Wedding: (part 2) THE RECEPTION

Oh man, this day was so perfect. I love thinking about how truly happy I was (and still am). Everything went perfectly. I was even early to almost everything (which was a huge surprise to me and Jordan and both our families because I am usually always late to everything!) It was literally the best day of my life.

We held our reception at The Manor at Riverwoods. Ideally I would have liked to do an outdoor reception, but in October the weather is too sketchy.  But honestly, the Manor was a perfect location to hold our reception. Because the Manor is so close to where we both grew up, we felt like the majority of the people we invited attended-it was a great turn out. The building itself is gorgeous, it was a great location.

Looking back, the only thing I would have changed is having a longer reception, CRAZY I know! I thought two hours would have been enough time, but I wish it would have lasted just a half hour longer to hang out and visit after the receiving line and lets be honest, I didn't want the day to end. After our reception Jordan and I spent the night in salt lake at THE LITTLE AMERICA before catching a plane to HAWAII. (a honeymoon post will becoming shortly).

I know I keep saying this day was perfect and amazing, blah, blah, blah, I know, I sound so cheesy! But, honestly I can't explain this day any other way. It was the best day of my life. So for now- enjoy the cheesiness!

siblings

these littles are my favorite

I have the best of friends

i absolutely love how the purple turned out.
it is such a great color!

all of the nieces and nephews
i love how alex is bawling!

my moms side of the family

my dads side of the family

everything was so beautiful

i absolutely loved my cake.
its exactly how i imagined it
the flowers underneath it were breathtaking!

cutting the cake

our first dance

traditional father daughter dance

i just love this little guy.

our sparkler getaway.
don't mind my crazy face- i was laughing so hard

This day couldn't have been better. I was so unbelievably happy. I am grateful for everyone who helped make this day perfect. I am so grateful for my parents, Jordan's parents and Jordan. He is amazing!

VENDORS:

HAIR: starlee hopkins

MAKE UP: keara wright 

PHOTOGRAPHER: travis j 

VIDEOGRAPHER: trevor haugen 

DRESS: the perfect dress

FLOWERS: cheryl 

VENUE: the manor at the riverwoods

FOOD: marvelous catering 

CAKE: cakes by dawna

PIANIST: alejandro gomez

INVITATIONS: stacy southwick (jordan's aunt)

xoxo,
The Johnstons.

WEDDING: (part 1) THE TEMPLE

OCTOBER 18th
the most PERFECT and HAPPIEST day of my life.

Jordan and I were sealed for time and all eternity
in the Salt Lake Temple

Friday morning, I woke up around 5:30, a bit too early if you ask me but totally worth it! My dear friend Starlee (who works at AMARA) did my amazing hair and Keara who also works at Amara did my wonderful make up.  The morning was going smoothly and I even made it home with a few minuets to spare before Jordan picked me up for our drive to the temple. 

As Jordan and I drove to the temple, it felt like a dream. I couldn't believe we were actually getting married! Surprisingly we made it to salt lake with time to spare. So, I asked Jordan if we could stop and get some PRETZELS! (haha) Well, they didn't have them at the first gas station so we ran to the Harmon's by City Creek. It was so funny as we were running around the grocery store looking for pretzels in his suit and me in a dress with my hair and make up done. 

After our pit stop we made it to the temple, they asked us to be there a few hours before our actual sealing to go over all the details and paperwork. Then we had an hour or so to spend together in the celestial room. The anticipation was KILLING me! I was so excited and so calm. I couldn't wait another second to marry my price and although we waited for what seemed like forever, I am grateful for that time we shared just sitting there. It helped us reflect on the importance of what we were doing. Finally, they brought us into the sealing room. It was amazing. All of our friends and family sitting their supporting us. When I saw my grandpa I lost it. He is so special to me (as i commented in an earlier post, my grandpa had a quick trip to the hospital the day before I took out my endowments, so I was extremely grateful and excited to see him in the sealing room.) The sealing was so perfect. I don't even remember what was said and half the time I couldn't even look at Jordan because I knew I would start sobbing uncontrollably. But looking into his eyes, holding hand and saying "I DO" was the most special moment of my life! Everything was perfect and the feeling of happiness was overwhelming. I couldn't have been more happy. 

Proceeding the ceremony we took a million pictures- as Jordan would say. I loved taking pictures, even though I was FROZEN the entire time. (luckily I had a great photographer and you can't even tell I was cold!) Finally pictures wrapped up and Jordan and I drove home to our reception as MR and MRS!

I apologize in advance for all the pictures, but there are just too many that I love. So hopefully you enjoy them as much as I do.

coming out of the temple

everyone who came to support us

my grandma, jordan's grandma and my grandpa

my friends and family

my family without hunter who stayed home because he was ill.

 

jordan's friends and family

Jordan's family

I love this pictures. Finally all of their sons are married.
we had to get a kissing picture 

Jordan with his brothers

Of course we had to get a picture with Scott!
all thanks to this guy!

Our great friends

xoxo,
The Johnstons

week of the wedding

It's about time I finish up all the wedding blogging, so lets start with the week of the wedding; it was crazy, but calm at the same time. I felt like the whole week we were celebrating some aspect of the wedding, which i totally loved. It made the week and our special day last longer.

On tuesday, I was able to take out my endowments at the TIMPANOGOS TEMPLE. It was perfect. So calming and reassuring. I won't lie I was a bit nervous because it was my first time and I didn't know what to expect. Throughout the session I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming feeling that Jordan and I were supposed to marry each other.  There were a few moments where I just started crying because my love for him was reassured while I was sitting in the temple. It was so great to have both our families there supporting us. Before we left, Jordan and I took a moment in the celestial room just the two of us. It was the most amazing feeling. I am so grateful for the gospel and church that I am apart of. I love the feeling that Jordan will be mine forever. It was such an amazing experience and I am grateful that Jordan and I decided to marry in the temple.

Wednesday, we were tying up lose ends and last minuet details for the wedding. Packing up my room and packing for the honeymoon (to HAWAII)

Thursday we had our rehearsal dinner. The dinner was so beautiful. We held it at Thanksgiving Point and it couldn't have been more perfect. I love that we did our dinner the night before, it gave us time to really enjoy the moment. We showed a slideshow (which is posted below this was so fun seeing Jordan as a baby and reminiscing on all of our memories together) and our bridal video while people were eating.  After everyone ate, we had a short program with my parents, his parents, his older brother, my best mate chelsea, and of course the two of us giving a little speech. I don't even remember what was said, or what I said but I know everything turned out great.

Don't mind my crazy eyes.
For some reason, this is the only picture I have of all the girls at the dinner

After the dinner, I went out for a little "bachelorette" party with my girlfriends. We did it the night before the wedding because we wanted to my friend Chelsea to join us. (She was living in Hawaii at the time I got married and she made a special trip to be there, it was the best thing a friend could do. I was so happy she was able to be there for me on my big day.) We went to grab a quick treat at the chocolate and gabbed while they gave me some "fun" gifts.

After our treat, I went to Jordan's house for one last night being single. When he finally took me home I felt so giddy knowing that that night would be the last time he had to take me home ever again. In less than 24 hours I would become a MRS!

This is the slideshow we had playing at the wedding dinner. 

Valentine's Day

I LOVE Valentines Day!

Valentine's day is so fun! I love the pinks and reds, the hearts, glitter and cute decorations; I can't get enough! Yeah, I'm a sucker for a holiday. There was something about this holiday that I got really excited for, I think its because I have the best valentine and even though we have spent Valentines day together before, there was something about being married and celebrating this day of LOVE for the first time! Our first married VALENTINES was perfect. 

I started the day out surprising Jordan with a CANDY GRAM. I had a lot of fun making this and I think he enjoyed it as well!  The poster included some of his favorite treats (doughnuts, carmel apple, gum, Mt. Dew, airhead, hot tamales and something a little "sexy" to top it off.) 

The card said: 

"Hey Valentine, 

Don't (doughnuts) you know I'm crazy about you! 

You're the apple (carmel apple) of my eye. 

And even though you're kind of an airhead (airhead) sometimes, 

I'd still choose (big league chew) to mount and dew (mt. dew) you!

You are one (hot tamale!) 

xoxo: your valentine"

I added some candles (I think he loves them, more than I do) and of course a little V.S. We're newly weds..its acceptable right! 

After work, Jordan brought home the most GORGEOUS FLOWERS and CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES (my absolute favorite!)

 For dinner, we drove to salt lake for a little BENIHANA'S! It's such a fun restaurant and we both love it. It was such a fun atmosphere. After dinner, I had another surprise for Jordan. We spent the night at the Marriott in Salt Lake. It was such a fun little get away for the night. Our room had the pretties view too, we were on the top floor and looked over the ice rink at the Galivan Center. 

It was such a perfect night! I love my valentine and I am so grateful that he is my eternal valentine. 

Like Jordan said, "Valentine's Day is always better with a Valentine" 

Although, it sounds like such silly comment, I think I would have to agree with him. 

I hope you guys had a great VALENTINES DAY as well! 

xoxo, 

The Johnstons 

olympics

The OLYMPICS are such an amazing event, I am so glad and grateful that we, as a world, still continue to take part in the games. I feel like the Olympics are a time where we come together as world with peace in our hearts. Its a time when everyone has the same goal and everyone cheers for each other. The world supports each other and its amazing to see. It's amazing to see that there is still good in the world. I think a perfect example of the world coming together is allowing the games to take place in RUSSIA. As Jordan said, "I think it is the most profound statement in the world, that they let Russia do the Olympics. Everyone looks to them (Russia) as if they are the bad guy and now its their chance to show the world that they are not all that bad." Which I agree with him, yes, Russia hasn't had a super stellar past and Putin may have some unusual ideas about running his country, but honestly, I think he is trying to do the best for his country. Now whether his rules are good or bad I'm not going to discuss, but I think it is amazing they Olympics are in Russia. Jordan and I loved watching the opening ceremonies. Some of my favorite highlights include: 

The war and peace dancers, especially the main ballerina! She was so beautiful. 

The jellyfish dancers (a clip can be seen on my instagram).  

The snowflakes turning into the olympic rings. 

(we will ignore that one of the rings didn't open all the way- it was still spectacular)

The olympic sports forming in the "stars" I thought this was so brilliant. 

The animation displayed on the floor throughout the entire program was unbelievable! 

The lighting of the torch was beautiful 

and the firework show at the end... FORGET ABOUT IT! 

Basically, it sounds like I LOVED the entire show, I thought they did such an amazing job, but its hard not to enjoy the opening ceremonies of the olympics. Although, can I be negative for a second. 

WHAT WERE THE AMERICAN'S WEARING? 

Their sweaters were HORRIBLE! I mean come on I could have designed better sweaters than that! Hopefully next winter olympics they will have better uniforms. 

Okay next topic: I absolutely love when the athletes walk into the stadium for the first time. It touches my heart every time. It is so humbling to see a country with only ONE or TWO athletes competing; their reactions are indescribable. Both Jordan and I got a little teary eyed when we saw athletes crying as they walked through the stadium. I can't even imagine that feeling; I bet it is the best feeling in the world. After all this time all your hard work is finally paying off. You made it to the olympics- even if you don't win a medal, you have obtained an amazing goal of just being there. 

 I JUST LOVE IT! 

I love the spirit of the Olympics. 

Watching the Olympics takes me back to 2002 when I was lucky enough to participate in the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. I was apart of the awards ceremony where we preformed every night before the athletes were given heir medals! It was such an amazing experience. Driving up to salt lake everyday, spending hours in a tent, playing games, meeting famous people, collecting pins, walking around all the craziness, dressing up in our giant fluffy coats grabbing our lanterns, heading home and doing it over agin the next day. I was in 5th grade and didn't fully understand how awesome the olympics were, but looking back I am so grateful that I had this opportunity, it is an experience I will never forget! 

we were so little, and SO warm!
 "CHILDREN OF LIGHT"

WOW- I'm sorry this post was a novel! But I hope you all enjoy the Olympics as much as I do.

 I'm definitely looking forward to the figure skating and can't wait to see who comes out on top. 

 ENJOY THE GAMES! 

a weekend of sunshine

Okay, I am a few weekends behind on this post but story of my life- I'm always late. 

Anyway, over Martin Luther King weekend Jordan and I were lucky enough to take a quick road trip to St. George for some golf, a little sun and spending a few days with my sweet grandpa.
My grandpa is the sweetest man and he is so generous to let us stay at his home. It was great to see him because I haven't seen him since our wedding in October.

We got in late friday night and went straight to bed. Saturday morning was all about trying to catch a few rays and hitting the course. Jordan has the "GOLF BUG" and that was his only request that we golf and although I don't golf at all, I didn't mind because it mean that I got to sit in a cart, in the sun, with my dr. pepper for a few hours. My uncle Gene and Grandpa came golfing with us and we had a great time. That night we went to dinner and then Jordan and I hit the hot tube. I think we were born for retirement because golfing and the lounging by pool is something we live for! Too bad we haven't even started our careers yet!

Golfing at Southgate

Sunday we went to church with my grandpa, dinner at my uncles and then we hung out with our good friends ANNA and CHAD! They moved to St. George because Anna got an internship down there. It was so fun to see them, we had a fun night of pool (which, i am TERRIBLE at) talking about the ELECTRIC RUN (which we can't wait to do this summer.. this will be talked about soon in another post) and the night ended with chad educating me about STEVE BARTMAN! The poor cubs fan who took the blame for the cubs losing the world series in 2006. I felt so bad for him, anyone interested in what happened should look up his story- there is  whole documentary about it!

Monday morning came early as we went to an eight am session at the St. George Temple with my sweet grandpa. This was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful we were able to go with him. It was extra special for me because a few days I went to the temple for the first time my grandpa has some health issues and he wasn't able to come to the temple with me. Obviously I am so glad he is okay and it wasn't anything serious, but at the time I was sad that he wasn't able to be there.

St. George Temple
such a beautiful place!

SIDENOTE-----> After my grandma passed away, my grandpa had foot surgery and lived with my family for about six or eight months, during this time we became very close and I gained a wonderful relationship with him. I am grateful for this time we had to get to know each other on a better level. He is such an amazing person. 

 I look up to him so much. 

He is such a wonderful example of what it means to love and serve someone. 

He has the kindest heart. 

He is one of my heroes. 

Enough of that rant, back to what I was saying. It was so special to be in the temple with him. I couldn't help but think of my grandma while we were there and I know he felt the same. I am grateful for that experience and the gospel in my life. After the temple we tried out a great little breakfast place called the WAGONWHEEL. After breakfast we packed up and hit yet another golf course. Jordan wanted to golf at SAND HOLLOW on our way out, I'll admit it was a beautiful course. After 9 holes we headed home. 

can't go to st. george without stopping by NIESLENS!
the BEST frozen custard around

look at his forum
he is so SEXY! 

It was such a nice little getaway, some sun was just what the doctor ordered! 

xoxo,

The Johnstons