marcie's wedding

My best friend is MARRIED!  Talk about the happiest, happiest day :)

Here's a little background on Marcie and I... We've been friends for over 18 years. 

Friendships like that don't come around everyday.  

We rode the bus home together in elementary school for playdates, had lemonade stands, rode our "first airplane all by ourselves" together, and ate a bowl of ice cream almost everyday after school before dance team practice. We love Potbelly's sandwiches, lifesaver gummies, Bagel Cafe breakfast sandwiches, and went through obsessive phases of Zac Efron and The Jonas Brothers.  

We bawled our eyes out together all night long the night before she moved. 

From dance recitals, Halloweens and Achievement Days skits...

...to countless sleepovers and photo shoots...

...to girls camps, proms, homecomings, dance team, concerts, boyfriends, vacations, cell phone curfews and zillions of other high school happenings.... 

...to our WEDDINGS.

Talk about a lifetime of memories.  

It was so fun to get away for the weekend and road trip down to St. George to celebrate this girl's special day.  In the sealing room, after filing in towards the back, Marcie's mom stood up and said, "Lisa! Get up to the front! You're family."  I was so touched.  She was right; to say we're best friends just doesn't cut it.

I remember when I was engaged, Marcie told me that my wedding would be "the second best day of her life," only after her own wedding.  Having experienced both now, you were right Marcie-- experiencing the joy and happiness of my best friend's wedding has absolutely qualified as the second best day of my life.  

I love you, Marce! Couldn't be more thrilled for you :)

six months

Well, we made it half-a-year! Six months ago today, I married my best friend.  I still can't get over how lucky I am to spend forever with a person as incredible as Ryan. To commemorate this little "milestone" of ours, here's a little tribute to the happiest day of our lives :) Enjoy!

Temple Film:
https://vimeo.com/75603188

Reception Film:
https://vimeo.com/77549314

(The password is "2" on both.)

summer in review

It sure has been a whirlwind of a summer! Talk about busy, busy, busy. It’s hard to believe we packed in as much as we did…but summers always seem to go that way, don’t they?

Here are a few highlights… It’s been a good one!

We started off with a little trip to Cancun. Not a bad way to kick off the summer :)

Then, after only being married 3 weeks, I left my brand new hubby to go on tour with the Folk Dancers.  It was sad to be apart, but Nauvoo never disappoints.  One of my favorite places in the world.

I started my new job! I love, love, love it.  I work for the Utah Valley Expos and it is just the perfect fit for me. I make my own schedule, choose my own hours, and get to meet with some of the coolest people on the planet.  It’s flexible, fun, DEFINITELY keeps me on my toes, and has already opened up tons of new opportunities for growth and potential in the future. I am loving it.

Went to a different county fair every weekend. Literally. (Strawberry Days, Rodeo Days, Draper Days, Freedom Days, Steel Days, Fiesta Days, Swiss Days and Peach Days to name a few…)

Went to Stadium of Fire!  I had always said that I must make it to Stadium of Fire just once before I left Provo.  Thanks to Al’s family, right at the LAST second, I got my wish :) As patriotic as I am, and with 4^th of July being my favorite holiday, I loved every minute of it!  And now Ryan will have to forever live with “Kelly Clarkson” as his first concert :)

Celebrated the most important, looked-forward-to day of the year in the Bench family—KIDS’ DAY. That’s right. There’s Mother’s Day, there’s Father’s Day, and in this family we celebrate KIDS’ DAY! This year the theme was “Western Round Up”—and boy did they go all out!

Got invited down for a quick getaway to Lake Powell with my awesome boss and her family!  (Did I mention how much I LOVE my job?!) It was beautiful. And a blast. We’re obsessed.

Celebrated Ryan’s birthday!  26 years old.  Joint with his best friend Austin.  Best friends, same birthday. Cute, huh?

Celebrated these adorable newlyweds/best friends of ours :)  Two of our favorite people in the world marrying EACH OTHER—how great of a set up is that?! Such a happy, happy day. 

Totally hit it off with one of the groomsmen ;)

SO much love.  Can't wait to be “best-family-friends” for the rest of our lives :)

Now we’re just kickin’ it here in Logan!  Not too much to report yet, but it’s been kind of nice to take it easy with just the two of us after such a crazy, fun-filled summer.  But, so far so good!  Getting settled and staying busy!

virginia reception

Our Virginia Reception at the beautiful Lightfoot Restaurant in Historic Downtown Leesburg. 

It was elegant and lovely and the food was to die for. I'm so glad we were able to celebrate with all my Virginia favorites, and it was so fun to be a bride all over again! Here are a few pictures from our Wedding Day, Part 2. Enjoy!