When I was younger, I conflated thought of marriage with the thought of having a wedding. As DH and I went through the planning process, it has never been more evident how completely different those two things are. The planning process took communication, decision making, sacrifice, and patience all of which are crucial to a successful marriage. The wedding was only a moment, but our marriage, that will last a lifetime.

The forced bridal shower was not terrible – I got to spend some intimate time with aunts and cousins that I had not seen since we moved east. I still took everyone's advice and reiterated to my MIL and mom that I couldn’t have them intruding like that in the future and they agreed.

Unfortunately, our rehearsal was a disaster. Our officiant and the sound guy were 50 minutes late due to construction, so we had to do a run through with no officiant and no music. I was a little stressed about practicing the timing, but DH reassured me it would all work out. 

I stayed up till 4 AM decorating the reception hall. The hotel provided this service, but I could not imagine walking into my reception and having no idea how everything was going to look. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake, but the ballroom was perfect!

The morning of my wedding went as fast as a rocket. I can’t believe I looked up and it was time to leave for the ceremony. We did not do the first look, and it was worth it. The look on our faces when we saw one another for the first time will forever be cemented in my memory. The rain held off for the most part, but it did pick up as soon as the 25-minute ceremony was over. As far as the reception goes: the vendors were great, the food was awesome, and everyone had a blast! Everyone especially loved the late night food truck we provided.

My only regret is that we did not get a single picture with the entire bridal party. One of the groomsmen started partying hard, went missing, and we could not find him for post-reception photos.

The fact that it’s all over feels weird. We spent so many hours planning this day, and it was gone in the blink of an eye. I feel more connected to DH than ever, and I am happy we are starting our forever! Our photographer sent us a sneak peek of our photos; I can’t wait to get the rest!! 

BP and JM announce loudly, clearly, and with strong steady voices their engagement to be lawfully wedded into marriage, which will encompass “knot tying,” “hitching,” “broom jumping,” “glass stomping,” and the oppression of no more than one ankle each by the fastening of balls and chains to said ankles.

The bride to be is the daughter of HP and LP of X, PA. She is a 2010 graduate of X College where she learned how to manage time by drinking coffee, was very active in theater, and failed statistics because it's useless. She works as the Secretary of Special Education for X.  In her free time she is active in community theater, has achieved the status of a level 80 night elf hunter, and much to the chagrin of her groom-to-be she's never eaten, or attempted to eat, their pet cat.

The groom to be is the son of SK and JK of X, PA, and the late JM. He is a 2002 graduate of X University where he discovered electricity, taught sharks to lie, and of the force became a pupil he did. He currently works as a Guest Relations Representative at X. In his free time he is present in community theater on occasion, enjoys eating sins, and causing strangers' pets to doubt their owners.

They will assume their roles as spouses on Halloween which, contrary to popular belief, is the most wonderful time of the year. The ceremony, requiring guests to attend in costume, will take place at the Masonic Hall in X followed by a frightfully festive and fantastical feast, fraught with fearful fun and fabulous frivolity ranging from funny to freakishly phenomenal.