Ryan met Jamie in July of 2017, after his wife Jennifer passed away in May. They started dating and became serious pretty quick. I visited Utah in October of 2017 for Skylar's homecoming and was able to meet Jamie for the first time. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, I had never thought about what it would feel like to have a different person in my brother's life, especially after all that he had been through. My first impression of her was that she was amazing, she was quiet - and we are A LOT to handle when we are all together - but she was SO great with his kids and that told me right then that he had a keeper. She is a Kindergarten teacher and has a special ability to work with kids, but taking on 4 more children, as your own, is not the same as teaching in a classroom. We all told her that if she could survive a weekend with all of us, and not jump ship, she was a keeper!! Not only did she not run away, she jumped right in with both feet.
The weather was beautiful for a February day in Utah - it could have been so much worse, we met at the same tree where Ryan proposed to Jamie, he had his back turned to her and when he turned around his face radiated pure joy to see her in her wedding dress. I tried to get some photos of them looking at each other, but they were way too quick to pull each other into an embrace. I'm sure they were thrilled that their big day was finally here. Planning a wedding, moving a family and working full time is way more than either of them could handle alone, but all of their family and friends rallied together to help make their day magical...and it was.
Family pictures with 7 children, as your wedding party, is not for the faint of heart. I told them to just stand there and look at me, or at each other, and let the kids do whatever they wanted, it's really how their life is going to be from now on. We captured so many sweet moments throughout the day and I'm so grateful that it all worked out and I was able to be there for their special day.
Ryan and Jamie, I know you've both been through so much in your life. I know that the trials you have endured have only made you stronger. I know that you are meant to be together and I know that there is a greater joy than any of us could ever imagine, if we endure these trials we are asked to bear. I imagine that parenting 7 children is HARD WORK, I don't know from experience, but I'm thinking you've got your hands full. :) Hang onto each other, laugh always and NEVER give up!! I love you both and can't wait to see all of your adventure together, and I'm sure with 7 kids you'll have a LOT!!
