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82 Comments

  1. marymforbes
    August 15, 2012 @ 10:36 am

    Beautiful pictures. I write romance and love it also. Congratulations. 😉

    Reply

  2. vintagekaren
    August 15, 2012 @ 10:39 am

    Fun story and amazing photos. You both looked like you were having such fun at your wedding!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 15, 2012 @ 10:56 am

      It’s a cliché… but it really was the best day ever. Leading up to it, I was an absolute crazy person. But the day itself was magic.

      Reply

      • vintagekaren
        August 15, 2012 @ 6:43 pm

        So glad you had such a magic day! Wedding days can sometimes be too stressful for words. You look like you were made for each other!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          August 16, 2012 @ 11:30 am

          Yes. I nearly made myself insane with planning. Seriously. I was unrecognizable as myself… However? It was all worth it. To me at least. My husband could have done with less intensive craziness over details.

          Reply

  3. Cher Vick
    August 15, 2012 @ 10:55 am

    As someone who also dances, I loved this story! I could picture the WHOLE thing! Happy Anniversary!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 15, 2012 @ 11:11 am

      So fun!! I will say this—dancing in a fifteen-pound dress is a CHALLENGE!! It has a life of its own. And there is no quick changing directions mid-turn!!

      Reply

  4. Karen B.
    August 15, 2012 @ 11:20 am

    Victoria,
    Happy anniversary! What a great story, I had to laugh, you really did make Paul do all the heavy lifting with this. Clearly, it was love at first sight for him. Most guys would have been “over it” after no return call. Such a fairy tale story and your wedding photographer did an amazing job, you both look like movie stars in a film.
    Have a glorious day and celebration.
    Karen

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 15, 2012 @ 12:13 pm

      In retrospect, I cannot believe I did that… I am a terrible procrastinator. Especially about something that gives me anxiety. Even good anxiety. And so I put off calling him. Until it seemed ridiculous after so much time had gone by…

      It’s become part of our story in a funny way… but if I really think about it, it still makes me cringe. It’s not the first time I postponed something important to me… but it could have been the dumbest.

      Reply

      • Karen B.
        August 15, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

        It just shows you that when a perfectly paired couple meet it’s somehow meant to be. Your wedding backdrop is stunning. It looks like you were married in a palace.

        Oh, and do you watch TV as an adult?

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          August 16, 2012 @ 9:58 am

          The reception was at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington, DE. It was built in 1913, and the ballroom is particularly ornate. All the frescos are original and gilded by hand. It really was a fairytale place.

          I must have looked at fifty places, and was on the brink of choosing a different venue that was the closest thing to what I had in mind. My mom and I scheduled a last minute trip to Delaware… and when we walked in, we were literally awestruck.

          We do watch TV. Maybe not the same way most people do. We’ll watch a TV season that’s already out on Netflix… or a lot of documentaries. Paul is probably the only guy I ever met who didn’t have cable… But when I love a TV show, no one is more of a TV addict than me. Just try to pry me away from MadMen!!

          Reply

  5. patinaandcompany
    August 15, 2012 @ 11:39 am

    Great post, love the way your writing style supports your story so well. I was a “shy girl” and totally relate, but nonetheless wish girls would have the patience to let guys pursue them a bit more like that now, and find out if they really care! Gorgeous photos, also. Happy anniversary.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 15, 2012 @ 12:16 pm

      Thank you!! Sounds like you can understand— how that kind of phone call can inspire anxiety, as well as delight… to most people it really doesn’t make any sense!

      It did work out perfectly… but you can imagine that if Paul were also shy… I might be posting about an entirely different wedding!!

      Reply

  6. Kim
    August 15, 2012 @ 11:42 am

    This gave me goosebumps. What a great story, and such lovely pictures!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 15, 2012 @ 12:20 pm

      Thank you so much!! I did tell myself I ought to take out some of the photos… But? Then I figured it was MY blog… and if I want to inundate it with my still-potent obsession with my eight-year-old wedding day, so be it!!

      Reply

  7. Stacey
    August 15, 2012 @ 1:21 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you both! Such beautiful photographs and BOY, you should be listed “somewhere” as the perfect example of how to play hard to get!! Good thing he’s a smart man who knows how to handle a girl like you. I’d say it paid off for you both. Men are so unnervingly cool sometimes!!! After eight years and countless renovation projects… I’m sure you still feel like “dancing”!! Congrats on your day, and all the days you’ve shared and the many more to come.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 10:58 am

      You know? If I had been trying for hard-to-get, I’m pretty sure it would have backfired!! If someone did that to me, I would have been scarred for life!! I guess it’s a good lesson not to take anything too personally, since you never know what’s really behind it.

      I meant to tell you on your anniversary that I would have loved to see some of your photos!! Our wedding was just on the cusp of digital photography being standard… and my crazy OCD research convinced me that I should go with film… something I’ve since rethought. Scanning photos is no fun.

      On the other hand, I loved our photographer, and the pictures. So I can’t say I would have chosen someone else. And he was firm in his belief that digital wasn’t quite up to par at the time. But I’m so jealous of brides now who have all their stuff archived on their computer with no effort at all…

      Reply

  8. rushoffthefarm
    August 15, 2012 @ 3:15 pm

    Beautiful story!

    Reply

  9. our heritage home
    August 15, 2012 @ 3:20 pm

    Congrats and happy anniversary! Great story and pics to go with it, thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  10. RedCandy
    August 15, 2012 @ 5:50 pm

    Wow! I was mesmerized by your wedding photos! Such a gorgeous venue. And I Love that you played hard to get…..I was the chaser….initially, now he chases me. And just quietly, he has a hard time keeping up. 🙂
    Thanks for sharing and Happy Anniversary!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 11:44 am

      Thank You!! I LOVED our venue. It was the MOST perfect place in the world. The hotel was built in 1913, and the ballroom is a fantastic example of Gilded Age extravagance.

      I think it’s nice when one part of the couple is SO sure of the other that they make sure they don’t get away. Although? If I could do it again, I would definitely call Paul back. He is surprisingly good-natured about it. But if I’d been in his shoes, I don’t think I’d find any humor in it!!

      Reply

  11. Linn @ The Home Project
    August 15, 2012 @ 6:38 pm

    I loved this post! You both look absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous dress! And what a catch Paul is! Love stories like this. Happy Anniversary!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 11:51 am

      Thank you so much for saying that!! I still love our wedding in a way that seems a little excessive now… after so much time has gone by!! I was SO sad when it was over. I really couldn’t believe that I’d never get to do it again. It’s sad—to have that much fun only once!!

      Reply

  12. Jessica
    August 15, 2012 @ 11:32 pm

    Happy anniversary! Great post, I love that you kept finding each other. Must have been meant to be!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 11:59 am

      Yes! It was so odd…to call my best friend and tell her I had re-met Paul, and have her actually have met him. Since we never lived close to each other, the chances of her having met my future husband the same night I did were REALLY slim. And did make me feel like there was some element of fate to it.

      Reply

  13. Storypiece
    August 16, 2012 @ 2:13 am

    Such a great story and he obviously “gets” you. Here’s to many, many more… Cheers!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 12:18 pm

      Thanks! I’m really hoping by the time we’re at nineteen years I’ll be able to say, like you—that he expertly handles when I head towards a meltdown!!

      Reply

      • Storypiece
        August 16, 2012 @ 4:57 pm

        Well it sounds like you are on your way… even from the beginning. That’s one of my favorite things about being married for so long is we both know how to handle each other and not have to argue over stupid little things as much. Who wants to spend the energy?! We still argue, but we cut to the chase a lot faster.

        Hope you had a lovely day together!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          August 17, 2012 @ 9:22 am

          Paul is fantastic at warding off impending doom IF the doom is not related to HIS actions. But? If I’m about to have a meltdown over something he did? Not so good. Lol. Of course the extreme house projects exacerbate everything. Like the time he demolitioned a wall and DID NOT PUT ANY DROPCLOTHS ON ANYTHING. I thought my head would explode.

          Reply

  14. KarenAnita
    August 16, 2012 @ 7:56 am

    What a gorgeous story! And i love all the pictures 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 16, 2012 @ 11:13 am

      Thanks! I’m SO jealous that you still have all your fun ahead of you!!

      Reply

      • KarenAnita
        August 16, 2012 @ 12:23 pm

        Aw that’s cute! Maybe you should have a big party for your 10 year anniversary or something. Buy a fancy white dress hehe!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          August 17, 2012 @ 10:04 am

          That’s a good idea!!
          If you can, try to ENJOY your planning. Everyone always says how stressful/crazy it is. And it IS. But I wish I’d slowed down and enjoyed the entire experience instead of finding so much of it overwhelming.

          Reply

    • Jenny
      September 21, 2013 @ 8:09 am

      Okay I finished this one and rolled over and kissed my husband for being such a great guy. Thank you for the reminder that I was blessed enough (25 years ago – gasp I’m gettin’ freakin’ old!) to find someone who gets me. Blessings to you and Paul and here’s to a fabulous 10th next year!

      Reply

  15. Kerra Michele
    August 16, 2012 @ 3:21 pm

    Your photos are gorgeous! Happy anniversary!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 17, 2012 @ 10:02 am

      Thank You!
      I was just introduced to Maru the cat on your vacation post… so addictive!!

      Reply

      • Apartment Envy
        August 17, 2012 @ 10:18 am

        Man oh man, I *love* that cat!! 🙂

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          August 17, 2012 @ 10:21 am

          I KNOW!! I’ve just spent the last twenty minutes clicking the next video… That cat is OBSESSED with boxes!

          Reply

  16. A city girl
    August 17, 2012 @ 8:05 pm

    OMG Victoria those photos are beautiful. You both look amazing and so in love. Awwwwww. Happy anniversary! You guys are great together and hey you holding out like you did worked.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 20, 2012 @ 7:41 am

      Thank you!! It’s fun and kind of sad at the same time, to look back… time goes so quickly. I really cannot believe eight years have passed!!

      Reply

  17. curt
    August 18, 2012 @ 5:50 pm

    Victoria Elizabeth Barnes – you know, I’ve read this post and studied the photos – then returned to read your words again. Each time I went and hugged my wife and told her “I love you”. I think Paul and I are two of the luckiest men on earth.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 20, 2012 @ 7:40 am

      Curt—this is my favorite comment of all. You fixer-guys get SO caught up in projects and to-do lists and being responsible for making sure it all gets done… but the BEST thing to us wives is when out of the blue, you look at us and think—“wow!! I love you!”

      Reply

    • Deb
      March 14, 2013 @ 6:31 pm

      I’m reading the wedding blog for the first time…hey it took less time for me to get to it than for you to post it! Lovely wedding and pics and like you said, Curt’s comment is such a treasure and pleasure to see.

      Reply

      • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
        March 15, 2013 @ 10:47 am

        I know… he is a rare guy. Plus, I think he got lucky with his wife. She seems to not need to control every house-related decision… My hope is that Paul never discovers such a person exists.

        Reply

  18. Christie Barnes Valdez
    August 27, 2012 @ 8:33 pm

    That was beautiful! 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 27, 2012 @ 9:42 pm

      HEY!! A person I actually know!! Thanks for reading!! (You do look totally fantastic by the way.)

      Reply

  19. Amanda
    August 29, 2012 @ 1:16 pm

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love this post and your wedding pictures are beautiful!

    Reply

  20. Dana
    August 29, 2012 @ 10:39 pm

    Your facial expressions are delightful in these photos — both of you.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      August 30, 2012 @ 7:05 am

      Thanks, Dana. These are definitely my favorites. I don’t even know why we had the photographer take formal shots… they don’t compare at all to the candid ones.

      Reply

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