If I’m totally honest, our wedding day is a bit of a blur {thank goodness for the video we have}. I did my best to “take it all in,” but it can be hard to accomplish that with all the commotion and excitement of the day.
The entire weekend was a whirlwind really, starting with family and friends arriving a couple of days before. The rehearsal was on Friday evening and started late as most rehearsals do. We were having so much fun catching up with our bridal party and close family and friends. The rehearsal dinner was low key, but so memorable. It started with a yummy BBQ dinner in our church gym and ended with fun and meaningful stories from our family and friends. What a reminder of God’s grace to provide us with such support and love leading up to our big day.
The ceremony wasn’t until 4 o’clock, so the morning was spent leisurely getting some breakfast and gathering my things to take to the church. I met my bridesmaids at the hair salon at some point and then we ate some Subway before we had to get ready for pictures. I had some great friends with me the entire day and it was so special. Before too long, we were getting dressed, preparing for pictures, and the walk down the aisle.
The ceremony was completely surreal, as friends and family stood beside us, sang beautiful songs, and relatives read meaningful scriptures. I remember being touched by the words spoken by our pastors who officiated {we may have broken the record for the most – 3!} and the vows that we spoke to one another. I also recall being a little self conscious about everyone staring at us. I hate being the center of attention, which is pretty much unavoidable on your wedding day!
Next thing we knew, we were announced as husband and wife and we walked down the aisle as an officially married couple. It still blows my mind how your life changes within minutes. I walked in as a single woman and walked out as a married one – crazy! I didn’t have a real grasp on what all that meant at the time, but it’s truly life changing.
We opted for a buffet dinner reception and dancing, so we could enjoy spending time with our guests and end our big day with a little party! I don’t remember much about the food, but I do remember my first dance with Kev and my dance with my father, along with some other fun times on the dance floor with our family and friends.
>As the reception winded down, Kev and I ran out to our getaway car, which happened to be his red pickup truck. Let’s just say that our bridal party and friends had some fun with it. At the time, I remember Kev being furious, but he got over it quickly. 🙂 And it just so happens that Kev forgot to fill up the tank, so we had to stop at a gas station on the way out and I may have been spotted by some other departing guests at the gas station in my wedding dress!
The next morning, we headed out on a week-long cruise for our honeymoon. The week was complete perfection and we could not have asked for a better way to start our lives as husband and wife. It felt so normal and natural to transition into marriage. We had no real concept of the work and effort that would be needed to make our marriage successful, but we knew that God had brought us together and would see us through.
He has most certainly done that.
I’m a hopeless romantic and could watch romance movies over and over. But, I have to remind myself all the time that those stories aren’t real. Our story is real. And even though our story may not be from a fairy tale, it’s just as beautiful…at least to us.
Thanks for sharing your story! That is so sweet! <3
Thanks, Kaitlin!