Happy 2nd Anniversary: To my husband...

My loving husband, 
    I cherish you more than you know. Our 2nd year of marriage has been full of adventure and love. I am so lucky to be experiencing what life has to offer with you. Thank you for all you do and for simply being you. I love you with all of my heart! Happy 2nd Anniversary! - J

Last year Jeremy and I sat down and answered questions about one another for our 1st anniversary. This year, I found that the same blogger had written new questions to ask on every anniversary. Some of them were similar to last year's, so I came up with a couple of different questions. Here goes!!!... :)

1. What has brought you closer together this year?
Me-  Talking about our future!
Jeremy- International travel and gaining perspective through the culture of others less fortunate.


2. What is your favorite memory of this year together?
Me- Brazil! That was an amazing trip and I am so glad we were able to go and create life long memories with dear friends. 
Jeremy- Being in beautiful Brazil for two short weeks.

3. If you could relive any day from this past year what would it be?
Me- This is a hard one! There are so many I would happily do over again. I guess I will go back to Brazil. Most everyday there was so amazing. 
Jeremy- Most any of the days when all the work is done, and we can relax in our home.


4. What's been the best thing about our marriage in the past year?
Me- The time we had together while on our trips. It was amazing to see all of the Portland/ California coast with you and then explore the beauty of Brazil. We have been so fortunate to travel and see such beautiful places and that time together was amazing! 
Jeremy- We're getting stronger all the time!


5. Anything shocking you've learned about your spouse?
Me-  I would say I am most shocked that you got into Mad Men. You aren't one for TV and I'm selfishly glad you like that show. I've enjoyed watching the seasons with you. I'm also shocked you let me get Maya. I appreciate you understanding my need for another dog. It was so hard to lose Kiya and all that love needed to go somewhere! She's been a great addition to our family.  
Jeremy- Your Brazilian street smarts!


6. What is a bonus quality you received in your spouse that you didn't know about until this year?
Me- That you can sing! I sing constantly (even though it's mostly off key) and you have never been one to sing in front of me. I have enjoyed the few times that you opened up and sang with me this year. You are very good which isn't surprising. 
Jeremy- I am always surprised in your ability to tolerate the real me all day everyday.


7. What has been the scariest thing to happen in the past year?
Me- Of course the incident in Brazil. Although, we swore we would never share all of the details, it was unbelievably life changing and when I replay those horrific 15 minutes in my head I thank God for watching over us. I am so very lucky to have a man who cared for me the way you did. You were so comforting and got me through the tears..well the hours of waterworks I should say. :) 
Jeremy- Having to see your street smarts put to use.


8. What have you learned from your spouse in the past 12 months?
Me- You taught me how to make a mean margarita and how to cook a steak perfectly on the stove top. 
Jeremy- I am constantly learning from your caring nature.


9. How have your feelings changed in this year together?
Me- My feelings for you have deepened not only in love, but in respect. I respect how hard you work and how hard you strive to keep things balanced in life.
Jeremy- Nothing has changed this year any more than others, but we're learning a deeper love.


10. What do you most look forward to in our next year of marriage?
Me- Starting a family. You are going to make one awesome dad! ;)
Jeremy- Moving forward to bigger things! Babies, house...

We are off to celebrate! First stop, Patterson House then dinner at our favorite spot, Rumours East.  

Happy Anniversary: To my husband...

One year ago today I married the love of my life. Surrounded by our closest  friends and family we promised our love to one another in becoming husband and wife.  I am amazed at how quickly the year has gone, but can definitely say it has been a wonderful one full of laughter and love. I am looking forward to many many more years of marriage. Although, there will be ups and downs along the way, I could not imagine going through them with anyone else. Jeremy, you are my everything. I love the life we have together and look forward to the continuing growth in that life. Happy 1st Anniversary! -J

Over coffee this morning,  Jeremy and I sat down and separately answered 10 questions about our 1st year of marriage and then read each other our answers. 

                                                                (I found the questions here.)

1. What has brought you closer together?

Me- The growth of my business and the passing of my beloved dog, Kiya. With both you have provided unconditional love, support, and a shoulder to lean on. You are my rock, my everything. 

Jeremy- Having more time. Being done with school has allowed us to live more together. 

2. What is your favorite memory of your first year together? 

Me- ( I was thinking funny).. When I got stung by the jellyfish (for the 1st time ever) and after an hour of agonizing pain I got frustrated, went into the bathroom, peed in a cup, and then poured it on my arm/sting. Tears were streaming down my face as you laughed which made me laugh. :) 

Jeremy- Our week in Jamaica. 

3. Did you have a wedding or honeymoon disaster that you are already laughing about? What? 

Me- Yes! The answer to question #2 and the fact that we almost didn't make it to Jamaica since our plane was grounded in Charlotte due to air traffic control in Jamaica going on strike. After much patience and diligence we got on the only flight allowed in later that day. 

Jeremy- Yes, the fiasco with the flight to Jamaica. 

4. What has surprised you most about being married? 

Me- A sense of security. I always knew I was going to grow old with you and never thought being married would feel any different...but it does. :) 

Jeremy- That I love being able to call you my wife. 

5. Anything shocking you've learned about your spouse? 

Me- Not really, I knew what I was getting into when I said I Do. 

Jeremy- You keep a dirty bedroom.

6. What is a bonus quality you received in your marriage that you didn't know until married?

Me- Again, from our 6 year history I feel like I knew most everything about you. I have always loved that you are fair in situations and don't tend to act on emotion, but rather take time to digest things and then react accordingly. It is something I am not as good at and I really admire about you.

Jeremy- You are the best addition to my family. Your patience, understanding, and sacrifice is uncomparable.

7. If you could do anything different would you? 

Me- No. Nothing, but possibly marry you sooner. 

Jeremy- Not a thing. 

8. What have you learned from your spouse this year? 

Me- Dedication. You never cease to amaze me when it comes to this. You give things your all and do whatever it takes to do so. It is inspiring. 

Jeremy-  Patience and compassion. 

9. How have your feelings changed in just one year together?

Me- I love you more each day even though I don't understand how that is even possible. 

Jeremy- I always loved you, but now I have a deeper more mature love for you than I ever knew existed. 

10. What is something you have done that has worked, and really made a difference in your marriage, that you would give as advice to be successful to others on their wedding day?

Me- Always remember how lucky you are to be together. You aren't promised tomorrow so make today count and pick your battles. 

Jeremy- Anytime I get discouraged or frustrated, I remind myself what life was before her. It's a reminder of how lucky I am and outweighs everything else. 

A look back at our special day... As always a HUGE thanks to the talented Brooke Kelly for capturing our day so beautifully. 

A BIG thanks to CJ's Off The Square in Franklin, TN. Their garden provided us the wedding of our dreams!

Picture Perfect Friday

Greetings from my new location! I just wrapped up a client meeting and I have to say I am feeling very much at home here in the new spot. I just booked a lovely March couple and I have several meetings on the books for next week. The excitement is building and so are some ideas! So exciting!! Here is a quick Picture Perfect Friday post for you. Have a great weekend!

I captured some early morning light on my drive to Bell Buckle last week. 

We have made progress and I picked up my signs today. We plan to hang them over the weekend. Stay tuned for a picture of the complete set up! 

Picture Perfect Friday ~ The BIG Announcement ~

Well, are you ready?? Are you ready for the BIG announcement?? I know I am! :)

Drum roll please.....

NEW NAME & NEW LOCATION!!!!!

A few new and exciting changes are happening with Joy Dement Photography! The first is a NAME CHANGE! Most you of know I recently got married and after much deliberation I have decided to change my business name to my married name. Now Introducing...

The second exciting announcement is LOCATION!!!

I am beyond excited to announce that I will have a space on the square! You will be able to find Joy Chambers Photography in the building that houses Kerried Away Couture and Paige's Pantry. I will have an area in their store that will allow for client meetings, product display, and studio space. Both businesses are owned and operated by fantastic women and I am so excited to be connected with the two. I am looking forward to all the new and exciting things that will take place with this step. Truly, I am blessed beyond measure with great family, friends, and clients. I thank you all for the love and support that has made this step possible. Stay tuned for next weeks Picture Perfect Friday that will be documenting the big move.

Now, PLEASE pass the word around! :) Joy Dement is now Joy CHAMBERS and can be found at 123 S. Church Street Murfreesboro, TN ( by appointment only). YaY!!!!

Looking forward to many more sunsets on the square!

Picture Perfect Friday

Another late post this week, however, this time I have a good excuse. I arrived home today from Centennial Hospital. My father underwent prostate surgery Thursday afternoon. We learned of his cancer a couple of months ago. After education and visiting numerous doctors, we came to the conclusion that surgery was his best option.

Tuesday evening the entire family went to my parents home for family time before the surgery. The weather outside was beautiful, with fall weather in the air. As I took pictures of everyone hanging out while we grilled, I asked my dad if  I could make his surgery my Picture Perfect Friday.

Here it is...

Those of you who know my father can attest to his incredibility. Words really can't explain what a wonderful, smart, strong, hard working, caring, fair, serious, funny, charming, and loving man he is. I will refrain from being too mushy and explaining how much of a Daddy's girl I am, but I have to say I have never known another man like him. I am blessed beyond measure to have been raised by such wonderful parents and I cherish the strong relationship my father and I share. Although it has been an emotional and hard time, I am very thankful he let me document this journey. I can happily report that he made it through surgery well. He is now home and beginning the healing process. We will know for sure if the cancer was contained at his follow up visit next week, but the surgeon said he "visually" felt good about it. We are continuing to pray he is correct. Thank you to those who have reached out in prayer and support. Papa Slick is hanging in there and will be running a chainsaw, climbing a roof, or fixing something before long! :)

I tried to make the presurgery requirements humorous. My Dad called me when he pulled the bottle out of the fridge the next morning. "Poop your brains out??", he said. At least he laughed. :) 

Sunrise at Centennial morning of surgery. 

A long wait in Pre-Op.

Thumbs up as they took him to surgery.

 

A wave of the hand indicating a so-so Post Op.

It was a rough night for him, but he was moving around a bit better today. I meant to snap a picture once we got him settled in at home this evening, but my tired mind forgot. I am headed straight to the shower and then back over to see him. I will add a recovery picture later in the week. Until Next Friday. - J