Overwhelmed, but in a good way.

I've gotten in a really bad habit of not blogging when I'm overwhelmed with a particular topic. This particular "blog funk" is due to the wedding of our dear friends Phillip and Tricia Simpson. How do you blog about a wedding that means almost as much to you as your own did?

I first met Phil when I started dating Aaron. The two boys competed against each other in college, with Aaron at Iowa State and Phil at West Point, and then together in Colorado Springs as part of the Army World Class Athlete Team. The first thing that caught my attention about Phil was his incredible moral standards. He is a righteous and Godly man that makes a difference in everyone's life that he meets. He is hilarious and fun-loving, comes from a great family (even if they are Notre Dame fans), and shows Christ's love in his daily actions. We are honored to know him.

He met Tricia after what I believe was a Catholic conference for young adults. Aaron and I both remember him coming back to the Springs and gushing about this beautiful girl that he met. He had one issue with her, though. He thought she might be a smoker... ha! He had seen her "smoking" a candy cigarette ;)

As time went on, we got to meet gorgeous Tricia. She is the perfect match for Phil. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met, also comes from a great family, and has the best sense of humor. She is determined, hard working, and caring. She will be a fantastic wife and mother and we are SO glad these two people met and fell in love!

Their wedding was April 17, after they spent a year of their engagement living halfway around the world from each other. Phil was deployed to Afghanistan, and although it must have been a great challenge for them, they made it look "easy" and the growth in their relationship was evident. Aaron and I were so honored to be a part of their wedding festivities. Aaron was one of Phillip's groomsmen and Tricia invited me to be a part of her bachelorette party and bridal luncheon.

Their wedding was perfect and beautiful and both Phil and Tricia looked incredible. We had so much fun meeting new friends, celebrating this sweet couple's union, and meeting up with old friends. We are flying to Colorado to spend Memorial Day with the newlyweds and absolutely could not be more excited! We love you Phil and Tricia and wish you the best that life has to offer- you are an example to us :)

*more pictures/stories to follow!