Small Wedding; Big Marriage

Three years ago today, I stood in our living room, and became the wife of Chuck Bennorth, and also, a step-mom, a mother-in-law, and a grandma-to-be. It was the simplest of affairs, and required no wedding planner. We reminded ourselves often that the marriage was the important thing; the wedding itself was simply a formality. 

We required the bare minimum for our special day: vows, an officiant, witnesses, sterling silver rings, a photographer, and for as many of our family members who wanted to see the wedding to do so.

Chuck loves to joke that the living room was quickly converted from Chuck's Discount Photography Studio to Chuck's Discount Wedding Chapel. Our only decorations were the ones on the Christmas tree. Our friend Jim donated his services as wedding photographer, which as you might imagine, was very much appreciated. 

Thanksgiving 2016 (Not pictured: Matt's then-fiancée Katie)

We had nine people in the living room with us, and over 30 family members were able to watch our brief ceremony thanks to modern technology and a live video feed. Our wedding reception was scaled back to a quiet dinner at Olive Garden with Chuck's boys and their partners, and then we headed off to Lake Geneva for a couple of days of honeymooning.

Here we are, three years later, with no regrets about our very small wedding. We racked up no debt from our "big day," just lots of sweet memories. Small wedding; big marriage.

Seven of our nine kids all together in Illinois. (January 2017) I always think of our in-laws as ours, too.
(Chris and Amy are pictured below.)

We both recognize what a blessing it is that we share six of the most amazing humans in our children. I like to include our daughters-in-law in the count, which ups our numbers to NINE kids, with one more coming into the mix next year.

When Chuck and I adopted Bristol and Sami, it felt like our family was complete. Our lives are richer; our house seems homier, and I feel happier, having our dogs share life with us. 

Just like our wedding, our anniversaries tend to be simple days. While our dogs are snoozing on the couch, and Chuck is sleeping in past five because he has the day off, and I'm enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree, and the heavenly aromas of turkey, garlic and onion wafting in from the kitchen.  

Our Floridians. October 2017.

We'll have a simple turkey dinner today, and then we'll take Chuck's mom to a family Christmas party at her stepdaughter's this afternoon. We're hoping for one more visit with our kids who are leaving for Florida in the morning. Tomorrow Chuck will speak at his stepfather's funeral, and we will spend time with family celebrating Dick's life. 

Mother's Day, May 2017. 

We're no different than you; we've had our share of ups and downs, and we've been supporting each other all along the way. I just re-read Chuck's vows and my own, and I have to say, Chuck is living his vows gloriously. As for me, I think I have come a long way, and I have learned so much, but I am still working on emotional honesty, and clear communication. 

There is no one with whom I would rather spend the rest of my life. We have learned just how blessed we are with our kids and our grandson. We are so lucky to have found each other, and to have created this family with our marriage. 

Chuck, life is so much better with you. Thank you for your love and patience, and for the way you treat our mothers and all of our children. Our lives are all richer because of you. I love you.