October 1st, 2011 - A Wedding

I can't believe the day came and went so quickly. Yes, I'm married now, almost for a whole month, and it still hasn't sunk in! The days/week leading up to October 1st were a whirlwind. It got a lot harder to not let myself get sucked under the waves of emotions, to-do lists, and tasks. My wonderful family, some friends from Pennsylvania, and people from all over the country came into town for the big day. We both felt so loved and appreciated. I seriously have the most amazing and supportive friends. They made it happen and pulled everything together and still were concerned for me in the midst of it all. To give you a picture of how dedicated my friends are, two of my bridesmaids printed and folded the programs an hour before the wedding, I had multiple friends cooking till midnight and waking up before dawn to do it again, a group of guys hauled over 150 chairs down a steep hill into the park then put them back on the truck after 10 p.m. and drove 45 minutes away to take them back to their rightful home, the decorations, food prep, and sound system was completely put together and set up by my dear friends and wedding party. I am so blessed!

Jake and I saw each other for the first time on a bridge in Moir park. Some people on a walk came up to me as I was waiting to go see him and said "There's a very nervous looking guy waiting on the bridge over there." It was a long walk and my heart was pounding with every step. I was so giggly and giddy as I tapped him on the shoulder and faced my groom.

The wedding ceremony was breathtaking. 

I couldn't believe how picturesque it looked. It was better than what I dreamed up. But it wasn't just the decorations or the beautiful trees that moved everyone at the ceremony. The presence of God was there. It was such a powerful service and God's love and truth were boldly declared throughout the whole thing. The most memorable part for me was when two of our dearest friends, Ryan and Noelle, sang a duet called "When Two Become One" by Clay Edwards.

The lyrics are such a powerful picture of what God created marriage to be. I choked back tears as I remembered how good and faithful God had been to me. It was so touching to be surrounded by such a loving and supportive group while making vows to love and serve one person for the rest of my days.

We did it! It finally happened! We were officially husband and wife and I was so at peace. Now, all that was left was a celebration! The reception was so much fun and very "us." It started with amazing food and conversation, and ended with the silliest dance party I've ever attended. It was perfect.

It was a blast, so much fun, and totally worth it. I'm glad I don't have to plan another wedding, but I am looking forward to helping friends who have yet to embark on this journey. So much more to say and a honeymoon to update on, but that will have to be for another time.