Thank you.

I recently read a blog post from a newlywed on her one year anniversary. I expected to see something about how wonderful the first year was. How much she had learned. How excited she was for the future. But what I read was a thank you letter.

What she wrote was so fitting though. In this first year of marriage, where Matt and I clung so tightly to our families and friends, we grew up so much. We grew in our love for Christ. We grew in our love for others.

Last year today, as I walked down the aisle to my future, my heart was so full of emotions. I remember seeing faces on each side of the aisle, my mom in tears, my dad holding me tightly. I remember my pastor's solid and convicting words. I remember the look on Matt's face as vowed his devotion to me. And I remember the beauty of my friends beside me.

You were there in our engagement. Praying for us. Counseling us. Walking with us. You were there to tell us stories from your own marriages. To be excited with us for the unknown. To celebrate and laugh and look forward to what was coming. To throw us ridiculous bachelorette & "stag" parties.

You were there in our wedding. Supporting us. Witnessing our vows to each other and to God. You were there to join in on the party. To love on us and enjoy our new marriage with us. You were there to eat all the pies and cake. To catch the bouquet and the garter. To dance your heart away to DJ Groove.

You were there in our first year of marriage. Praying for us. Calling us. Emailing and writing us. You sent us your love through gifts and cards. You checked up on us. You shared in our joy and our sadness. You counseled us when we were as fragile as ever. You showed us how to forgive all things of each other.

You are our family. Our friends. Our confidants. You are our role models, our mentors, our support system. Thank you for caring for us so well. Thank you for seeing us through a year. Thank you for holding us accountable and pointing us to the only One who matters.

We are so thankful for you. We love you. Here's to another year!