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The first "bump" Ellen and I had was when I met J. Ellen loved J. It was more that I REALLY loved J and was struggling to find a balance between boyfriend and best friend. There were times that I flaked or would say no, because I wanted to be around J. Luckily Ellen and I grew up a little after that first bump. I honestly think we're much closer now that we went through that. I remember crying to Jared wishing that I could call Ellen, but not knowing what to say. I missed her so much. What brought us back together was J proposing to me. The first person I told was Ellen. Her genuine excited and happy reaction brought us right back. Of course, Ellen was a big part of my wedding planning and actual wedding.
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Things went back to normal. When J and I first got married, J was often the third wheel. There were a few times we'd be going somewhere and I would sit in the back of the car with Ellen so we could talk and we made sure to hit every country concert that came to SLC.
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You know those stories that are going to your grave with you? I have a few of those stories and Ellen is in every one of them.
I actually had an incredibly hard time toasting Ellen at her rehearsal dinner because there are so many stories... so many things that I had to say, yet nothing I say can describe how much I love her and how happy I want her to be. At her wedding, I probably cried as much as her mom and dad. I'm SO happy for her. She and Derek are a fantastic couple and they're going to create a wonderful life.
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Ellen and Derek
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