Cari + Tony:: 3 Year Anniversary

"Mom, I know the 21st is Grandma and Grandpa's anniversary, but I'm already a bridesmaid for that day. My wedding day is going to have the be the 7th," I said to my mom as we were trying to figure out logistics of our own family. This was the first time I'd be a bridesmaid and who better to stand up with than Cari & Tony?!

We were known as "Car(r)i(e) squared" in college because The Two Carrie's were rooming together and we were each other's life saver during the drama that was our freshmen all-girls hall. A fellow Christian, strong in her faith and such a daily encouragement for me, it was only natural that a fellow Christian, strong in his faith and such a daily encouragement for Cari would sweep her off her feet our junior year. Tony finished seminary school as Cari and I graduated from Drake amidst wedding planning. I was so honored to stand up with the two of them just weeks after my own wedding which happens to be 3 years ago. Already?! And to this day, their ceremony influenced Gerard & I the most in our married life.

You can tell through their pictures that Tony cracks Cari up constantly. Shoot, she cracks herself up! I'm sure there are serious conversations that go on in their home, but more often than not, I know there's laughter, a great faith in our Lord, and Cari is smilin' at the future a la Proverbs 31. Tony is serving currently as a youth pastor and Cari works with the church's children's ministry, so this couple is definitely poised and ready to impact our future leaders for the better! Quite appropriately, Cari wore the dress she had worn for their wedding rehearsal 3 years ago. This couple is so huge to me, that I decided to post the pictures EXTRA LARGE. Take a look:

I told Tony to lean in 90% as in the movie 'Hitch'. Needless to say, Cari couldn't keep a straight face...

Peek a boo! I see you Tony!

You wouldn't know it from the pictures, but it was in the 90's and was just as humid. A girl's gotta cool off!

Cari, you're gorgeous.

I asked Cari to give Tony a "come hither" look and this is what I get.

 I tell you, the girl cracks herself up.

This is as close as we got to drinkin' the "fierce juice"...

And then we immediately hopped on a bike for some laughs outside an antique store.

Had to get some of the groom...especially if he matches the walls...

Can you tell this couple works with kids? Sorry Cari, I just had to post this one.

Kids, don't try this at home. But do notice that they were at least in the crosswalk!

Cari & Tony, keep it real. It was a blast to spend time with you in this way, we'll definitely have to do this again!