Straws are a Luxury: The beginning - A very long beginning

I’m going to try and play catch up of the past couple months. I don’t ever want to forget them so I must document them somehow!

The engagement:

On New Year’s Eve the Phillip’s had invited my family over for the midnight celebration so I remember waking up that morning just excited for the day. Joe was going to pick me up around noon so we could begin to get things ready. When he picked me up he looked me in the eyes and very sincerely asked if we could go ring shopping. Now, this was a big deal because an occasion before this I had explained that I didn’t want to go try on rings unless he was serious about marrying me… so I knew this must be the real thing. We went to Castro Jewelers here in Cedar City and they had a total of like 3 actual diamonds in the entire store… the rest were CZ or gems. Nothing was really my style and we left a little worried that this might be harder than we thought. Our next stop was the only other Jewelry Store in Cedar City; Clark & Linford. We walked and were immediately impressed with the selection and service. John ( who later becomes our new best friend) was so amazing in helping me find a ring. I didn’t want to pick just one ring and leave Joe feeling like he HAD to buy that one or else I wouldn’t be happy. So with the help of John I narrowed it down to two rings that I really loved. (yes, secretly I had my favorite). We left the store and decided it was too late to drive to St. George to look at rings since it was a holiday. Immediately Joe said that he needed to go back inside and to talk “numbers”… we later find out he went inside to put that ring on hold. We were having so much fun shopping for rings, we were both a little bummed that we had to stop. But we spent New Year’s Eve with both families and huge group of our friends. We played games like cranium and smurf and lots and lots of food!

Sadly, I can’t really remember what happened between New Years and January 6 but nothing astronomical I promise. January 6 was the Friday before my birthday and Joe decided that he wanted to reenact our first date from a year and half ago. I thought that sounded like a lot of fun but was a little curious because that seemed like more of a anniversary type activity. Just to recap how our first date went: Joe picked me up with a diet coke from KB and a People Magazine waiting to be read on the drive to St. George. That night was the July Jamboree so we just stopped by main street to see his dad’s car then we left for St. George. We spent that night first playing put put mini golf and lazer tag at Lazer Mania followed by $10 dollars worth of arcade games with my infamous win of Deal or No Deal picking the winning case! We then ate at one of my most favorite restaurants… The Pasta Factory where I get my usual Saskatchewan chicken and creamy basil penne pasta! After that I took Joe to my favorite spot in St. George…. Dixie Rock.

Back to January 6… Joe decided that we should leave for our date a little earlier than normal. So he picked me up around 3 or 4 with a diet coke from KB and a People magazine to read on the way. (smooth huh?) On the drive down we were just talking and I decided to mention that we could go ring shopping since we’d probably have some extra time. (previous events in the week had left me to believe that we were never going to get married and I was starting to just get restless with the idea.) Joe kinda looked at me funny, and was like…”yeah, maybe…” Shot down! It’s never going to happen, I thought. Oh, well it wasn’t going to ruin this awesome date. We got to St. George and our first stop was laser mania! We played mini golf all by ourselves which was pretty sweet and then another $10 worth of arcade games. Except this time the Deal or No Deal wasn’t working. I bought myself a little cheapo ring with the tickets I had one. I think Joe got a laser pointer and we both got tons of fruities! We decided that we weren’t quite hungry for dinner but Joe really, really wanted to go to 25 Main to get a cupcake. (After living in St. George for two years one comes to know of the many delicious spots in a city.) This wasn’t a part of the original date but who can say no to cupcakes!? Joe and I love cupcakes… we make them often. We got a box of six and decided that since we still weren’t hungry we should go up to Dixie rock. It was a beautiful day so we spent a nice amount of time looking over the valley and talking. Dixie rock also has a beautiful view of the temple. Joe asked if I would maybe like to go take a walk around the temple before we headed to dinner. I of course said yes and so we headed over. It was such a gorgeous day so walking the temple grounds was just beautiful already. We ran into a family who asked us to take pictures of their parents who looked to be in their 60’s. It was really neat to see how happy they all were. We started walking towards the back of temple to where we had parked when Joe proclaimed that he wanted a cupcake right now! I told him I would come with him but he insisted that I wait on the bench and he’d run to get them. It took him about ten minutes… which I later found out he locked his key in the car. He finally returned and sat down witch his arm around me. He started telling me these really sweet things about how someday he and I would be sealed in the temple. I jokingly told him to stop it because I was getting teary and I didn’t want to ruin my makeup before dinner… to which he replied “OH right!” I wanted a cupcake. He brings the box of cupcakes over and begins to take the sealing sticker off when I notice a slight jitter in his hands. (he was totally nervous) He opens the box and in the place of a cupcake was a green jewelry box! At this point I start freaking out… I think I started saying “are you kidding me!?”… how appropriate, I know. Joe then got down on one new and asked me to be his wife!

His point of view:
to propose to courtney i decided to re-enact our first date together. we started off with a fresh magazine and diet coke on the car ride down. we went mini golfing at laser tag then to buy some cupcake from 25 main (those will be important soon). we went up to the overlook at dixie rock then i cleverly decided a walk around the temple would be nice. after enjoying the temple i told court i wanted a cupcake and she should wait there and i'll run (she couldn't watch me put the ring in w/ the cupcakes now could she?) i got back and started my speech-y thing while opening the box. she was very surprised! she is going to make me the happiest man alive :)

We cried and hugged and cried and hugged. My first question after he popped the question was; “do my parents know?” Of course they did, Joe had taken dad out to Chili’s to ask… how proper right? Oh it was wonderful! I called my mom on the way to the Pasta Factory and started the texting chain to let people know. Did I forget to mention he got the ring that I loved? He did. It’s the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. We drove home that night still in shock of what happened and made our rounds that night showing of the ring to both families. I didn’t sleep a wink that night.

The next day I can’t quite remember what the initial plan was for that day but Joe and I promptly began planning our wedding. The first day of the semester started on Monday so we wanted to get a jump start before school got too stressful. I bought a couple bridal magazines and we started rough drafting that special day. I had a sticker-shock meltdown that day after realizing that fairytale weddings cost a fortune and well we didn’t have that. Picking the day also didn’t happen for a couple days. It came down to getting married over spring break or when school got out for summer. We decided that 9 weeks was plenty of time and we really didn’t want to wait! Later on Saturday evening Joe and I returned to his home where there was a surprise engagement/birthday party for me. It was pretty sweet to have our friends and family there to celebrate our engagement. My mom made these sweet cupcakes. Mountain Dew pirate cupcakes for Joe and Chocolate princess cupcakes for me. Fiona also gave me a book that was my saving grace during those first few weeks of the engagement. It was an LDS wedding planning book which Joe and I later read aloud to each other while driving to Centerville. After the party we all went bowling and then Joe, myself, Doug and Fiona drove to Centerville for Jude’s baby blessing the next day. We left around 8pm so to keep each other awake Joe and I read that book out loud. It had so many wonderful details that I would have probably forgotten.

Joe was able to be a part of Jude’s blessing, which was a blessing of itself. I met some more of the Phillip’s family and then Joe was gracious enough to leave early so we could spend my birthday with my family. My mom had a super delicious dinner waiting for us and this super cool chocolate ribbon chocolate, chocolate chip cake. MMmmm. She also gave me a beautiful temple bag for my birthday which is a cherished gift. The Monday school started we were able to see and tell everyone about our engagement. It was a really awesome experience when people you don’t even know are excited for you. To condense the months of January and February I will bullet point major events ( this will be fun!)

-I started interviewing with several businesses in Cedar to try and find a better job
-Joe received exciting information from Midwestern about an interview opportunity which he went to and did really well and seemed to rather enjoy. He is still unsure if he wants to be a dentist when he grows up.
-I attended a bridal expo at Dixie and participated in a cake dive for a men’s wedding band… I lost.
-Joe looked for his wedding band for weeks…. I think he finally picked his out about 3 weeks before the wedding.
-We decided on our wedding party and asked them to be a part of our special day. It was a little bit stressful picking out bridesmaid attire so I just gave them a color swatch and had them pick out a dress that they wanted to wear…. I’d hate to spend money on a dress I’d never wear again. The groomsmen got slacks and vest chosen by Joe. They all looked super snazzy!
-We took our engagements we Parker Grimes. Doug let us use the corvette in the pictures which turned out amazing! Joe had only one request for our engagements and that was to wear our favorite band t-shirts. He wore thrice and I wore yellowcard. I love him.
-I started nannying for a 5 month old twice a week making $3 per hour. It was a super nice and super easy way to make a little extra cash before the wedding.

-After a disappointing shopping trip in St. George, Mom and I found my wedding dress and temple dress at a store here in Cedar. Best. Place. Ever. The lady who helped me find my dress happened to be the temple worker who was with me the day of the wedding. What an amazing woman she was. We also took another trip to Provo during state swim to hunt for shoes and other wedding stuff. My mom is a champion at shopping.. seriously, she’s awesome.
-I interviewed and was hired to work at Wingers… but not until after my honeymoon! How awesome is that? They are great. Thanks to Fiona who happened to teach Gospel Doctrine with the manager.
-As my wedding present, Grandpa arranged to have my portrait painted by Del Parson.
-Aunt Janet threw me a wedding shower at the Garden House! She’s my favorite aunt.
-Joe received his Patriarchal Blessing on Feb. 16. It was a remarkable blessing. I cried on the way home because I couldn’t help the feeling that I knew we should be married.
-Joe and I were able to take out our endowments together on Feb. 29. It was very special to have both sets of parents and grandma Thomas, Janet, and Grandpa Thomas there with us.
-Joe and the SUU militia played in the Trouble in Vegas tournament. He had lots of fun and came home with a glorious raspberry/bruise!
-The week before the wedding was spent getting hair, nails, and makeup done for the big day! Joe was so sweet and wanted to let me have whatever I wanted done to look good… I enjoy support when feeling vain about things I do.

The Wedding

The day before the wedding we planned to take our groomals with Brad and Kathryn. We tried some pictures with Doug’s new Cadillac but the weather in Cedar City was at it’s best. Windy. We moved indoors and took the best looking groomals ever! We had a lot of fun with Brad, Kathryn and Clare. And I must say, the pictures turned out better than I expected. With Brad behind the camera and Kathryn working in front… Mmm a tasty end product. That night the boy’s took Joe on his Bachelor Party. He said it was little rough at first being hazed and all but after breaking free from his ball and chain he started having some fun. The Phillips’ sisters planned a bachelorette party for me. We all got our nails done and then ate desert at the Pastry Pub. It was super fun and I loved that all my bridesmaids got to be together for a night.
Goodness I feel like there is no way to say everything that happened at our wedding! To begin with the sealing… We were married at 1:20 pm on Friday, March 9 2012. That morning I remember being quite relaxed about what was going to happen. Dad even tried waking me up with the “going to the chapel to get married song” I think he was really excited. My mom did my hair and we got ready to go. Joe drove over to ride down with my Mom and I. I now feel bad about making mom feel like a chaperone but hey no one really told us how you actually get to the temple to get married… it just sorta happened spur of the moment. Joe was all dressed up in his wedding attire. He looked so handsome! We got to the temple and were welcomed by the smell of manure… yep manure. Good to know the temple used natural fertilizer for the grounds:) We checked in and were ready to go. We met our sealer Gary Giles who talked to us for a few minutes before the sealing… I can honestly say I don’t remember a single thing he said then or during the actual sealing. Once it was time Joe took my hand and we entered the Celestial Room where we were greeted by so many familiar faces. That was my initial shock.. to see every single family member there and looking them in the eyes. I began to feel so overwhelmed with love that I started to cry. Luckily my mom had given me a handkerchief. It really came in use. I cried during the entire ceremony… but it was a good cry… an overwhelmed with the spirit cry. As I sit here writing this I can feel that same feeling.
My mom helped me get ready after the ceremony and we put that wedding dress on. It was beautiful! So was mom… she wore a darling lace dress. I met Joe and then we exited the temple to even more of friends and family members! And lots and lots of camera snapping photos! Luckily our photographer Karl Hugh was there to take pictures of everyone so that way we’ll never forget… I am so glad we hired a photographer. There is no way we would have been able to have all the wonderful pictures unless we did. I still regret not having him there to document the reception. Joe’s aunt Stephanie did all the flowers for the wedding and they looked fabulous! My bouquet was simply gorgeous… and heavy… but gorgeous! We took lots of pictures! And more pictures. And some more pictures. They turned out really, really good. After that we hoped back in the car with my mom…. This time as husband and wife OH YEAH! Except we were starving! So we talked mom into taking us to Jimmy Johns before we drove. Yep that’s right… Joe, mom and I ate at Jimmy Johns like 2 hours after we got married. We really love Jimmy Johns.

That night we had the wedding dinner with our families. It was held in the Great Hall at the Hunter Conference Center at SUU. It was beautiful! Fiona made these gorgeous flower cakes and there was delicious food to eat. We had toasts from Brad, Chad, Doug and my Dad. Doug stumbled on a few jokes but gave us some awesome words of advice to learn these three phrases; I’m sorry, I love you and we can’t afford it. My dad gave a tearful and sweet toast… he’s a very tender man. The Cash kids sang the cutest song. They used the tune of The Way I Am by, Ingred Michaelson and incorporated Joe and I singing “Courtney takes Joe the way he is.” It was the cutest song and I wish we had a recording. It was probably one of my favorite gifts. My dad and I then had our Father Daughter dance. I had found the song Cinderlla by Steven Curtis Chapman a few weeks earlier and wanted to keep it a surprise. I wanted him to get through the dance without crying. I should have been more worried about myself because I cried almost the whole time. That song describes my dad and I’s relationship growing up. He used to call me Cinderella when I was little and I still can’t help but tear up when listening to the song. It was the most special moment I have ever had with my dad. Joe and I then had our first dance to Luckiest by Ben Folds. Joe had picked this song because of how our relationship has unfolded. He sang to me while we danced which was a beautiful gift. I really love him. After that our dance party playlist and we spend the rest of the dancing away! I later found out that Grandpa Miller did not approve of my dance moves,,, he thought they were inappropriate;) We also had a photo booth at the dinner! What a hoot that was, we have some hilarious pictures of our family members!
That night Joe and I spent our first night at the honeymoon suite at the Abbey Inn. We got a redbox movie and some Dr. Pepper just to spice things up!

The next day Joe and I went to Grandpa’s Miller 90^th birthday celebration thing at the Garden House. Everyone told stories about all his quirky habits. Joe later confessed he knew Grandpa was a little strange but not quite that much! We spent the afternoon hanging out with Joe’s family and getting things ready for the reception. My parents and family members put together one amazing reception. My qued in on my style and went to town! She was collecting lace doilies and silk flowers for weeks. The living room practically looked like a reception hall. My parents even paid for the ceiling to be dropped with fabric and lights. I told them it was unnecessary for the cost but they did it anyway. The cultural hall was totally transformed into a vintage shabby chic theme. Gosh, it was pretty. They worked so hard and I feel like the night went so fast that I didn’t get a real chance to enjoy it. Guests started coming before I even had time to change in my dress! The Phillip’s stake had Stake Conference that night so a lot of people came early. We shook hands and hugged loved ones for about two hours before the lined died down and we had a chance to enjoy some of the Ice cream bar. That’s right, we had an ice cream bar with soft-serve frozen yogurt and endless amounts of toppings that my family spent hours preparing. It was super cute and fun! It was such a beautiful reception and not tacky in any way! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank my parents for that beautiful night.

Joe and I left on Sunday after opening presents for Las Vegas. We stayed there for a night at the Circus Circus and then headed on our way to LA for our 4 day cruise! Our honeymoon was a gift from Doug and Fiona and it was such a fantastic one. We found out that I actually get sea sick while Joe did not and also that the next time we cruise not to overload our belly’s the first day with 24/7 buffet and chocolate molten lava cake! We had so much fun together trying to attend all the cruise ship activities. We both fell in love with our cruise director Matt… he was a black British man. Need we say more? We visited Catalina and rented a golf cart for an hour. It’s pretty little island. The next day we went to Ensenada where we spent the first couple hours of our day wandering the city trying to find the flea market. We finally found it and Joe instantly bought his now favorite Mexican blanket for $10 from Pancho who had 9 kids at home to feed. Joe’s a sucker with a kind heart. I on the other hand am not. I probably had way too much fun bartering with shop owners for overpriced silver and knock-off coach bags to get them down to my cost and not actually buy it. It was totally fun. Our ship had an unusual attendance of Utah’ns. Every university in the state was on spring break but two and all those party animals sailed with us on the Carnival Inspiration. Oddly enough our dinner table group consisted of 3 other LDS couples who got married the same weekend we did and were also celebrating their honeymoon…the other couple was not LDS and not married. I’m afraid we left them with a weird impression of Mormons since we spent most of the time talking about our weddings and such.
Before heading home to Cedar City I requested that we see a few famous California sites. We dipped our feet in the Atlantic on Long Beach and walked the stars of Hollywood and even drove down Beverly Hills to Rodeo drive. I just really wanted to see the sites I see all the time on TV. It was totally worth it!

After returning home Joe and I moved into the basement of his parents. It only took one carload to get all my stuff out of my room. The trouble was actually getting it in his… with one closet. A little math problem: Courtney’s clothes fit into 2 closets and 6 drawers. Joe’s clothes fit in 1 closet and 4 drawers. When we put those two together we run out of space. We got a little creative with arrangements and managed to get everything to fit. Except all our wedding presents which we decided to leave everything in the box and stick in an empty closet in a spare room upstairs. I started my job as a host at Wingers a few days after we got back and started training for a server within two weeks. Joe is a orthodontic tech working for Dr. Wilson. Two part-time jobs don’t make the most lucrative income but on the bright side we look really good on paper for financial aid! We are just about to finish out the semester. At this point in time Joe has decided to stay here for a year or so. This way I can finish my degree in Physical Education and he can take some time to decide what he really wants to devote his life to. So far I’d say we make one really happy couple. I love him and I’m pretty sure he still loves me.

Here are some pictures from the wedding and other stuff