Dreams Do Come True

On August 23, 2008 Emily Edmondson and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple at 3:00 PM. But let's set the stage at least a little...

How do you describe the best day of your life? Well, women have been dreaming of the day since they were young girls and us men, though we may not spend time looking at cataloges or magazines, I have to confess, I too have been dreaming of this day for some time. Both Emily and I are getting married a little later than we expected, but looking back on our paths that led us to one another, we wouldnt have it any other way!

One of my favorite moments of the day was arriving to the Temple. After parking at the Joseph Smith Memorial, Emily and I were able to stop by the Lion House Cafe in the Joseph Smith Memorial building for a quick snack before we the ceremony and busy afternoon began. With dress, temple bags and all in hand we sat down for some sandwhiches and drinks in a table that had us facing west looking toward the temple.

As we sat down, in that moment it seemed that all of the hustle and bustle of the previous weeks had paid off. Both Emily were able to enjoy the peace of knowing we were suppose to be together forever. We were both impressed with the beauty of the day, the temple and the marvelous feelings of peace we felt before being sealed together. We both feel that this was Heavenly Father's moment to pull us aside from the events of the day, help us feel peaceful and prepared for what would occur within the next few hours.

Soon enough we were in the temple and being led in our different directions to be prepared for the sealing. Ironically, the temple couple that was escorting Emily and I were Brother and Sister Skousen - next door neighbors of my Dad while he grew up. While I waiting for Emily, Brother Skousen told me some pretty good stories about my Dad-they may come in handy ;)

Before we knew it we were in the Temple with the ones we loved. We wish we could have fit everyone in there but will never forget how special it was to have those that were with us. Not only did we have our immediate family with us but also close friends. I was particularly impressed that my close friend Brother Judd King was able to make it! Just two days before the sealing had donated his kidney to a cousin yet determined he would make it to the sealing got special permission to be there though he was in a lot of pain. Thank you Brother King. It meant so much to me to have you there!

There are fewer things on this earth that are more sacred than the feelings felt and words expressed during a sealing in the LDS temples. Elder Carmack who had served as my Mission President in the Porto Portugal Mission and also knew my grandfather Lorry Rytting sealed us.

The sealing was an unforgettable experience. The sealing is a ceremony in which one given the sealing power through the priesthood seals a couple together for all time and eternity rather than just mortality. In the beauty of Heavenly Father's house we made promises to each other which, if honored, will help us ensure that we return to Him, together. We both appreciated the clarity with which he spoke and the importance he expressed to the promises and blessings offered. In fact, those who were there will attest, this was one time where I may have beat Emily according to the number of tears that were shed.

After the ceremony we enjoyed greeting our family and friends but in those quit moments as we took pictures and walked around the temple grounds together, we knew that the most important event we had both dreamed about had already taken place - we had been sealed together for all time and eternity! The pictures, reception, we just the icing on the cake. I still find it hard to describe how wonderful August 23rd was for me.

While I can simply say that it was the best day of my life, it's simply impossible to describe through words how special this day was! As we reflect on the paths that led us to each other, we know those paths led us to the journey we are now starting together! We are excited and couldn't be happier to be together!

A HoneyMoon to Remember

After the reception on the 24th, we were off! We were off to our honeymoon. The only hitch was Emily had no idea where we were going. Although we had discussed saving some time and money by staying close, Emily likes suprises so I didn't let her know what the plans were. WE headed east through the canyon in the direction of Park City and before long we had made it to the Marriott Mountain Side resort where we would stay for the next week. Thanks to my co-worker David Hunt, we were able to get a great deal on the room there. Thanks David!


It was amazing, although we were not far from Salt Lake or Provo, we still felt like were on a vacation, on our honeymoon. The blackberry was turned off and we were ready to party! Rather than give you a detailed agenda of what we did...I'll give you the agenda, without the details and call out some of the highlights for me, how does that work:



Saturday, Aug. 25: Shopping in Park City, Eating at 315 Main, Park City Jazz Festival
After having some sushi and a great Halibut meal at 315 main, we went to the Jazz Festival. We got there just at the right time that our meal was free. Yes! Always a bonus on a honeymoon. Anyone ever heard of India Arie? We fell in lover with her music and begin dancing along with the several other hundred of the people there.

Sunday, Aug. 26: Park City Tourist Ward, Our First Sabbath
Interesting. Who would have guessed that there was actually a ward in Park City, with a called Bishopric etc that serve a tourist ward. It was fun establishing the pattern of how the Sabbath would be for our family - a day of prayer, study, church meetings and walks

Monday, Aug 27: Park City Rides and Mines, Baja Cantina, Our First FHE
The Alpine Coaster was my favorite, individual rollar coaters down the mountain. Check out this great shot of Em while both of us were in motion! Later that afternoon we discovered one of our favorite Mexican restaurants - Baja Cantina. Not too expensive-great flavor!

The best highlight of the day though was having our first family home evening. We sang, "Familiar are Forever" and discussed how we would run family home evenings. This is one of the things I look forward to doing with Emily every week now!

Tuesday, Aug 28: Jordanelle Reservoir, Melting Pot, Josh Groban Concert
Nothing like going for a little canoe ride when the weather was so beautiful, just don't try building a sand castle in the shore of a Utah lake, we didn't have much success. Although we would highly recommend the food at the melting pot and going to a Josh Groban concert. We sat next to the Hawkins, a kind couple who had just returned from serving as the Mission President of the Honolulu Hawaii Mission. As we talked we ironically found out we were in their ward! We love the Hawkins, what a blessing it is to know them.


Wednesday, Aug 29: Helicopter Ride, Mountain Top Picnic, Starting our Marriage off Right!
Emily was surprised when she found out we would be going for a helicopter ride for the last day o our honeymoon. Little did we know how fun it would be! The highlight was landing on the top of a mountain near Provo Canyon, looking out at Timp. and having a picnic together (the pilot had left us for a little while :). We took a short hike to the Summit. I will never forget the feeling I had as we held each other and kissed - now I understand, to not loose the wonderful high perspective in our marriage that this week has given us!

It is fun to reflect on the honey moon and the great time Emily and I had together - another collection of memories for our family. We both felt the first week of our marriage was important due to the habits and patterns we would establish for our future family. We established those habits that continue to be the foundation of our marriage today. Needless to say, the honeymoon was a success!