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.
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.
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.
Ellen and Derek