Three years ago today, I woke up and could hardly wait to get into the car to head to the getting ready location for our wedding. There wasn’t a nervous energy, just an excited one. Each step of the day was unfolding before my eyes – my bridesmaids were finishing their hair and make-up, my hair and make-up was done, then the sweetest photographer arrived, and before I knew it, I was getting into my dress to start taking pictures!
Only two occasions that morning evoked a little bit of worry in me – when my (soon-to-be) SIL and MIL came back from setting up the tented area that morning, they didn’t say anything. I knew that was not a good sign, but once they informed me that we had to order another side for the tent because it was so windy that the guests’ cups were blowing of the table, I decided that they had that figured out. The other occasion was when I saw my hair and makeup done. You see, before my wedding day, I never had worn makeup, outside of a handful of dance recitals when I was a little kid. The makeup artist did a beautiful job and made it all look very natural, but I was worried that Morgan wouldn’t even recognize me. Thankfully my sister-in-law came to the rescue yet again assuring me that it would be more than alright.
Then the order of the day went a little like this: begin pictures with the bridal party, drive to the farm, wait to be driven up to the top of the field, and walk down the aisle. And that’s when I finally saw him. It felt like it had been forever and it had only been until two o’clock. When I saw Morgan waiting for me at the end of the aisle, it was so special that I could hardly contain myself. In fact, I was in such a hurry that there are pictures that showcase me gently pulling me my parents down the aisle. Finally we got to be together, and said our vows. I have to be honest, that I don’t remember much of what was said at our ceremony, aside from our vows, but I do remember that feeling – one that was like nothing I had ever felt before. It was an excitement folded into peace.
And then we were married…
The funny part about the story is that we were actually married at the place that we first met ten years previous. Morgan and I met in the fifth grade at his grandparent’s farm when we were there for an event with our church. Two things I remember from that day: 1) I had never seen a spring before and had no idea that you could just drink from it. I thought that the sassy boy showing me that was just messing with me until I tried it myself, much to my surprise. Looking back this may be a theme in our relationship even from the start – I’m not very good at listening the first time, even still. At least I’m consistent? 2) The same boy, who I later learned was Morgan, was very upset when he was not allowed to drive the hay wagon with all his peers there and that he had to ride in the back, his attitude pointing us out as commoners.
Obviously it was love at first sight. Not. But our relationship as friends began to grow and we didn’t start dating until our sophomore year of high school. The rest is history!
So today, on our third wedding anniversary, I’m sharing some of my favorite images from our wedding day, but I have to admit, the days after our wedding have been even better than that day. Sure, its the catalyst, and the big moment, but the last three years we’ve gotten to do real life together and that’s even more beautiful that May 12, 2013. Life is better when you’re walking hand-in-hand with your best friend by your side.
[…] to you. Whether you’re getting married in the church you grew up in, at the place where you met (like we did!), at a space that reminds you of how you like to spend your days, or in your parent’s backyard, […]
[…] from the aisle. It’s a timeless tradition. In fact, I can still feel the excitement I felt all-but-running down the aisle to meet Morgan. It is a moment, there’s no denying […]