Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Southwick!

Today Dallin married his forever sweetheart and eternal love, Audrey Sue Cummings! I have to admit that I was a little nervous about the idea of daughters-in-law, but ever since Dallin started dating Audrey, that worry dissipated. In fact, even before they had their first kiss or even decided they were going to seriously date, I had an experience that set my mama heart at ease. On February 2, 2024, Jeff, Jonas, and I were walking out to the UVU parking lot with Dallin after attending one of Jacob's wrestling matches. Dallin was telling us about this girl that he was going on a date with. He had mentioned her before. I knew they were friends. Our casual conversation ended as we parted ways in the parking lot. As I turned towards our vehicle, a strong sense of peace settled over me...and I knew. I knew that my son had found his eternal companion (either that or I knew God was telling me to back off and let this one play out...something I had a hard time doing in at least one of his previous relationships). It was honestly a tender mercy from a loving Father in Heaven to his daughter to let her know that her son had found his forever. And I am so glad they found each other! They amplify the good in each other. I love watching Dallin tenderly care for Audrey. I see him put her first...and in turn, she does the same. I love that she fits in with our family too! We can be a lot sometimes (ok...all the time), and she can keep up. It has been fun to witness their love story unfold...and it was fun celebrating them today! The day started with their sealing at 11:30. I couldn't hold back the tears as I saw them kneel across the altar and pledge eternity to each other. It is one of those moments when you can feel heaven reach down to touch us. 

After the sealing, the day snowballed into one massive party! We had pictures, the luncheon, more pictures, and the reception. Honestly, it felt like a blur. I loved how many people came out to support Dallin and Audrey. During the luncheon, Jeff and I were asked to say a few words. We decided to put together a Southwick Survival Kit for Audrey. We joked about Dallin's idiosyncrasies as we pulled out various items (e.g., fidget toys because he always needs to be entertained, a yoga mat so she can find moments of zen in the chaos, etc.) then we tied each item to a little marital advice (e.g., fidget toys to keep finding fun in the little moments, yoga mat to remind them to make space for the sacred and establish holy rhythms, etc.). They then played a fun shoe game before we paused to regroup for the reception. Thankfully, both events were at the same place. 

The whole event was gorgeous! Again, I loved seeing all the friends and family show up to support Dallin and Audrey. It was a bit of a drive of the West Mountain people, and yet they still showed up. I can't even begin to count how many people I talked to that day. To be honest, I hit a social wall about half way through the reception. My conversation skills started to wane and my cheeks were a little sore from all the smiling (I guess I should smile more), but the happy couple kept the energy up until the very end! Dallin and I danced to the Rascal Flats song, My Wish. He couldn't have picked a more perfect song because I truly do with all those things for him. As we shuffled our feet around in our little circle, I just started to cry. I am so proud of the man he is and the wife he found. I can't wait to see what their future holds. 

The evening ended with a very loud and very energetic dance party before we bid them farewell with a tunnel of sparklers. It was an incredible day to celebrate such an incredible couple!