So basically - J and I have pretty amazing jobs. One of the best parts is that we get to build relationships with some of the most inspiring people on the planet. And these young people aren't just talented - they have a love for God that challenges my heart and keeps me growing. Last week, we got to take some of our people out for a pre-semester retreat. Over the course of the retreat, we prayed together, discussed our dreams and fears, and ate an untold number of s'mores. As I sat around the campfire with these students that are allowing us to borrow their zeal and enthusiasm for approximately four years - I couldn't help but be thankful. Camping is not exactly my forte, but two nights and 250 bug bites later - I felt spiritually focused and excited to watch God work through these student leaders in our city.
On the way home, we realized that we were near the apple orchard where we got married - Smolak Farms in North Andover, MA. We hadn't visisted since our wedding day and so we decided to take a detour with everybody to snap some pictures, visit the petting zoo, and of course - eat their famous apple cider donuts. It was so special to revisit the site where we said, "I do" -- still just as beautiful as I remember!
The perfect ending to a wonderful mini-retreat:)
Still so in love with this guy.
It's still August - here's to savoring every last minute of summer sunshine!
We've now lived in our new apartment for two and a half months and as of this weekend - we are finally moved in! My good friend Paige wanted to celebrate her 25th birthday party with an outdoor dinner party and we were happy to offer our backyard for the occasion. It was such a magical night with some wonderful people:)
The birthday party was the perfect motivation for us to finish a LOT of our house projects - including completely unpacking J's office. I can't describe how amazing it is to see ZERO boxes in that room:) Moving so often in the last couple of years has taught me that having a house is one thing - but having a home is quite another. It's been so fun to watch our little house with a red door become a true haven for us and a great place to share with our friends. That said, here are some of my favorite parts of our home so far.
Living Room: The gallery wall is something I've been wanting to try for awhile and here is my best attempt. We included a yarn-and-nail G (for Ghoman - obvi) that Jesse was sweet enough to do for me. I also included a little watercolor, our wedding invitation and some family photos.
Dining Room: The map is a 1980s version of the world that a family gave us when they were moving - it's aqua and wonderful:) The credenza is one of my favorite pieces in our home. J found it in a dumpster at MIT one night and decided to fix it up. He's seriously ridiculous at finding things like this - he's definitely got a better eye than me!
Bedroom: A month or so after we got married, we ended up in a large antique barn with my mother-in-law. We spotted this mirror and talked the guy down to $40. I'm still in shock that he let us
take it for so cheap! In our last place it hung on the wall adjacent to the bed, but now I love having it above the bed right when you enter. It's quite the statement. Oh and next to the bed is one my favorite quotes by Charlotte Bronte, "Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same." :)
What are your favorite pieces in your home? Tell me about it and share some house-to-home inspiration!
It's hard to believe that it's been ONE WHOLE YEAR since I became Mrs. Alexandra Ghoman! I mean, really, how did that happen?!
Photo by Vanessa Embling
People say that your wedding day is the happiest/most perfect/most amazing day of your whole life. And well - it is pretty incredible:) But it's not quiteeee perfect. Case in point: I woke up that morning to a charlie horse in my right calf muscle freakishly early and screaming. How's that for birds chirping and waking you up with the morning's light? I look back on my wedding day and I love the way it was, the way it felt - from the beautiful barn that was ridiculously hot (ok, that I would change), to the parade of flower children that walked down the aisle, to the cookie and lemonade mini-reception, to the yard games next to the apple orchard, the personalized Jones' sodas made by mother-in-law, and the twinkle-light reception - it was an amazing day. When I planned my wedding, I didn't quite know what I wanted it to look like - that part came later - but I knew what I wanted it to feel like. I wanted it to feel like family. I wanted it to feel like a reunion. And it totally did. Every detail came from that desire - the location, the food, the decorations, the music, and so much more.
But mostly, when I think about my wedding - it was a means to an end. That special day led me to become the wife of my favorite person on the planet. Before we met, I was terrified that I would never find someone like him. I was worried that all the righteous, attractive, and interesting people were married already (or definitely not interested in me) and that I would have to settle for a lesser candidate (optimistic, I know). But then - I met Jesse. And he was more than I could ever hope for. He still is.
I know that many of the girls who read my blog are married (solidarity, sistah) -- but I'm also aware that many are not. Maybe you're still waiting for your prince. And allow me, on this one year of marriage to give you a little piece of advice: wait for the right person - not just a willing person. Marriage is too amazing, too crazy, and honestly too difficult to enter into it with anyone other than a spiritual man who really loves you as Jesus does.
As I look back on our first year of marriage, I'm pretty amazed by how far we've come. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, adventures, and lessons that I wouldn't trade for anything. I feel so thankful for J and that he picked me to spend his life with. I also feel so grateful for all of you - my family and friends who have patiently given me advice, cheered me on, and made this first year even more fun (whether in person or through this blog)! I'm forever grateful.
A glimpse at our day for those of you who may have missed it:) Thanks to our dear friend, Jonny Havens, videographer extraordinaire for capturing it.
Here's to many more years and many more anniversaries!
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