The Speechley Wedding

Megan is married.
Megan is married to Jeff.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley, SAY WHAT??

I love Megan, and I love Jeff. More importantly, I love them together. Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 was the day, marriage was the game, and they were #winners all day!

Really, the day was perfect. We set up the church for the luncheon all day Monday. Megan and Jeff both looked happy as can be, nothing could stress them out. And wow, what a team that came together to make the church that megan has spent her life growing up in, a perfect arena for her dream wedding reception.

Tuesday morning, Chase and I woke up early to get to the Salt Lake temple in plenty of time. (Sad story: the previous Friday night, Megan recieved her endowment. That's the very happy part. The sad part is that Chase and I ended up stuck on 89 in a broken car, stupid alternator. We missed her session, but we went through anyway and I thought about Megs the whole time, and of course I cried when I found her in the dressing room after. Hence, we were NOT going to be late for the ceremony.) We picked up Clark and raced to Salt Lake. I hurridly found the brides room, only to find that Meg had already gone up the the celetial room to meet her groom. As the wedding party made their way to the sealing room, I couldn't help but tear up. Megan and Jeffy are getting married. That day that they have waited for for four months, or rather their whole lives, is here. Today, is the day.

The sealing was perfect. It is a beautiful thing to be able to return to the temple and witness sealings, and remember the covenants I made with God and Chase a year and a half ago. I couldn't look at Meg for longer than about two seconds at a time before welling up like a wet sponge. The looks on their faces were calm, happy and ready. Their exit from the temple was very sweet. Surrounded by family and friends, they basked in their married glory. I love weddings, but I LOVE sealings, especially those of whom I care so much about.

The lunch was at one at the church, although I had to keep reminding myself we were in a cultural hall. The place was packed with Megan and Jeff's closest friends and family, as well as good food and beautiful decor. The sweet words said by the parents of the newly weds and the bride and groom could not have been more perfect. I personally cried like a baby the whole time. Jeff really is Megan's perfect person. I am so glad they found each other. Of course, I can't say that 13 years ago, when Jeff and I were in primary together, I could see it coming that, one day, J Speech would be my brother-in-law. However, in this family, we don't do "in laws". Jeffy is my brother!

The reception later that evening, was a dream. Something that I think has to be somewhat unique to weddings in the mormon church is the sheer volume of support that comes out of the wood work to be there to create the perfect day. The cake cutting was darling, the boquet toss was precious, the garter toss was scandelous, the last dances were tender, and the first dance was short. But let us not forget what might have been one of the highlights of the entire affair; The Five (Jeff's four best friends; Ethan, Ben, Israel and Mason) planned a dance to "Jesse's Girl" (Jeffy's girl) and sang to Meg and Jeff. Adorbs. Jeff has some of the best friends a guy could ask for. Finally, the couple ran through a tunnel of sparklers. The perfect ending to a perfect day.

In preparation for the marriage, I was able to attend all of Megan's bridal showers. How fun! A series of parties just for the bride as she prepares to make THE most important decision in her life. Megs was then focusing on the kind of bride she would be, the kind of wife she would be. And she did so beautifully. The first shower, a neighborhood shower at Jody's, I gave her a Willow Tree. My older sister did that for me, and I won't ever forget the feeling; the feeling you get when you know you have the support of your sister. At her friend shower, I gave Meg an "S" and a couple ornaments to remind them of their winter wedding. At her in-laws shower, I gave her a plaque that said, "And I thought I loved you then..." Jeff and Megan's song. And we will just let the gifts of the bachelorette party be left to the imagination! I think Megan and Jeff enjoyed being engaged, which I love. The engagement is part of the fun!

And after the couple returned from a honeymoon in Park City, they moved into "The Cabin". A precious little one bedroom literal cabin in Ogden. It's perfect for the two of them. Off street parking and everything! I am so happy for them. I caught myself a few times in the last 5 months remembering how fun it was to be engaged and newly wed, and I hope I never forget! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Speechley!

I love today!!!

Today was killer.

I seriously love today. It started out drab; Chase and I got to the library only to realize I had forgotten my textbook at home. After a solid paper writing and some studying, and an ace-ace-in-your-face by Chase on his last final, we headed home. After we were primmed and prepped we headed to Salt Lake in time for a quick swing by to Victoria's Secret to find out how much my rewards card was worth... $500!!!! Holy cow, can you believe it?? Well don't, because it was actually worth $10! Anyway, we then headed to Little America for the Tanner Co. Christmas party. It was beautiful of course. And there was a little pre-gaming with the BEST hot chocolate ever, and some "domestic cheeses" and crackers. As the group assembled and headed into the dining room, we met more of my future co-workers, what a fun group! I met my mentor/coach, Todd, and my audit buddy, Katie! Dinner was delightful, and the after party was hysterical! So... picture in your mind... a parter from the firm dressed in a tuxedo. He draws the attention of the room to himself just as Gangum Style starts to play over the Christmas music in the background. It's fine, it just turned into a flash mob. Who ever said CPAs are boring? I haven't laughed that hard in a loooong time. I had tears welling up in my eyes. The DJ then arranged a line of guys from the firm that did YMCA in goofy hats to get the dance party started. I did indeed get pulled into it for a minute, before I died inside and had to sit down again. Then the unthinkable happened; Chase pulled me onto the dance floor! What? Oh ya, that is not his norm, but it was 45 seconds of fun! We then walked out with a little gift, the coooolest speaker ever in the world that I am in love with. Let's just say I am so happy I have the opportunity to get to know these people better.

Chase and I then headed over to the Conference Center to meet his parents and grandparents who were attending the MoTab concert. Back track: we haven't seen Grandma and Grandpa Darrell for 11 months! They have been serving a mission in Sweden. The are home for Megan and Jeff's wedding! Back on track... so Chase and I go sit in a little corner of the conference center to get warm and wait for the last 30 minutes of the show.

I love my husband.

He sang to me, and challenged my whistling skills, and looked just perfect. It was one of those nights when it feels like we are 17 and 18 again. As we waited, we could hear the program. Alfie Boe, Chase's most favorite tenor, was one of the guests. And when he sang, Chase and I just looked at each other. I almost cried, I was so happy that Chase got to hear him sing. We danced to the last song, then went looking for the family. Of course I cried when I saw grandpa and grandma. They are just the cutest.

Tomorrow, Meg receives her endowment. I am so excited for her. If anyone is ready, she is.

A few things we have missed... Hudder's was blessed on December 4th! It was so sweet, Sean did an amazing job, and Hudson was perfect. I cheated and peeked to look at Lauren during the blessing. What a sweet moment for a new mama, and what a perfect mama she is. Oh! And Huddy laughs now! I haven't seen it in person, just on a video! I can't wait to see him giggle!

Finals week: it ends Saturday. Chase is done, but I have a couple things left to do. One test, one project. Normally I finish early, but this semester is killing me.

Coming up: the wedding, Christmas, and dad's 50th birthday!!! Life is so so good :)