Married!

On October 14, 2011, we did it. We tied the knot. Got hitched. He put a ring on it. Put on the old ball and chain. In front of 70 of our family and closest friends, plus a few more who were there in spirit, Josh and I promised to be best friends forever. It was magic.

Leading up to the day, I was constantly told what a calm and collected bride I was. The week of the wedding was filled with confirmation phone calls, centerpiece assembly, and getting our nails did. That’s the small stuff, right? No need to freak. Even during the rehearsal, my moments of stress were caused by silly things, like family dynamics, not the wedding itself. Everything was coming together perfectly and even if it didn’t it was too late to worry about it. The day-of coordinator was huffy and puffy and pushy but knew what she was doing; all I could do was giggle when she was beside herself over the fact that I didn’t have a bouquet of ribbons to rehearse with (I opted out of a bridal shower).

Walking with my parents and imaginary bouquet.

The rehearsal dinner was a-mazing. Josh’s mom, Debbie, hosted it at Wildflower. We gave our VIPs gifts (Moms – necklaces with their children’s birthstones, Dads – Cufflinks and bill clip, Amanda and Amy, Sisters and Maids of Honor – Jewelry, Alex, Best Man – Knives, Megan, Officiant – Geode ring). We ate the best salad that ever existed, the entrees were ON POINT and then they surprised Josh and I with a dessert FEAST. At the end of the evening, they gave us a complimentary bottle of Rose champagne.

After dinner, Josh and I picked up our pooch, Jackson, and he took me down to my parents’ house. Yes, we spent the night apart. No, not for any real reason other than it was easier to get to my hair and makeup appointment that way. We gave each other a big hug and kiss before parting; it felt special. It was fun talking to my baby sister until we fell asleep, even if she swift-kicked me a few times in her sleep. I wish I could say I slept like a baby the night before the wedding, but I felt like a child trying to sleep until Christmas morning. The swift-kicks didn’t help, either.

The next morning we got me some iced coffee and headed to Circa 79 Salon. They did a phenomenal job on everyone’s hair and makeup. It was great to have some relaxation (and mimosas) before the wedding.

Our photographer (the amazing and talented Kelly Rashka!) met us at the salon and then joined us for lunch before we checked into the Arizona Inn. We had some time to kill before we could go to the venue, so Kelly asked me to tell her the story of Josh and me. I was glad to have that time, it made me even more excited to marry the guy.

My dad met us at the Stillwell House with my gown, which my mom and sister helped get me into for about 30 minutes. This was definitely the most stressful part of the day for me: making sure my boobs were properly aligned and that we got maximum hip-to-waist ratio. It looked pretty funny, though.

After we put the dress on and my sister Amanda fixed my make-up, I met Josh for the “first look.” He was adamant about not seeing anything before the wedding day, even when I wanted to show him SO BAD. Now I know why. Totally worth it. It was wonderful seeing each before the ceremony, too. All of my nerves were calmed and we got some alone time (plus photographers).

And then we stood behind the gates with our families and waited for Queens of the Stone Age’s “Make It Wit Chu” to start playing, the cue for Josh, his mom and the wedding party. And then there were three. Just me and my parents. Sigur Ros’s instrumental “Hoppipolla” begins and my mom starts to cry, and then I start to cry, and then all of my nerves disappear and they open the gates and I’m smiling…

We were married by one of my best friends, Megan, in a beautiful ceremony. We worked together to create a ceremony that was a true reflection of who we are as people, one that showcased what was important to us in our marriage. Instead of traditional vows, we read a poem to each other, “Love” by Roy Croft, and exchanged the following promises.

JOSH: I promise to love you more every day, and to never go a day without telling you that I love you.
ME: I promise to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and opinions without judgment or criticism, but instead with an open mind and open heart.
JOSH: I promise to be open to you, and to let you know me more than anyone else
ME: I promise to treat you as my best friend and equal.
JOSH: I promise to be patient, and to always let you help me find calm and peace when I am tested by life
ME: I promise to support your dreams and to work beside you to make them a reality.
JOSH: I promise to watch the lifetime channel with you sometimes.
ME: I promise to let you choose the radio station sometimes.
JOSH: I promise to be the best man that I can, and always try to be everything you could want in a partner.
ME: I promise to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly.
JOSH: I promise to stand behind you when you’re challenged, in front of you when you’re scared, and next to you for the rest of our lives.
ME: I promise to love you through happiness and sadness, good days and bad days, always and forever. I am a better person because you are in my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds with you by my side.

The dinner and reception were wonderful. Alex and Amanda made beautiful speeches, the food was tasty, and the open bar flowed. Everyone got on the dance floor when my mom’s request of “Back Dat Ass Up” came on. Our dream of having a small wedding made it possible for us to spend time with everyone and our friends became friends (as evidenced by my Facebook Feed). The biggest hit of the night, however, was the Photobooth.

The entire day flew by, as everyone told me it would, but I made sure to enjoy every moment. I enjoyed my time with Josh. I enjoyed my time with family and friends. I enjoyed a cupcake. Everyone also told me to expect things to go wrong, and maybe I’m just lucky, or maybe I’ve got killer organizational skills, but I thought that everything was perfect. Sure, some things had to be adjusted at the last minute, but all in all, everything went the way we wanted it to, right down to my waist-to-hip ratio. I can’t wait until the professional photos and video come in!

Megan told me that she loved that our wedding was not about the wedding itself, but about our marriage and love for each other. That’s what we’ve always focused on, from the beginning. I married my best friend on October 14, 2011. We just happened to have an amazing party to celebrate it.

Up Next: The Honeymoon, which may be written from Raleigh-Durham, NC. Oh yeah, we’re moving. I’ll update on that soon too. Big, exciting changes up ahead for this girl.

xoxox