Annie and Craig’s guests erupted in applause as we approached the Gem Theatre on Saturday for their wedding reception. They, along with their bridal party, just exited the trolley that transported us all downtown where we passed the most eclectic crowd of people I’ve ever witnessed downtown. With a concert at Campus Martius and an event at Ford Field letting out at the same time that Jimmy Buffet’s closest friends and family covered the city for his concert that evening, things easily became mayhem. But, when you hop off the trolley in a wedding dress… people move and streets are unblocked.

When I first met Craig and Annie I left having gotten to know, just a little, a sweet couple with reserved temperaments and what I thought were timid characters. But after an engagement session, rehearsal dinner, and their wedding day… timid seems ridiculous. Annie and Craig met in high school and though they are a few years apart in age their paths continued to cross into college. They eventually began to date. Annie lived and studied a year abroad. They both enjoy travel so much that when Annie decided to live abroad again, after her initial return, Craig joined her. Their travels took them many places as they both taught english to children and it solidified their relationship. Many things are challenging on a relationship and I can’t imagine that the sacrifices and the sometimes lack of comfort away from home was easy to withstand. But, Craig said it best at their rehearsal dinner and I’m paraphrasing “If you can survive the planning of a wedding and you’re still in love on your wedding day, you’re destined for lasting love.” Nothing honestly will test a relationship more than the crashing of two families as you plan the day that will be the start of your future. I’ll add that shopping for real estate, remodeling said real estate, and canoeing are pretty close at the top of that list too.

These two work hard and play hard. They truly are each other’s best friends. They’re no longer in the mushy gushy phase but their love is strong and mature. It might be mushy gushy too but I really did admire the commitment they both so easily display. I have no doubt, Annie and Craig, that the pair of you will continue to find lasting happiness as you tackle the rest of the world! Adore you guys to the moon and back! Hugs!