Today is a special day. Nine years ago on the 30th day of June, in the year 2000, I married my love and my best friend, Jaden! Best decision we ever made. 
Who knew that a mere 12 or so years after these photos were taken of little Jaden and little Brooke, that we would meet each other in junior high and the rest is history!! Our family history, hee hee!!
We met in junior high at the ripe old age of about 14 years old. We dated in high school, went to a bunch of dances together (we laugh at how young we look!) and were the best of friends too. Pardon the shabby scanning job on these photos.
These were the pre-digital days!!!
After gradation from high school, Jaden went on a mission and I headed down to “The BYU.” Parting is such sweet sorrow……
After Jaden returned from his mission to Chile, we resumed our datinghood and had a blast being cute as well as totally nerdy together!
One weekend in February Jaden flew me up to Seattle (I had always wanted to go there) and proposed!! We were thrilled and excited about our big day.
And the photo inside. It’s funny because my brother Tyler took this photo and then 9 years later I took HIS engagement photos!
On the day of June 30, 2000, it was rainy. Our family definitely has a history with it raining whenever we make outdoor plans!! But we truly lucked out and as we came out of the temple the sun came out and it was a beautifully sunny afternoon.
After Jaden returned from his mission to Chile, we resumed our datinghood and had a blast being cute as well as totally nerdy together!
One weekend in February Jaden flew me up to Seattle (I had always wanted to go there) and proposed!! We were thrilled and excited about our big day.
Here’s the front of our invitation. I loved it.
And the photo inside. It’s funny because my brother Tyler took this photo and then 9 years later I took HIS engagement photos!
On the day of June 30, 2000, it was rainy. Our family definitely has a history with it raining whenever we make outdoor plans!! But we truly lucked out and as we came out of the temple the sun came out and it was a beautifully sunny afternoon.
It was the happiest day of our lives up to that point! Honestly, a dream come true.
Sigh. It really was a perfect day. And luckily we had our reception INSIDE–because that night the rain definitely came down!! But we didn’t mind.
I was the only girl on both sides….
Sigh. It really was a perfect day. And luckily we had our reception INSIDE–because that night the rain definitely came down!! But we didn’t mind.
I was the only girl on both sides….We had a delightful reception, it was such a great party. People stayed for a long time, even after we left (which was like 11:30 pm!!). We loved being with our families and friends.
It was the best day. Such lovely memories.
Newlywed life was grand!
Our family, June 2009
Here we are now–a little older, a little more wrinkly, hopefully a little wiser, and more in love than ever. Happy anniversary, Jaden!! I love you! I’m so thankful you are mine.
It was the best day. Such lovely memories.
We spent our honeymoon in Kauai, and almost felt like we were little kids who had run away from their parents–we could barely rent a car ourselves. So young and innocent!!!
So young and innocent!!!
Newlywed life was grand!
Our family, 2000.
It’s hard to imagine that 9 years has gone by in a such a flash. I can hardly imagine what life was like before we got married, it’s crazy!! So much has happened since our beautiful wedding day, our favorite moments being the births of our 3 children. We’ve been through thick and thin together, we have so much fun together, and I’m so grateful to have our forever family. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses (and still love each other in spite of them!), sometimes we can communicate just with a look and we often can finish each other’s sentences. I know I am a better person because of my amazing husband, and I treasure the memories we have made and look toward the future with joy.
We’ve been through thick and thin together, we have so much fun together, and I’m so grateful to have our forever family. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses (and still love each other in spite of them!), sometimes we can communicate just with a look and we often can finish each other’s sentences. I know I am a better person because of my amazing husband, and I treasure the memories we have made and look toward the future with joy.
Our family, June 2009
Here we are now–a little older, a little more wrinkly, hopefully a little wiser, and more in love than ever.
Happy anniversary, Jaden!! I love you! I’m so thankful you are mine.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GUYS!!! I love that you posted all of those pictures because I haven't seen ANY of them. FUN. You guys are the best, I'm so thankful to have you as family now. Love you!
I am just kinda freakin at the high school shots. It doesn't seem like we've aged until we look at those. The one of you on his back…wowsers we were young and thought we knew so much. Happy Anniversary today!
Happy Anniversary. I have to agree with Ashley. Makes me feel OLD!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Congrats, you two are such a cute couple. I totally remember your wedding reception. Happy Anniversary!
Ah that's a goodin'. I love that you two married each other . . . such great people and families coming together! I can't believe it's been 9 years! And your reception WAS such a party, I was one of the lucky ladies that caught a bouquet (I think you threw 5 or so, but I still felt awesome). I LOVE that picture of the groomsmen holding you, especially Janson holding your feet.
hee hee! Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!
I remember your wedding day & evening oh-so-well! Loved the flip flops & my yellow dress. I think I just got rid of it… if I only had somewhere to wear it again! Love the latest pics of your family & you & Jaden- you look as young & lovely as ever!
Love the high school pics! HOw fun that you have all those dance pics together! Happy anniversary!
congrats on the 9 years. That is so exciting. You guys are so so so so cute together!! Happy anniversary!! Loved seeing the pictures too!
Happy Anniversary! You are a cute couple with some beautiful children. It's fun to see just how much Brandon looks like Jaden and the girls look like their mommy.
Couldn't love you two more. Happy Anniversary!
you guys are such a beautiful, beautiful couple. i think LOVE has a lot to do with that.
congrats.
Hi Brooke, I stumbled on your blog and was so moved by your photojournalistic tribute to your marriage. I clicked over to your Easter post, and the photos of your children really choked me up (in a good way). They are just beautiful – you captured the beauty and innocence of God's most treasured gifts through your photography. You truly have a gift with your camera and your heart. I wish you were near me so I can get you over here to photograph my kids!
Happy Anniversary!!!! You two are the cutest.
happy belated anniversary! i can't believe you have know each other since jr. high. that is crazy. love the flash backs! i love hearing peoples stories! happy 9 year & many more to come!
Such a cute post! I remember talking with you about Jaden while sitting on the shores of Galilee…Look at you now!
I also remember completely spacing your wedding reception and remembering at midnight that night that I had missed it. I felt so horrible!! I still do. Who does that? Who forgets to go to a wedding reception??
Memories…(pretend I just sang that in my loveliest voice ever!)That was fun to look at all those old pictures. Glad you had fun celebrating! Next year's the big one…lets plan a trip!
I'm laughing picturing Julie singing "Memories"! I forgot about the Seattle proposal – how romantic is that?!? Way to go, Jaden. Hope your anniversary was fab and that you wore your Minnie Mouse ears the whole day!!
*sigh* that was so lovely and refreshing to read Brooke! Always love to up on your blog. BTW…I look at your Annie and I think to myself how much my Nalley and she look alike…Nalley just has the blonde curls! Too cute…but don't you love the morning "fro"???
Happy Anniversary-you guys make such a cute couple and have made some very cute kiddos!
I love the history of pictures. I married my missionary too. We just celebrated our 7th anniversary. We were totally nerdy and giddy when he got back too. It looks like you have such a beautiful life together and family. Congratulations!
Awwww…Duh…Sweet…Cute…Happy. Good job guys. Love you!
THAT WAS SO CUTE!!! Happy Anniversary to you two love birds!!!
You guys are so cute. What a great 'love story'.