The beginning of "Together Forever"

The wedding was fantastic. Tod and I were married on May 2nd & finally we get to spend the rest of our lives, and eternity, together.

When it came down to it, all the plans, all the preparations, all the dreaming, came together in a way that joyfully passed by too quickly.

The morning of the 2nd was pouring rain as I drove up to Salt lake to get my hair and nails done. I was a little nervous driving up the freeway with such low visibility. I didn't mind the rain for the day though, I love it. I think rain is very calming and exciting, and it was waching all of the pollen out of the air and that means I could breathe.

The ceremony was the most stellar & warmingly beautiful thing I have ever experienced. Tod and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple at 2:20 in the afternoon. It was incredibly fun getting ready in the brides room. At the temple they let you have one escort, which was my mom, & then they have temple workers to dote upon you & help you get ready. Then I was escorted to where I could meet Tod, & we could go through the veil together. It was the most amazing feeling to meet with our sealer before our marriage and talk about where we have been in our lives. Then we waited in the celestial room for them to call us into the sealing room. We were brought in there to find it empty. All of our guests were still in the lobby waiting to be called up! So we were escorted back to the celestial room while we waited for them to be called and seated. Tod and I booked a room that seated 45 people and when we returned the second time we found that nearly all the seats were filled, only a couple seats were left open.

That moment that I walked into the sealing room was the second that I started to be so filled with joy that I cried. I cried a little in the celestial room as Tod and I waited to be presented in the sealing room, but I was really overwhelmed when I looked across the faces of family and friends that I have known so long, only just met, who travelled so far, and all their brightness and smiles as they watched us walk in -- the joy that is in my heart -- it is indescribable. I am crying even now as I recall that moment and relate it to you.

The things that the sealer said motivates me to want to return to the temple so that I can recall those things again, to review the thoughtfulness and depth of what it means to both be sealed and to attend the temple. He highlighted specific points of various ceremonies, such as the endowment and the initiatory, in his words that gives me great satisfaction. Also they increased my knowledge of my understanding of my role and privilege and joy that is mine to be a wife, and motivates me to revisit the temple.

Afterwards time seems to have moved by so quickly, like in fast forward, as we went out into the light & romantic rain to take pictures with our family, and then around the temple grounds, and the reception that evening. I was especially excited to see all of the friends and family that were later on at the reception, and to spend some time with them and spread the joy a little longer as we visited.

I must say that one of the greatest gifts I received that evening was the company of good friends and family.

One specifically that I will mention is my past Bishop, Bishop Klein, from BYU 138th ward. It was the ward (congregation) that I moved from into 57th ward where I met Tod. I lived in the boundaries of that ward for almost three years -- a very tumultuous three years. His visit was of particular note because he had come early to the reception, but missed us because we were still off taking pictures. He gave his well wishes to my parents and then continued home. As he sat at home he just couldn't get the uneasy feeling out of his heart that he should come back and see us. So he did. Bishop Klein sat with us at the end of the night made sure that we were well fed and well watered asking with an attitude of joy and service, "is there anything else I can get for the both of you?" then proceeded to check on all those seated around us as well in the same manner. Once he made sure everyone was doing well he sat with us and gave us some advice called "The Three C's". I love Bishop Klein for this reason because he comes us with such memorable ways to remember the advice that he gives or the gospel doctrine that he teaches. I quite literally have every ounce of energy within me listening as he speaks so that I do not miss anything he -- or the Holy spirit -- says.

The three C's are first, Confidence. One must have confindence in oneself, in the gospel, and in their spouse. The second is Clarity. Clarity offers us the ability to understand, empathize, and see (both mentally and physically) so we can appropriately act and gain truthful knowledge. The last he stopped and asked with a coy smile on his face "can you guess what the third C is?" Both Tod and I thought and reflected, Tod shook his head, and I go ta glimmerin my eye and excitedly shared "Charity". Bishop Klein said "Yes. That is right." He then turned his gaze to Tod and related about his earlier visit before the reception wth my parents, and shared that he had told my parents that I am very talented in this last C, that "Adrianna has and shows a great deal of charity" so now he was not surprised that I came to figure it out so quickly. He said to us that Charity is the true love in our hearts that motivates us to do good not only with each other (our spouse) but to all those we meet and will bring into this world. He advised us to keep Charity as a strong element in our home as we build and invite friends and family into it.

This advice will stand as one of the most treasured gifts I have ever been given.

It was a beautiful day with everything turning out just as perfectly as it could, regardless of plans, because everyone just gave themselves to being there -- and all that "being there" demanded -- and made it magnificent.