Jessica has been recognized as a preferred vendor to work with by her industry peers, earned TheKnot.com’s Best of Weddings award 9 times, and been inducted into TheKnot.com Hall of Fame. Jessica is a multi-award-winning photographer, a leader in her industry, and an educator to up-and-coming photographers through her Embark Retreat.
Eric-
June 13, 2004. Today it’s been 9 years since we stood up in front of our friends and family at Old Glory Ranch in the Hill Country of Texas and said our vows to one another, exchanged rings, sealed it with a kiss and rode off in a horse drawn carriage. I’m not sure where time has gone as I’d like to think that was just a year or two ago – not knocking on the 10 year door! It was the most perfect day, one that I wouldn’t change a thing about – one that made me your wife. In sickness and in health. You made such a handsome groom and I know I had a smile from ear to ear the entire day as I danced in the pouffiest princess dress ever. Eric, I am so proud to be your wife, I am so proud of the man you’ve were on our wedding day and have become.
As our chapter in the Marine Corps closes, I want to thank you for making me a Marine Corps wife. (Toughest job in the Corps, correct?!) Being a military spouse was never anything I ever could have imagined I’d be, and I’m honored to say I stand with those women around our country as we support our husbands through all the hurdles that only a fellow “salty” spouse can understand. I am thankful for all the cities we’ve lived in, for all the wonderful neighbors/friends we’ve met along the way and for all the places I’ve been able to call home. I am thankful for your determination and selflessness in defending our country and doing your duty – bringing your men home safe and sound. You truly are a hero, Captain Frey and although our time has been cut short, Once a Marine, Always a Marine, right? Plus, now you get to wear your Veteran hat and join a VFW!!
If I have learned anything these 9 years, it’s that marriage is an adventure – a roller coaster if you will! We’ve had some incredible years, some sad days, a few rough patches here and there, but I wouldn’t change them for the world. Each obstacle has brought us closer together and strengthened our relationship and foundation. As we continue on this next journey, I know that “Adventure is out there” and I wouldn’t want to experience it with anyone else by my side. I love you, Eric!
– J
For those of you looking for “10 Tips to a Fun & Lasting Marriage”….um, here’s a few of my thoughts I’ve learned over the past 9 years:
1) It’s not a Fairy Tale. It won’t be “Happily Ever After”. Life is not always full of glitter, rainbows and unicorns. Bummer, right?! (except on days I get to go to Disney)
2) Marriage is hard work! It’s incredible getting to live life with your best friend, but it’s a constant learning and growing experience.
3) Marriage needs maturity. As we’ve developed into a mature love over the past 5 years it’s been a struggle….learning how to love each other during each season of life is challenging at times. I will preface that by saying that reading and understanding the book; The Seven Love Languages has been incredible and I highly recommend it to all those couples out there at any stage of their relationship!
4) Surround yourself with good people. People who do life with you, who can celebrate with you, who know your struggles and can hold you accountable or be an ear to listen and guide. We’ve been blessed to have our life group from church in Bakersfield who are family and who we can lean on when times are not rainbows and glitter 🙂
5) Have fun! Enjoy life, explore, plan trips and things to look forward to in the future – you only get one life, live it!
6) Don’t feel pressured to have a family right away. I’ve absolutely LOVED that it’s just been me and Eric for 9 years (actually it’s more like 5 thanks to the military and war) and we’ve grown into quite a team. Someday we may start a family, but that’s our timeline and Kayla’s been an incredible puppy/fur baby!
7) Find your passions. I’ve learned that when my happiness depends on another person, life can get difficult. When you find your passion, pursue it – share your journey with your spouse, but ‘if mama ain’t happy, ain’t no body happy’, right?
8) The little things. You hear it all the time, but it’s the little things that can count. Little notes on the refrigerator, greeting each other first thing when we get home, keeping a weekly date night…it matters!
9) Be a team. You’re in this together, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. Team Frey high-fives a lot. Especially when we played softball together.
10) Being a Christian, my faith has only grown as we’ve grown closer together to Jesus. We make it a point to pray together, to lean on God to guide us with wisdom and He has proven over and over again that we are where we’re supposed to be and those obstacles we thought were rough were for a reason and all in His time. I love that we can have open conversations and learn together in our faith to keep our foundation healthy.
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and experiences. I wish all of you a lifetime of happiness and of course, adventures!! Have a great day! – Jessica
Jessica Frey is an award-winning, Texas Hill Country-based international wedding and event photographer committed to delivering a high-quality experience complete with stunning and joyful images.
Happy Anniversary!
Wonderful post! Happy Anniversary!
Beautiful!!! Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!
LOVE THIS! Perfect tips for every bride. Happy Anniversary you two! <3