Oquirrh Mountain Temple

   Temple #1      

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah 

July 6, 2013

      Here we are, at our first Temple together! This temple is extremely special for us. Not only was it our first, but it is also the temple we got married in. The way we count our temples start here, because it is when Ivy got endowed, and we could go to the Celestial room together. We only count Temples at this point; if we've been inside. We've seen some closed or mostly built, yet we do not count them since we have not truly experienced the wonderful purpose and spirituality of them. 

     Ivy went to this temple when it was first dedicated, which was the day after it was struck by lightning. Going here first put Oquirrh Mountain in her mind, making her want to get her endowments out there. 

     When we planned on first getting married, we didn't want to do the typical temple (Salt Lake City), because, if you've ever been there, it is usually crowded and less personalized. Still love it, but if you know us, we like to be more unique. 

     We first planned on getting married in the Draper Utah temple. It was beautiful, with wonderful scenery, and a close one to home. Ivy wanted to get her endowments out at a different Temple then where we were getting married, so she picked Oquirrh. She went to the Temple and was instantly blown away. The Celestial room is incredibly peaceful, with a massive, elegant chandelier in the center. The staff was friendly, helpful, and kind. The feeling came to her, and she knew she wanted to be married there. 

     We got our engagement photos at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and they were stunning. The lighting was wonderful, and the clouds were brilliant. The mountains behind the temple, the Oquirrh Mountains (which obviously is where the temple gets its name), and the Wasatch mountains on the other side of the valley, give wonderful views for the temple. 

     The day eventually came, and Ivy and I were married in the Oquirrh Mountain temple. Ivy’s Mom’s uncle, Bob Cox, sealed us, which was neat. It was an unbelievable day, and quite perfect. Most of our families were there, which made it more memorable.

     We instantly started our honeymoon by leaving the Temple and heading down south. We had our receptions the week before, one in Kamas and one in La Verkin, which made it easier to get away on our wedding day. As I said before, it was a perfect day, until we got to Beaver. 

     Ivy hasn't always had good luck with cars. She just bought a Volkswagen Passat, and it seemed great, but as we were driving through Beaver, it began to smoke and make weird noises. We pulled off and parked. We didn't know what to do! Our car was packed full of wedding presents, it was our first day married, and we were going to go start our honeymoon. 

     We were blessed though. We got ahold of one of Ivys friends mom, who lived in Beaver. She watched over the car for us while we left it in Beaver. Ivys aunt Patti was driving through Beaver just about the same time, and so gave us a ride to St. George, where we had our other car to use. While on our honeymoon Ivys parents got our Passat and took it up North to their machanic who fixed it for us. Everything seemed to work out perfectly, although it was a little crazy. 

     Although it was a partly hectic day, it was still amazing. We both look back on that day often, and are so thrilled and happy with our choice we made to get married in the temple. 

      We love going back to the Oquirrh temple, and remembering those covenants we took years ago, the feelings we felt, and the love and family that was there. We always love walking out of the Oquirrh mountain temple, and looking out over the valley, seeing the vast mountains in the distance, capped with snow, and crowned with clouds. 

     We love the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and it will always be dear to our hearts. It is one of our top rated temples, especially for its Celestial room, and sealing rooms, which bring back wonderful memories and emotions.