Our Journey to Forever: From the First Dance to "I Do"

Our Journey to Forever: From the First Dance to "I Do"

It was a crisp summer evening in 2003 when Evan surprised me with a moment that would forever change my life. After a casual hangout with friends, he drove us to an empty church parking lot. With Jack Johnson softly playing in the background, he extended his hand and asked me to dance. Under the shimmering moonlight, surrounded only by the silence of the night, I felt something shift within me. It wasn't just the music or the setting – it was the way he looked at me, with such tenderness and sincerity. That night, without uttering the words, I knew I was falling deeply in love with him.

In the weeks that followed our moonlit dance, our relationship blossomed. Evan's quiet gestures of love and support spoke volumes, and it wasn't long before he found the courage to say those three meaningful words. It was a simple evening on the couch, sharing a movie and a bowl of popcorn, when he softly whispered, "I love you." My heart soared, and with tears of joy, I whispered back those same words that echoed the depth of my feelings for him.

Fast forward to November 2003, and our journey took another unforgettable turn. Despite knowing about the ring, Evan managed to surprise me once again. It was a seemingly ordinary errand to return a movie at Blockbuster when he asked me to step out of the truck. As I returned, he had his hand out with the ring in it. Didn't say anything just stared at me. Of course I make a joke about it asking what that was and he then asked me to marry him and of course I said yes. 

Our wedding day was March 27, 2004. Most the day went by in a blur but here is what I could remember.

Evan, notorious for running late, knew how important it was for me that we arrive on time for our wedding. To ease my worries, I insisted we travel together to the temple. Much to my relief, he was punctual, and we arrived with plenty of time to prepare. The details of the temple ceremony may be hazy now, but what remains vivid is the serenity of the celestial room, where Evan and I had a moment alone together before our sealing. Nervousness fluttered in my stomach, but it was overshadowed by the profound love I felt for him. Emerging from the temple as husband and wife, surrounded by our loved ones, was a moment of pure joy and fulfillment. I confess to being a bit particular about our wedding photos, but my brother stepped in and captured every moment beautifully.

Following the temple, we headed to the church for a ring ceremony and lunch. It was important to Evan that his family who couldn't attend the temple sealing be included in this special moment. My dad officiated the ceremony, offering Evan sage advice that still resonates with us today. "She may not always be right but she is never wrong". The rest of the day blurred with the reception, where we greeted guests and indulged in the classic Westover wedding feast – Ham/Turkey Buns, Trips, Fruit, Little Smokies, Meatballs, and Veggie Tray. 

The evening was a whirlwind of cake-cutting, garter-tossing, and dancing. Surrounded by family and friends, we celebrated our new journey together. By the end of the night, despite the feast, we were starving. Evan and I drove off to our apartment as husband and wife, where our first meal together was a simple yet satisfying pizza, accompanied by Dr Pepper and Coke. It became a tradition that we continue to honor on every anniversary – a nostalgic reminder of our first night as a married couple.