i'm married!

Two weeks ago today--in fact, at this very time of day, I married the love of my life, Alan. The day was gorgeous, and despite a snafu with the ceremony site (it was double-booked, meaning there was another wedding there and we got relegated to a small corner under some trees, thus limiting our photo opportunities), the ceremony itself was short, meaningful, enjoyable, lovely--everything I imagined. My good friend Tony was our minister, and as I walked down the "aisle" (across the lawn) with my father I saw friends and family smiling and Al tearing up as he waited for me. We both remembered all of the words to our memorized vows, and said them to each other with heartfelt love. It was--for me, at least--a dream come true (sappy, I know, but true).

A few memories I have of that day:

Getting ready at home with my friends and family surrounding me--Michelle doing my hair, Dana sitting by me while we did our makeup and she did her hair, mom and dad taking us all to breakfast at Honeytree, and having fun with the photo session when John, our photographer, arrived.

Walking down the street to the pub, where we had our reception, and having cars drive by honking with their drivers smiling, waving and obviously wishing us well.

Walking up the stairs and into the pub waiting for my brother, Ryan, to announce us, and having our friends Ethie and Log "discover" us and start yelling down to us.

Not knowing how to cut the cake.

Telling mom and dad who each of our friends were when they passed our table filling their own plates at the buffet (which worked, but I thought the buffet would be on the bar and my family would be seated right up close to the stage/head table...that's okay).

Not even noticing half the time when people were clinking the glasses asking us to kiss (wait a minute--that was for us???).

Feeling like extremely untalented dancers as our four-minute song, "Sweetest Day" by Control Freq, droned on and we just twirled around in circles.

Feeling pressured to visit everyone, but feeling like I didn't have much time with anyone, especially my new husband.

Desperately wanting people to be involved when our entertainer came on, and volunteering to sing myself when all of my friends let me down--and to a song I'd long forgotten, and then feeling like an idiot when the song kept going and I was a horrible, horrible singer.

Loving Al's courage and humor when he got pulled up on stage to sing.

Dancing with Ruthie. Having several of my male friends tell me how gorgeous my friend Ruthann is. (I know.)

Dana getting up on stage and talking to me, then singing a solo.

Dancing with Danny.

Looking at my pictures with David, then beging pulled away to have the guys sing Bon Jovi for me, with Del pointing at me the entire time. (I felt so loved.)

Stopping to look, just as Heather said I should, to try to take it all in. I don't remember what was going on at the moment, though! :)

Being so happy that Ruthie, Nikki, Dana and David got along so well that Dana hung out with them for the rest of the night.

Hoping my family members were enjoying themselves--where were my crazy, lively, dancing family members?

Being a bit disappointed (and hurt) that some of the friends I thought would be most active/involved when it came to dancing/interacting didn't seem interested in spending time celebrating with me at all. Were they mad? Feeling neglected? Just too drunk or involved in themselves to care? I don't know, but I hope I forget this feeling over time. I wanted everyone to enjoy the day, and to enjoy it with me, and it bothers me that they may not have.

Coming home and being locked out of the house, because our friends had broken in, turned all of our furniture upside down, deposited a blow-up doll in our bed, and generously locked the door leading to the garage (which we had left unlocked, and were planning on going in through). We had to go to my brother's apartment and pick up the key to get back in the house.

It was a gorgeous day, I had a handsome groom, and it was a fun, unique wedding. I loved it and, if you were there, hope you did too!