DUring the final three months leading up to the wedding I was so stressed all I could think was I couldn't wait for it all to be over with. THe final week before was actually easier then the three months before that, so it was a nice breather and allowed me to really start to get excited. The day was perfect! We got married on a Friday which a lot of people frown at, but the savings was amazing. At our reception we got ALL the extras AND saved $3,000 in the process! Having it on a Friday ended up being a huge bonus! The ceremony began at 5pm enstead of 2 or 3pm, so I didn't have to get up to get "pretty" until 8:30am. The sun was starting to set as the ceremony finished and the stained glass that faced west caught the setting sun and was even more brilliant in the pictures. The reception started at 7pm with plenty of appretizers and drinks. I know that seems late, but I promise the party rocked on till it was time to leave at 1am! Everyone I talked to afterwards said that initially they thought it being on a Friday was inconvenient because it was a work day, but the day after they were so glad to still have their whole weekend ahead of them. As for my husband and I, we got to leave a day earlier than we originially planned for our honeymoon!
I can honestly say I don't really remember the music, except for a few songs that were close to my heart, but I do know I didn't leave the dance floor most of the night! I had no doubts about who I was marrying or that I was making this committment, so I don't know if that had something to do with the fact that the day was perfect! I had an amazing time in the late morning and afternoon with my girls, who took pictures, fussed and made me laugh. Then the thrill of putting on the dress and just feeling that all is right with the world. All is as it should be, and I was marrying my other half.
I never thought a man could complete a woman, let alone me. I never felt incomplete. That day in her speech, my best friend described me as brave, accepting and fearless, and I have always felt that way. I don't look back or accept living with regrets or grudges. I learned early in life the only one that hurts is me, and I chose to leave it all behind. What will be, will be. That day...it's indescribable. I loved him as my boyfriend and as my fiance; no question. On our wedding day people kept asking if I was nervous, and I could honestly say, "nothing of the sort." I was lit up, joyful and at total peace. I couldn't wait to marry him! I'm not prone to indecision, but on that day doubt was a fiveletter word that resided in Websters, not my vocab! It transcended that entire day, and the honeymoon, and the last 139 days! In the end, a corny line from a movie rang true, "You complete me."
We said our vows, laughed when I couldn't get his ring on at first. smiled subtly when he grabbed my hand after lighting the unity candle only to realize it was full of wax, and had the most romantic, maigcal first dance ever. Our song is Thank You for Loving Me by Bon Jovi, and everything about that song is true. We had a bridal party dance though we never told the DJ we were having one, but I think that was a photo op conspiracy betwen the photographer and the DJ. No one knew what to do so I just started dancing with my groom and bounce from groomsman to groomsman to entertain our crowd. My bridesmaids were fabulous; the groomsman a riot and our family and friends awesome. We cut our cake, threw the bouquet and he slung the garter. I got a Cubs garter cuz it was blue and he's a fan. We have the best pictures that captured memories that will, indeed, last a lifetime. It was the time of our life, and I think about it every day with quiet assurance that all the work and planning was completly worth it! That I would do that day again and again and again it was such fun!
Ladies, whoever you are, if not before at least on that day take a deep breath, look around and capture every smile including your own. Drink in the moments with each bridesmaid, with your mom, your dad, your siblings and your husband. I love that word! It will go by in a heartbeat and before you know it you'll be like me: 139 days out from the biggest best day of your life enjoying every memory and super excited to make more! I hope you too, have the time of your lives.