sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember that this is reality. It's true what my mom (and Flannery O'Conner) always said - a good man is hard to find, but they're out there.


My favorite things about Stephen are his sense of humor, his wit, the way he can work a room full of people, his kindness, his love for God, the way he treats his momma, his honesty, his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs and the Arkansas Razorbacks, the way he treats his little niece Ava, the way he makes me feel pretty, (even when I'm wearing gym shorts and tennis shoes), his homemade spaghetti sauce, his dedication to our relationship....

In other words, I'm still smitten.

One year later.



P.S.- These babies popped up on my desk yesterday after I got back from lunch. Two dozen red roses polished off with white cala lillies for moi. He's spoiling me rotten!

Be blessed, lovelies-

41 comments:

  1. Wow! I'm so happy for you and it seems like you have found your perfect match. I hope you have a wonderful wedding and a blessed marriage!

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  2. This post gave me goose bumps!! I pray that yall have a wonderful and happy life together!

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  3. I'm so happy for you! I loved this post!

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  4. I love this because Bruce and my story is similar. I hope if someone is struggling, they read this and feel inspired!

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  5. How sweet!! I love your engagement photos.

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  6. So sweet. It's amazing what can happen in one year!

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  7. This is so, so sweet! I am so happy for you!

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  8. What a great story, good to know that there is hope out there. Congratulations you two, I loved reading this. It made me smile =)

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  9. aww...I loved reading that story! :)

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  10. What a sweet story! You landed yourself a total hottie haha.

    thatgirldenise.blogspot.com

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  11. You guys are adorable!!! You look perfectly smitten. Congrats on the anniversary!

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  12. :) Love seeing y'all so happy!!! He knew right away too!!!! Can't wait for the big day! So excited that you will OFFICIALLY be my sister!!

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  13. This brought tears to my eyes, I'm a sucker for love :). Good guys are worth waiting for!

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  14. so sweet :) and yes, the good men ARE out there. ive got me one, too. congrats on finding yours!

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  15. My friend forwarded me your blog just so I could read this post! I LOVE IT!! What a warm and fuzzy feeling I got after reading it!! I don't know you but I am now rooting for you! I think all women want to feel loved and beautiful by one special man, the rest just seems pretty insignificant! I'm happy for you that you've found that! I wish you well and will be praying for you!

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  16. Oh my, this is such a beautiful story! It´s so amazing to read about the big love story you´re living!

    xx Ivana
    http://styleinthecityen.blogspot.com

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  17. What a beautiful love story God wrote for you guys! Love this post :) I am a romantic sap, but I've accepted it!

    Enjoy these 50 days...they're gonna fly!

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  18. what an incredible story...giving positivity to so many people out there searching for their soulmates, too--you're inching closer to the big day sweetie!!

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  19. You two are so stinkin' cute! :)

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  20. Adorable! You're a lucky gal!

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  21. This post just makes me cry! I feel like I'm reading my bff tell the world about her love...makes me so happy that you're so happy, friend! You deserve every bit of happiness that you can find. So ready to see what's next for you and Mr S!

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  22. So sweet! I, too, met my sweet boyfriend through Kelly. ;-) I knew of him but we didn't start dating until after her blog post. We'll be dating a year the first weekend of September.

    Hopefully we turn out as good as y'all have. Congratulations on every ounce of your happiness!

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  23. So happy for you two! A good man really is hard to find and I think I realize that even more now that I have one. Enjoy each other and this amazing time leading up to the wedding.

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  24. oh em gee! wow! I love that story and love your pics! You guys look made for eachother:)

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  25. Wow! This sounds like something out of a movie or fairytale. I loved reading this post. You two are adorable!!

    XoXo,
    Lauren

    http://dazzlinglydecadent.blogspot.com/

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  26. Awwww at you two!!! Loved this post! I'm so happy for you sweetie!!! You guys are adorable!! Love the pics!

    P.S. Thank you, for the sweet comment you left me :)

    XOXO, CC

    https://twitter.com/CupcakeKissesxx

    http://thecupcakecartel.blogspot.com

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  27. So sweet! It is amazing how God works:)

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  28. Girl friend this post gives me chills. I adore you and your LOVE story! SO excited for you! If theres ANYTHING I can do to help prepare for your special day, let me know :) HUGS

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  29. i remember when about a year ago, you started talking about your "muscle man personal trainer guy" and how that eventually turned into a little somethin somethin. :) it's been fun watching the journey. xo

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  30. So glad I found your blog, sounds like we have a lot in common :)

    This was such a cute post. Can't wait to read more as the wedding approaches!

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  31. I'm so happy for you and I absolutely love this story! My husband and I had our first date at Copeland's too! We've been happily married for over 4 years so I know it's a good sign. Can't wait to follow your wedding journey!

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  32. Ah, this post made me smile :)
    Congratulations to you two!

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  33. Awwww how sweet! Y'all are seriously so cute together :)

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  34. So happy for you! :) You guys are the cutest Southern couple!
    And thank you for the encouragement..it feels that there are NO good guys out there, I guess I'm in the "bad dates" phase that you experienced...Good to hear that there are a few good men! :)

    Happy for ya!

    Love your blog.
    xo
    Erin

    pinkandpolos.blogspot.com

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  35. What is it about those Stephens!??! I have one too & they are definitely keepers ;]

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  36. Oh my gosh, such a cute story!! And your outfit is *to die for*!! :) Love!

    Steph
    That's Better: Improve Your Life Every Day

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  37. Love your story.

    Also, hurrah for fifty days!

    Cxx

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  38. LOVE the blog and LOVE the post! so cute and inspirational! if you get the chance to check out my blog i would love to see what you thought of it! your opinions would mean a lot. :)

    follow me?
    www.so--hi.blogspot.com

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  39. Thank you for sharing. I am so excited for you and your special day! Looking forward to those pics! I just love a man in a checked shirts and baseball cap- too cute! XXX

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  40. Wow, these are amazing pictures.

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