10.07.2012

the first of many years

"To fate and the strange way that it twists us all together."
-Nora Roberts. 

The best and worst things in life happened to me one year ago on Friday, although I didn't know it then. On October 5, 2011, I found out that my dad was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer. I was so upset that I wanted to cancel my plans for the night. My dad told me absolutely not. Sitting at home upset wasn't going to fix things, so I went on a first date that night. I was a mess and told the guy what was going on and that I totally understood if he wanted this to be our first and last date. Little did I know that it'd be the first of many, and that this guy would later turn out to be my best friend and the most amazing boyfriend. Colton , I love you so much and I truly believe God brought us together on that day for a reason. Thank you for being my rock through this absolute rollercoaster of a year. I'm so happy that my dad was able to meet "the guy that I have the googly eyes" for- his words not mine. I love you, Colty! Happy Anniversary<3



In the past year, we've experienced a lot of "firsts."
Here are a few highlights (and one very lowlight) from year one:

October 2011: Our first Halloween together. 

November 2011: Our first Thanksgiving together, photo taken at the Bemis Bowl.

December 2011: Our first trip to South Dakota (Colton's home state) together.

January 2012: Our first funeral together (not all firsts are happy). I miss you, dad.

February 2012: Our first trip to California (Disneyland!) together. 

March 2012: Our first St. Patrick's  Day together.

April 2012: Our first trip to Las Vegas together.

May 2012:  Our first Memorial Day together, also our first time taking shots of cake flavored vodka.

June 2012: Our first wedding together.

July 2012: Our first 4th of July and concert together.

August 2012: Our first time eating at Sushi Roku, which is now one of our favorite restaurants.

September 2012: Our first time tailgating in Lot 59 North together. As you can see by the guy doing a keg stand in the background, it's definitely the party lot.

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!
See you back here tomorrow :)


35 comments:

Erin said...

Such a sweet post. All because you're Dad told you I keep on living. Loved it!

Hallie said...

I adore this post, I met my fiance in the same simlar way you met your boyfriend, so if anyone understands someone coming in to your life for a reason, I do!

I hope you guys have many more 1sts and years that come your way!

you guys are ADORABLE:):)
congrats!

SimplyHeather said...

You two are such a cute couple..

The exact same thing happened to me. My dad was diagnosed with stage 5 lung cancer Oct 27th - my family became closer to me that day which led my cousin to introduce me to this boy on Halloween. My ex boyfriend and I didn't last, but he will always be special to me. He was my first love.

Your story is so beautiful though! It's amazing how something that great came from something awful. It's like your dad gave you that gift.

xo, Heather

Kaity said...

What a blessed lady you are :) Your story sounds like a perfect example of God's timing and the old adage, "God never closes a door without opening a window" <3

Christi Lynn said...

you've been on lots of adventures together! that is so fun!

AMY MICHELE said...

Such an amazing post!! Thank you for sharing, you two have had some great times! <3, Amy

Raquel said...

Such a sweet post! You two are so cute together!

Chelsea said...

You are so cute! He is one lucky guy! xoxo!

Lisa said...

soo cute!

Tori Benick said...

What a great post! You two are such a cute couple :) My heart goes out to you about your dad. One of my best friends is going through something similar in that her dad is also very sick. I send many happy thoughts sent your way because I can only imagine how tough that was and still is. Nice to see you have a great person by your side! :)

Lourdes Echagarruga said...

Congrats! You guys are definitely cute together.

XO Lourdes

Sam said...

Happy Anniversary! All thanks to your lovely dad :)

Kelly { Messy.Dirty.Hair.} said...

Happy Anniversary to you and ur bf!!! You guys are a freaking adorable couple! Looks like he came into your life at the perfect time! My fav pic is you two at the wedding! I am just loving your outfit & high bun!

LAUREN said...

Dads do know best! :) So sorry about your loss.

Happy Anniversary! Wishing you many more!

xoxo

Chrissy + Nate said...

What a sweet post. It is so neat that your dad was able to meet your love before his passing. I am so sorry for your loss: what a good man for Colton to stay by your side during the first year of your dating through all of the good times as well as the hard times. Have a great week!

Caroline said...

Very sweet. So happy to see that he's been with you through the sadness and the happiness... I'm glad your dad got to meet him!

Court said...

love this! and love your blog!

Emily Ah Tye said...

What a blessing that your dad got to meet him! My dad passed away and I met my boyfriend {now husband} a month later. He has been my rock through so much pain, and I know my dad would've loved him. Your guy must be an amazing man. Congrats on your first year together, and hopefully many more.

xo Emily
www.bupster.blogspot.com

Phuong said...

Such a sweet post. :) I love your black one shoulder dress and your top bun. Very chic and beautiful you are. :)

~Phuong
http://classypeach.blogspot.com/

Cait Monster said...

You and Colton are so cute together! It's amazing how he came into your life exactly when you needed somebody like him and how he stayed with you even though you were probably a complete mess after hearing the news about your father.

Congratulations on the one year! :]

Johlet said...

Happy Anniversary!!!
To many more to come!

http://johced-ourjourneytoeverywhere.blogspot.com/
xxx

Amanda said...

Bria, this is so effing cute! I am overwhelmingly jealous. I wish I had pictures from all of mine and Aaron's firsts. You are going to be so happy you have these later in life when there comes a time that you want to punch him for something :)

Have a great week!!

Melanie @ 4Kottez said...

I really enjoyed reading this - beautiful post. Love that green dress super cute:)

Hannah said...

What a great post. Congrats on 1 year.

It's Sooo Fluffy! said...

Happy anniversary! Your dad was a smart guy!

Lindsay said...

Such sweet photos of you guys! It is kinda crazy how life works out sometimes huh?!

Amanda said...

This is a cute post! Lot 59, huh? Do you go to ASU? I went there! I live in Scottsdale :-)

xo,
Amanda @ Pretty Little Things

Brandi said...

You two are so adorable and you are gorgeous!! Thank you for finding my blog so I could find yours!!!

Ps, I am very sorry about your dad what a terrible loss!

XoXo
Brandi

Cassandra said...

Happy one year to you both! What a sweet post.

Alisa Marie said...

Love all your pics, I don't even think I have that many pics of all our firsts - so cute!

Amy Fashion Blog said...

Happy Anniversary!

Val @ Tangled In Texas said...

Happy Anniversary! :)

Your dad must've been awesome. I'm so glad you had a wonderful rock to lean on...

Oh, and y'all are adorable!

Val @ Tangled In Texas said...

Happy Anniversary! :)

Your dad must've been awesome. I'm so glad you had a wonderful rock to lean on...

Oh, and y'all are adorable!

Amy said...

What a lovely post. I'm glad your dad got to meet him too. So sweet.

Joanna said...

soo cute! i love your hair and cute outfits!