Where We Love is Home

"Where we love is home -- home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts." Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Ellsworth Johnson

Our new home is under construction, as is the neighborhood in which we will soon live, and our relationship, newly sealed in marriage. As Bruce and I took our wedding vows in our emerging home under the guidance of our dear friend, the Reverend Albert G.Butzer III, he reminded us that all relationships are under construction.

How fitting that we would be married in our future home!

For Bruce and me, being married in our home in East Beach with close friends and family was symbolic of our relationship. When I moved to East Beach four years ago I found a nurturing place to live among others who warmly welcomed me to this special and unique neighborhood.  It wasn't long before I met Bruce, we fell in love, and he, too, fell in love with East Beach and became integrated into our community. Every step of the way we were supported and encouraged by those who know and love us best -- our children, our extended families, and our closest friends.

And now we are husband and wife.

And while we already love our future home and look forward to spending many happy years here, we are mindful that our home is not truly a physical place. Home is the memories you make, your family and friends, and the love you surround yourself with. As so eloquently written by Tadd Williams, "Never make your home a place.  Make a home inside your own head.  You'll find what you need to furnish it -- memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things.  That way it will go with you wherever you journey."

Thank you for sharing our journey with us.

Happy New Year!  Monica and Bruce

P.S.  With grateful appreciation to Al Butzer, East Beach Photography, Schnieder Custom Building, and the many others who worked so hard to make our special day so perfect.

The weather was a balmy 58 degrees, perfect for our two talented violinists to play.

The Johnson kids!  Bruce's daughter Angela, cousin Zachary,
and sons Ryan and Michael.

My dear friend May Spearman, twin sister Pam Beacher, me, and my beautiful daughters
Kali Hamill, April Lynch, and Allison Dubbink.  May and Allison sang during the ceremony.

Bruce and me at the altar with the Reverend Al Butzer.  

The newly weds celebrating with great friends and family!

Little Beau Beau looked very handsom in his tuxedo.  He was so excited that he danced with mommy after the wedding!