The Wedding- 4 years!

You can read about about our Wedding, honeymoon, and wedding receptions HERE, no need to post it twice ;)  

Wedding videos: 

Shorter

longer:

This is our song Amanda and Marshall wrote for us and sang to us at our wedding luncheon.  This is the perfect recap of our story!  

Happy 4 Years babe! I love you more and more everyday!  I am so glad you picked me! XOXO

The engagement!

This was written when we were first engaged, I just copied it from my previous blog.  

Our Story… Brielle’s Side

Matt, Me, Ashley, and Drew all headed down to Utah the weekend of the 25^th and 26^th for the festival of colors in Spanish fork. That day was rainy and so we ended up not going and just hung out at my house. I guess I should start a little earlier on the car ride down… Matt worked Friday and so he had to drive the bus down to Pocatello and instead of riding the bus back up Ashley, Drew and I drove his car down and picked him up and left from there. On the way down we had talked about when we wanted to get engaged and he said he has to do 2 things first 1. Talk to my dad and 2. Get money so he could buy a ring (we had gone ring shopping previously and we had picked out 3 rings that we really liked but I wanted him to pick out the “one” even though I might have hinted on the one I really wanted… which he liked because he didn’t want to pick it out since I was the one that had to wear it) Later that day we were hanging out, playing games, watching movies and such. I couldn’t find where Matt went so I went downstairs to find him I looked outside to see him talking to my dad while he was making hamburgers for lunch. I sat on the stairs and watched him for a little bit with Ashley, Drew just kept saying “it’s not the “talk” don’t worry about it” (he had known the whole weekend that Matt was going to propose so he was trying to throw me off) My dad called him inside a little later to help him with a “computer” problem so I went in too but got kicked out by my mom because I wasn’t allowed inside-fishy right! Yeah that’s what I thought too!

That night (3/26/11) we went to the church to play some basketball and hang out so we got in our work out clothes and headed over. We ended up in the chapel playing hymns and singing along (somehow we always end up at a piano and singing. We all sing different parts Drew, Matt, Ashley, and I so we just mess around with different songs) Since Drew knew that Matt was trying to find a good time to pop the question he kept coming up with ways to get out of the chapel so we were alone. Drew and Ashley went to clean up the gym while Matt and I kept playing random hymns. Ashley wanted to come back in but Drew said that Matt and I were talking and so they just stayed in the foyer. We were both on the piano bench, I stopped playing the piano and asked him what he was talking to my dad about (like I didn’t already know! Haha) he said he was too nervous to remember everything and he just remembers asking for his blessing but I kept prying… haha he got up and sat on the seats by the bench.I kept prying but it wasn’t really getting me anywhere so I just told him I wished we could be engaged so that I could tell all my friends and so we could start planning the wedding. He told me we could just make believe and pretend we were engaged; he said “want me to tell you a story?” so of course I said yes which wasn’t anything new… some nights it’s hard for me to fall asleep so I ask him to tell me a stories. So he started the story “Once there was a girl named Brielle and a boy named Matt…” he started to tell each of our miles stones like when we first held hands, first kiss, meeting the family… etc he was really nervous though so he couldn’t really remember what was next so I had to keep telling him what happened next and he just kind of rambled hahah (you think I would have started to suspect something but I still had NO clue!) He went on “One weekend they went to hang out with her family and he started to talk to her dad. That night they went to the church to play games and ended up in the chapel playing hymns and singing along. It was nice… I liked it (hahahah I told you he was just filling in random words! Haha)” after he said this my heart and stomach dropped and for a slight moment I had the thought that he could be proposing but I brushed it off because I didn’t want to get my hopes up. He kept telling the story “and then all of a sudden he got down on one knee” and then he really did… “And said Brielle Suzanna Craven will you be my wife for all eternity?!” Earlier he had taken off my ring that was on my left hand and was playing with it, which wasn’t anything new because he always plays with my rings. I thought he was just putting my ring back on my finger because I was looking into his eyes so I didn’t even realize it was the real ring until I looked down and saw it. I gave him a huge hug and kiss and finished the story and said “she says YES!!!” I still couldn’t believe it I was shaking so bad and could hardly move I was so shocked! We sat there for a while and he told me how he had gotten the ring and when he got it and all the behind the story details. We kissed a few more times… but hey we were in the chapel haha all he wanted to do was surprise me and he did 100% I always thought I would have somewhat of an idea but I seriously had NO idea, he got me and he got me good! I still can’t believe it and I can’t wait!! We are getting married August 5, 2011 in the Bountiful temple; my other dream is coming true of having my Grandpa Craven seal us! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him and begin our happily ever after!!

Trying to focus on General Conference the next two days wasn't easy, it sure was an amazing weekend though!

looking at all of our pictures I can't believe how different my hair looks in all of them.. haha

Just 20 days after saying "I love you" we were engaged!  It all seems so fast to me now but we had a looong engagement so I feel like that makes up for it.  I never get sick of telling our engagement story, it's perfect because it was so us. We even recorded it with Drew and Ashley with our other friends who wanted to know how it happened.  But lets be honest the story is so much better with all 4 of us telling it!

And just like that we were preparing for our wedding (officially)!

Honorable mentions, holding hands, dropping the L bomb and more

Bright and early on Sunday Jan 29th 2011 (who knew that only 3 years later our son would be born on that exact same day!) the 5 of us headed to Inkom for the day.  As we were loading up the car I was getting ready to go sit in my "normal" seat in the back when Brian told me that he wanted to sit in the back so I could sit in the front.  I am not the best person to go on long car rides because I sleep most the time so I didn't really care where I was in the car as long as I have my pillow. ;)

*Side note-  The night before we were watching a movie and I gave all the signs for Matt to grab my hand but he never did.  We were texting later that night after he went home before bed.  I told him that I am "old fashion" and like the man to do all the "firsts"  I told him he could hold my hand at anytime and I wouldn't pull away.  He hinted that he might do it the next day.

I placed my hand on my leg and started to get ready to fall asleep.  A few minutes later Matt grabbed my hand and said "I guess I don't need this hand" (to drive with) holy moly goosebumps all over.  I wanted to shout for joy but just giggled and held it back.  It was kind of awkward but I didn't want him to let go so I stayed as still as possible.  We held hands the entire way there- half the time I pretended I was asleep because that was the only way I could keep from looking like a little school girl.

That day is pretty much a blur except I kept thinking when he was going to hold my hand again.  We would hold hands walking to and from the car and while in the car but we didn't really hold hands other than that.  When we got to his aunt and uncle's house I got the biggest hug from his mom, come to find out she had known we held hands the whole day before we even got there (thanks Brian) ;) I couldn't help but thinking the whole night "this could be my family!"  It was the perfect day!

Feb. 4th we had our official DTR (determine the relationship) and decided we were officially boyfriend/girlfriend! :)  and because nothing is really officially until it's on facbook we became "facebook" official a few days later on the 8th haha from then the rest is history as they say

Sadly I don't remember the date of our first kiss but I know it was sometime in February, but I do remember that day!  For some reason it was "cool" to make bracelets out of the plastic thing at the top of a liter or soda.  So since I am a really cool person (right? haha)  I had just made one.  They say that if a person breaks it off of you they have to kiss you.  Matt knew this and would "play" with it on my wrist when we would hold hands.  He would stretch it out like he was going to break it but it would never break.  He knew what he would have to do if it did break.  One day before we both had to work we were hanging out at their apartment with everyone when he broke it.  He had a huge smile on his face and I knew that I was going to be kissed- soon! :)
Now keep in mind I am Matt's "first" (first girl to kiss, hold hands, date, etc) so I knew he was nervous.  I had to go to work and he chickened out before I left ;) so I told him he owed me one.  That night after he came and got me from work (have I mentioned how lucky I am?) we sat in his car (Howard) in the parking lot of our apartment listen to music and talking before heading in.  I'm pretty sure we heard the same song multiple times we were in there so long, I knew he wanted to kiss me and I wanted to kiss him too but I wanted him to make the move.  I was about to give up hope on him kissing me then but as I stated to grab my backpack and get out he told me he owed me something and gave me a big ol' smooch!  :)  In all honestly it was really awkward like most 1st kisses are haha. I looked forward to every kiss after since it was so much easier now, I still get butterflies every time we kiss! :)

Other random dates to remember:

One night during work (I worked on campus at a place called Event Services. Nights were really slow since there were not many events going on...) I was texting with Matt and complaining that I was hungry and couldn't wait to go home and eat something (some things never change..) When I started to close up I saw him coming around the corner with a McDonalds bag.  Since I was done working anyway we decided we would just go eat at home. I just remember how embarrassed he said he was walking with McDonalds all through the library (I worked on the 3rd floor)  and back down to get to his car haha.  On the drive back home we talked about going on another official date that weekend.  I don't really know why this day stuck out to me so much but I don't think I will ever forget it.  That is just how Matt is.  He is always thinking of others, and putting me first!


We went to Pocatello with Drew and Ashely and went to a Classic fun center to roller skate.  Then they introduced me to Tastee Treat and I showed off my impressive ice cream eating skills...;) It's still one of our favorite places to go when we are in town! :)

We spent lots of time playing Just Dance 2, Mario Kart, and Rock band.  Looking back we probably should have studied more but we sure had a lot of fun! ;)  

 We also took lots of trips down to Inkom for game/movie weekends with everyone.  Some of my favorite memories there were playing Snort (card game) with his aunts and staying up way to late.  I also remember the first Sunday when we went to church as a dating couple and everyone asked if I was Matt's Fiance' hahaha  

I would take advantage of every chance I got to hang out with Matt. He had a really early run to Pocatello every morning (like 3am...)  and would get back just in time to take Ashley and I to our morning class (in the bus... hahah) so we wouldn't have to walk in the freezing cold!  He would then go home and take a nap, go to class, then get the bus for another Pocatello run.  When he would get home it was about the time I was off work so he could come and pick me up at the school and we would hang out at the guys apartment until 2 minutes before curfew.  That was pretty much our entire week- through in a few dates, conference trips to Utah, and a little bit of studying (yeah our grades were not that great that semester...) and that was our whole dating life :)

 March 6th 2011,  I wish I could remember why Matt and I were in Inkom.  I think we were coming back from my house in Utah but I have no idea why... Anyway we were driving up the canyon to go to Matt's house and we were just talking about life.  We got on the topic of marriage and life and was "planning" our wedding.  I started to laugh for a second when I realized we hadn't even said the "L" word yet.  I told Matt that I thought it was funny we were planning a wedding when we had not even dropped the L bomb yet.  He laughed and said I wrecked the moment because he was just about to.  And then he did, and I thought I would die from happiness.  I don't remember everything we said but I remember the way I felt when I was with him.  It was just right.  I of course said I love you too, and I was on cloud nine the rest of the night (and everyday since!).

March 26th  we went down to my parents house in Utah for the April 2011 General Conference.  Sadly I couldn't tell you anything special that anyone said during conference, or who even spoke but it will always be my favorite conference.

Up next.. the Engagement!

Our first Date- December 29, 2010

Like I said previously I thought it would be a while before Matt and I would see each other again since we were on a different track system at school. Thats why I was so surprised when Matt called me a week or so later.  I was sitting on my couch, probably watching some cheesy Christmas movie when I saw that he was calling, my stomach dropped as I answered.  I get so nervous on the phone and I don't even remember what he said but I know he asked me to go with him on a group date because "Brian wanted to go with Ashley, but didn't want to drive to Utah alone" (or something like that...haha) group date or not I didn't care and of course said yes! Once we hung up I threw my phone on the couch and ran into our computer room where my mom was and told her what had just happened, he finally asked me out after almost a year!  

Brian and Matt drove down from Inkom (about 2 and a half hours away...) I remember him trying to play it down and that the only reason he was coming was because Brian wanted him to.  But my brother reinsured me that no boy would drive that long to go on a date with someone they didn't like.  They got there that afternoon and we headed down to the gateway to meet the rest of our group.  We went and played in the fountain, walked around the shops and ate lunch before going to a fun center in Draper.  

^^ I got my wish when I wished for many more dates to come!^^

I get so nervous and awkward on dates so I am glad that we went in a group at first so that we could still go on a date but still have other friends there incase things got awkward- which they never did but like I said dates freak me out...  We played lazer tag, went glow in the dark mini golfing, rode go karts, and played the arcades.  Matt and I even lucked out big time when playing wac a mole and the machine gave us a ton of tickets- score! We ended up getting bracelets for everyone and a hackie sac (which we still have!).  

^^ scary make up days... no wonder why it took him so long to ask me out...^^

On our way back from Draper we stopped in SLC to tour the conference center, look at the lights on Temple Square and going to dinner at Olive Garden. Later that night we ended up playing hackie sac out by the car.  Like I said earlier I get really nervous on dates.  I remember having to go to the bathroom so bad but we were really no where near one and we were having to much fun I didn't want to stop and call it a night just because I had to pee.  But I couldn't take it any longer, and it was close to midnight anyway so I finally said something. Matt drove me to several different gas stations trying to find a stupid bathroom, lucky we did and all was good.  I checked my phone while in the bathroom and had several missed calls and multiple texts.  I was taught not to use my phone while on a date so I never really checked it.  I am pretty sure my mom thought I was dead, I didn't even think to check in because we were having to much fun.  The boys still had to drive home as well that night.  

We said good night and that was that. He texted me later that night to tell me they made it home okay and we talked a few time later that week.  I wanted to spend all my time with him and couldn't wait to be back to school.  He still moved really slow and worked all the time so we hardly got to see each other, and when we did it was with our whole group of friends.  

One day Matt and I planned to go to Wendy's for lunch and invited everyone to go with us, sneaky Brian told everyone to say no so it was just Matt and I (I guess that was sort of our first "alone" date?).  After that day we started to hang out at any time we could, mostly later at night after he picked me up from work (he never let me walk home alone since it was always after dark, most the time he would just pick me up once he got off work) and before curfew.  

My roommate at the time, Ashley had started dating Drew- Matt's roommate.  We were always all together.  A month later Brian, Ashley, Drew, Matt and I went to Inkom for the day. The boys were singing in stake conference, there was a farewell, and his aunt and uncle were having a scone party at their house so we thought it would be fun to go to them all.  Normally that wouldn't sound that exciting but what happened on the way down was... 

Next up the first time we held hands, first kiss, and more! 

Part 1- How we first met

When we first met!- January 2010

 In honor of our 4 year wedding anniversary this week I decided to finally post these drafts I had:

2 of my best friends (previous roommates) have been writing down their Love stories and how they met their husbands.  Reading through them I can't stop laughing and remember their journey as well as my own.  When Babe and I talk about those days I have noticed that some of the details are getting foggy so I also want to jump on the band wagon and write them down!

I don't really remember dates and all the in-between things but a few memories sure stick out more than others!   I'll start with the first night we met, ending in the day we got married!  

*side note sorry if you are also follow Lindsay and Ashley's stories and see a lot of the same pictures... I was the one that took all the pictures (you are all welcome!) of the happy couples/ our group of friends!  :) 

***************************************************************************** 

Before I can explain how we met I will back up a little bit.  In January 2010 Melissa became my roommate at school (BYU-Idaho). One night she told us that she had invited some of her old FHE brothers over to hang out.  That is where we met Brian, Travis, and Curtis- they also had another roommate but I had yet to meet him because of his crazy work schedule, his name is Matt.  

We became good friends with this group of guys hanging out a few times.  One night (Feb. 20) we decided to go on a late night (after curfew.. shhhh) Denny's run.  I had invited a friend of mine but he couldn't come with us at that second so I offered to drive George (my car) a few minutes later and go pick him up along with Matt and Curtis.  

If you know me at all you know I have somewhat of a lead foot. Combine that with a 20 year old honda (George), limited working defrost in the winter, and me trying to "be cool" with a car full of boys men (come on I  was a freshmen in college...).  Well lets say.ask Matt about that night the first thing he says is "Oh that night we almost died with you driving George, going about 90?" (mom it wasn't that fast!)  So yeah Matt's first impression of me was driving from Rexburg to Idaho Falls thinking he was going to die.  Lucky for both of us we made it safely and arrived with all the others.  

We sat across the table from one another and I remember thinking "Oh... he is cute! But what is he wearing? (the answer to that question was a shirt from Brian that he brought back from Africa...) The rest of the night was pretty low key, but I do remember our waiter was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  He even balanced a full sized chair on his nose- yeah he was that cool!  No wonder why we loved going to Denny's so late.  

The next time we really got to hang out was at Travis's birthday party.  I don't remember that night that well except for my "flirting" consisted of throwing taffy at Matt.  (we were all throwing it at each other for some reason... anyone remember why? haha)  I just wanted to make sure he knew I was there hahaha.  He was talking to one of his friends that also happened to be a girl, they made plans to go play racquet ball together.  I just remember how jealous I felt- I kind of wanted to punch her in the face, so I did... totally kidding!  I played it cool like any college student would, and ignored it. 

^^ the only pictures I have of him from that night... once again I was only behind the camera instead of in front ;) ^^

That night I remember telling my roommate "I am going to date Matt!"  Sadly it wasn't that easy and it took a few semesters until he asked me out on our first date even though we would still see each other occasionally- when he wasn't busy working.

Other important things I want to remember:

We made plans as a group to dress up and see the new Harry Potter movie- and Matt would actually be there!  We bought our tickets and started planning our outfits.  Well our plans changed quickly when I got a call from my mom saying that my grandma was not doing good and I should come home to say goodbye.  I  couldn't stop crying (puffy eyes, runny nose and all) and was trying to figure out how I would make it home since George had stopped working that week and I didn't know why.  I had a few guy friend mechanics who saved the day and came to help me with George.  We were all outside in the snow trying to figure out how to fix him when Matt came home from work and saw us.  (*side note we had talked the guys into moving into the Pines apartments so they were only a 1 minute walk from our place to theirs, we shared a parking lot so that's how he saw us.)  Instead of driving George home and running the risk of him breaking down on the side of the road Matt told me he would get me a discounted ticket from the Salt Lake Express (where he worked as a driver).  When I asked him how much the ticket was he told me they gave it to me for free, even though later I found out he really just paid it for me- That is just the kind of man he is, I sure am lucky!

 ^^ please note how we are all in coats and Matt is only in a short sleeve shirt... haha ^^

We texted the whole trip down since it was my first ride on the SLC express and I am sorta afraid of new things by myself.  He kept me calm by explaining things to me and letting me talk to him about the crazy driver I had.  He even called the driver to make sure they would drop me off in the right spot and that they wouldn't forget since it wasn't a normal drop off.  He is always looking out for me even when I am a chicken!

I called him (yes you heard me right... thats how much I liked him!)  when I got home and we talked for a bit.  I don't really remember what we talked about but I remember walking around my front yard with the biggest butterflies in my stomach.

^^ They still ended up going to the movie

That was it for me, I was going to date him if it was the last thing I did.  Before then I kept it mostly to myself how much I liked Matt but from then on enlisted the help of his best friend Brian to help me get a date with him.

I was starting to get discouraged thinking he was never going to ask me out.  I remember one day walking home from devotional with Brian.  I told him what my mom told me to do earlier that week either "poop or get off the pot".  I told him how I didn't think he was gong to ever ask me out was was just going to move on.  He assured me that he was interested and just busy, and instead of "pooping" that I needed to think of it more like marinating chicken, it's better the longer it marinates! So that's what I did... I decided to enjoy the time I had with him not worry about the rest.  The funny thing is I don't think he even knew I liked him, but everyone else sure did!

The semester was ending and a group of us (Brian, Emily, Matt, and I) decided to go to Washington for Lindsay and Travis's wedding.  I told my mom that she didn't have to worry about the roads because Matt was a "Professional driver!"  we left right after our finals to make it there by the 18th for their wedding.  Emily and I sat in the back the whole time watching Dr. Quinn; Medicine Woman or sleeping.  I remember thinking at first how sad I was that Brian didn't let me sit next to Matt even though he knew how much I liked him- even though I slept pretty much the whole time anyway haha (don't worry Brian I forgive you now ;)) I wish I could say something significant happened on the trip but nothing did, he didn't even ask me to dance at their reception :( lol. But this was the first real quality time we spent together.  I like to think that this is when he actually started to like me as more than just his friend.  This is also where we both got out of our shells more and actually let loose (as much a a mormon college student can "let loose" haha),  we are both more reserved (at first) so it was fun to see another side of him.

^^ Can I just say how lucky I am to have these amazing friends.  How often is it that all your best friends are you husbands best friends? I don't know how I got so lucky to be so close to such amazing people after all these years!^^

I thought that was going to be the last I got to see of Matt until we were on the same track at school  but little did I know he had other plans in mind!  

Stay tuned for our first date!  

Throwback-

Pictures of dating and into our first year! enjoy!

Throwback to the night we first met

 Our first date

 Our first Inkom trip together meeting his family as the "girlfriend" 

 Our attempt to go ice skating but ended up rollerblading instead

 One of our many road trips 

 Late night Applebees dinner date

 My first time having a "Space Burger" at Tastee Treat 

 Birthday party for our good friend

 Another rollerskating picture :)

 General Conference in SLC

 Going to AZ with the Hunt extended family for great grandma's 100th birthday party 

  

Hike up adams canyon, coming down in a crazy rain/lightning storm!

 General Conference 

 More road trips!

The night we got engaged!

After our Inkom reception 

 On the beach in Cancun 

 Cancun 

 Heading out for the day to tour around Mexico

 touring around Chichen Itza 

 Free Lagoon trips 

 Jackson Whyoming

 Our first Christmas being Shepherds in our family nativity

 Karaoke/ dance party night

 Yellowstone

 Halloween pumpkin walk

 Yellowstone, looking at the Tetons 

 After the first family pictures with Babe in them!

 Waiting for our best friends to come out of the temple as husband and wife!

 Going to work with Babe- (riding the bus from Rexburg to SLC and back...)

 Christmas friend party

 Hike to the ice waterfall

Sometimes this all seems like another life.  I am so thankful for all these memories, and many more!  I love you Babe! XOXO