OH MY GOSH, I’M MARRIED!

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Holy cow, you guys, I’m hitched!

I’m a Mrs! Steven and I tied the knot on June 3, 2023 at 1:00pm!

And I am STILL floating on Cloud Nine!

I’m going to be honest, I’ve been “stalling” a little bit to publish the post, trying to wait for my professional wedding photos to be delivered, but I just can’t wait any longer to share with you! So aside from these four “sneak peek” photos from the amazing Anna May, the blurry cell phone pics from my relatives will have to do for now!

It was truly the most beautiful day of my life.

We had the most meaningful Mass, celebrated by my childhood priest who is a dear family friend, and our deacon, who led us in PreCana and has become a good friend and spiritual mentor. Fr. Jan gave the most beautiful and personal homily, and Steven and I were Eucharistic ministers, which was so powerful to have that be the first thing that we did together as a married couple.

And the reception was just so much fun! It was a Great Gatsby vibe — not a theme — but a vibe. And it was just so incredible to see all the people that we love all in the same room. And we also found special ways to incorporate Steven’s late father into the day as well, which was really meaningful.

I just can’t express how full my heart, not only because our wedding was truly a dream come true, but that actually, Steven is the dream, and my heart is just overflowing with joy, knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life loving and being loved by such an outstanding man.

Yes, I had a “dress change” during the reception. And at the end of the night, our photographer and videographer took us outside in downtown Cincinnati, and we danced at a stoplight in front of cars that were all cheering and honking for us! It was like something out of a movie.

So that’s all I have to share tonight — I want to save SOME stories for when the professional photos come in, because those are going to be amazing. Me, Steven and my mom all didn’t have our phones the entire day, so literally all the photos I have have been “screenshotted” from social media. So I can’t wait to see the day in HD, and when I do, I will certainly share them on here!

In other news, Steven and I just got back from our honeymoon in Greece! We went to the beautiful island of Santorini, and also had a day in Athens. And HOLY COW, that was the most magical vacation of my entire life. And I cannot wait to share that with you as well! I’ll give all the details and travel tips — because if there is ONE PLACE that you need to put at the top of your bucket list, this is it!

SO – there we go for now!

I’m off to write about 150 thank you notes!

Which — that’s another thing. It is so humbling to personally be on the receiving end of the overwhelming generosity from people you love, who love and are rooting for you and your spouse.

It was humbling and moving and just the entire day was overwhelmingly beautiful. We felt so loved by everyone there. Especially my parents, who threw this most magnificent wedding and reception for us — down to every tiny detail, they wanted to delight Steven and I with our dream wedding, and our gratitude to them goes so deep.

You should have seen how excited my dad got about finding us a “Gatsby Background Jazz” band — it was the cutest thing in the world. He was so personally invested in making our dreams come true. And my mom, too – flying out to NYC to go shopping together for a wedding dress, and then making me a wedding purse that was made out of HER wedding dress!

Like I said, every last detail. You know, it’s funny: this wedding was so gorgeous — not just outwardly, but the love in that room was what really made it so moving. And the thing is: I have been blessed to experience the unwavering love of my parents my entire life: and the beauty and breathtaking experience of that wedding was like an outward metaphor of their love, and what was so special for me, was that everyone else that night got to experience a taste of their self-giving love, through the beautiful party they threw.

It was a night I will never forget.

And the best part is that the magic doesn’t end…because that day was just the beginning of a magnificent new life with my husband.

The man who is the best thing that ever happened to me. The man who I admire with my whole heart. The man who is patient, incredibly generous, strong, wise, funny, dashingly handsome, upstanding, dependable, loyal, hard working, creative, fun, and just good.

It’s the beginning of an amazing chapter of my life!

Can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next!

Until Monday…

The New Mrs.

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

283 thoughts on “OH MY GOSH, I’M MARRIED!”

    1. Hi Carl! oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! amen to that – my parents are the real MVPs! 🙂 hehe God is good! Hugs and love xox

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  2. Caralyn and Stephen, your wedding was touching and splendid and delightful, bespeaking so much love from your parents and of you two for each other. It was such a joy to be there as a witness to your pledge of life-long love. Be happy. Be there always for each other.

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    1. Hi Jane! Oh my gosh, what a special day that was, and how amazing to have you there, celebrating with us! Thank you for these kind words – you’re absolutely right: there was so much love in that room: between Steven and I, God’s blessing over our marriage, from my parents, from Steven’s family, from all the wonderful friends that were there celebrating and supporting us, and the blending of these two wonderful families/loved ones and the communal sharing of faith and support. I am STILL floating on Cloud Nine. It was the best day of my life, and it meant so much to Steven and I that you were there. Thank you again!! Love you!!!

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  4. Congratulations, Caralyn and Stephen! Your photos show how beautiful and powerful your love is, for each other, your family, and to God. May all your days be filled with joy and a love that grows deeper each day! ❤️🙏🏻 💍

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer!!! aw, what a kind thing to say! amen to that – there was so much love in that room. We are so grateful that He brought us together! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Hannah!!! I so appreciate you sharing in the joy with us. God is so good, and we’re forever grateful that He brought us together! Hugs and love xox

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  7. After watching you and communicating with you over the years, I’m so very happy for you to have finally gotten to where you always longed to be – accepting love from a good, Christian man and starting the life of a couple that God intended for us all. Congratulations to you with heartfelt love and hugs!

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    1. Hi Jeff! Oh my gosh, thank you so much my dear friend. You have truly walked with me through this entire journey, and I am so grateful for the friendship, support and prayers we’ve shared over the years. You are truly a blessing in my life. And yes! God is so good to have brought Steven and I together! We need to find (or create) an opportunity for you two to meet! Thank you Jeff for sharing in the joy with me! God is so so good! I hope you and your family are well! hugs and love to you all! xox

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      1. We are all well. Hillary just started a new job this week as a medical assistant at a women’s oncology office and is EXTREMELY happy with her new situation. Julie continues to work from home, which is a great blessing, not having to drive a long ways into town. I continue to do well. I’m essentially “retired” now on permanent disability. I’d like to keep up on my blog more, but I don’t seem to have as many ideas to write about, although I’m working on a series to give a high level overview of a new book, The Return of the Gods. A VISIT – Julie and I plan to get up to Toledo one weekend in July. Hopefully we’ll be able to plan a stop in Cincinnati and can visit you and Steve. I’ll call when we start putting the trip together. It’ll be absolutely great to see you again and meet Steven! All the best with love and hugs!

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      2. Oh that’s so exciting about Hillary’s new job! i will be praying for her as she adjusts to her new schedule and environment. good for her! I know God will definitely be using you going forward in new ways. Perhaps He’s gently guiding you in a new direction, or preparing you for something only He knows right now. We would love that! just let us know! Our door is open! 🙂 hope you had a great Fourth of July! Hugs and love xox

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      1. I think it’s wonderful that you saved yourself for your husband. In this day and age not very many young people, even believers in Christ are willing to wait. You have a beautiful testimony that I trust the Lord will use to encourage many!

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  10. Care…So many emotions come to mind as I read this. I’m proud. Yes I’ve got to admit that I’m proud of the loving young woman you are. I’m joyful! You’ve found a wonderful guy who gives you joy…so I share that incredible joyful emotion. I’m thankful. Thankful that you’ve allowed me to be part of your lives. I’m humbled. Both you and Steven have moved from NYC and it’s humbling to know that you’re starting a new life here! And lastly, I’m excited. There are so many incredibly wonderful things that are in store as you build your life together. Oops one very last one! I’m blessed!! To have you in my life. ❤️❤️❤️ Love you!

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    1. Thank you mama for this beautiful note! Yes! Steven gives me do much joy, and it is truly a blessing that God brought is together! And amen to that! I can’t wait to see what those things are that God has planned for us! I love you to the moon and back mama!

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    2. thank you mama! you are a blessing to me!!! there is so so much to be grateful for, and you are definitely one of those things! xox

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    1. Thank you so much Oloniyo for sharing in the joy with us! and gosh, that’s kind of you to say! i hope you’re having a great summer so far! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Such an amazing dress. So happy for you both. Been an honor following your journey and watching you progress through life. True inspirational young woman. Wish you both all the best for your future together.

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    1. oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing in the joy — and the journey — with us! that truly means the world! God is so good and I’m so grateful that He brought Steven and I together! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Congratulations on your new life! I’m glad you took some time off for your honeymoon, and didn’t take the blog along with you. but I’m glad to see you’re back, and ready to tell us about your new life.

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    1. Thank you Keith! haha – yes, I definitely have been enjoying some time here just being a newly wed! but we’ll be back to posting as usual now! thanks again for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

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  15. Wow! Big congrats, Caralyn! I don’t see your posts as often as I used to, so I’m a bit late reading this. Wishing you unlimited blessings in your new life together! ~Mitch

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    1. Thank you so much Mitch! Yes, I know — with all the wedding planning, the posts were a the first to “go” when things got crazy, but we’ll be back to posting as usual now that things have settled down! Thank you for sharing in the joy with us!! hope you’re enjoying your summer so far! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you Jethan! it was such a special day! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox

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  18. Wow! Congrats!!! Looks like it was a perfect day, perfect wedding! Prayers as you begin this new chapter of your journey together!

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    1. Thank you s much Steven for your prayers and kind words! it was such a special day! Hugs and love xox

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  19. Congratualtions to you both! I have thought you a lovely and loving couple since you first introduced him in your blog. I’m so happy you have the love of your life and the opportunity to create joy, beauty, love, laughter, and support to each other. May God continue to bless you both in this new life.

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  20. Congratulations… I guess we can now end this fairy tale in “and they lived happily ever after”.. LOL.
    I’m deeply sorry though. I saw this article a while back and just now realized that I didn’t comment on it. So my apologies for that.
    As time goes forward and life happens, it is good to know that whatever is down the road, be it moments joy or sorrow; you will not be facing it alone. You were never alone to begin with. Spiritually, God was always with you, but now, physically someone will always be by your side.
    Wishing you both the love of 1 Corinthians 13. May you feel it emanating from each other every second, every moment. And may that love cause others to follow in your example. May your love be used a shining light to inspire others.

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  21. Congratulations Caralyn and Steven! It has been such a joy to traveling along with you through your journey toward one another – to witness from afar the lengths God went to bring you both together. You can see from the sparkle in your eyes it was all worth the wait. And now you begin a new journey together, one which I am certain will bless those around you and ultimately lead you to His heavenly home one day. May you both always strive to be Saints on earth while awaiting that day! PS-I can’t wait to see photos of the wedding purse your Mom made! 😊

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  23. Absolutely gorgeous!!! What a beautiful couple. Hearty congratulations and God bless your marriage and a plus on your page.
    I pray to be next in line, lol🙂

    All the best from Kenya.

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