Faithful in the Fray

My alarm was set for 8:15 but at 7:30 I couldn’t lay there any longer. I knew that in less than an hour the house was going to be busy with chaos. I slowly got off the couch, careful not to disturb anyone and made my way upstairs. I grabbed a ginger ale from the fridge thinking that would help calm my stomach, but let’s be real, I don’t think anything could do that. I turned the TV on to watch something trashy before my mom told me it was my turn to shower.

After my extra long shower and when I felt like a could breathe a bit better I walked down the stairs and had a venti mocha waiting for me with the big word “bride” written across the top. This was it. I was getting married. Today. I couldn’t stomach the coffee, the milk and chocolate combination not magical like it once was. I took a picture, and left the drink to whoever wanted it. I was getting my hair done at 10, so I had an hour to spare. I walked around a bit and chatted with the girls as they got themselves ready. Tiffany stopped by earlier that morning with tons of breakfast food to make sure we ate well. The thought of food still wasn’t appetizing. I just needed to see him. I sat and watched mom and Alex get their hair and makeup done and couldn’t believe I was going to be the next up.

It was time. I hopped in the chair and listened as the conversations went on around me. I practiced my breathing as I had done numerous times the past day. It just didn’t seem real. This had been something I had talked about for so long, and to now have the day actually be here, I just didn’t know what to do. So, I said a few words and let myself get pampered. Around 10:45 our photographers showed up to the house to do a few pictures of us getting ready, and take detailed pictures of the dress. We made small talk and when my hair was done it was time for the makeup.

Every so often the girls would come over and ask me how I was doing and if I needed anything. Everyone was extremely helpful but I just didn’t need anything, I just wanted to soak it all up, and enjoy the day as best I could. I loved my hair and makeup, Lindsey and Cristine did amazing jobs, and made me feel so comfortable I hardly knew what was going on. Andy and Javi did the best job taking pictures as we talked, and captured some laughs throughout the morning. As soon as Lindsey finished my makeup it was time to drive to the church. I was seeing Jeremy in an hour.

The drive to the church was calm. We turned on some music and Michelle, Jac and I talked briefly about how crazy this all was, but how right it was at the same time. Who knew Jeremy would be the first to get married, and that I would be the one marrying him. It’s the biggest blessing and the Lord had shown us how good He is, by bringing us together. My nerves were getting the best of me and during the second part of the drive I had to remind myself to breathe again. We parked the car, grabbed our belongings and headed inside to get ready.

Andy had found a spot where he was going to have our first look be, across the street away from everyone. I was thankful. The whole idea around a first look is beautiful. I didn’t want to share Jeremy seeing me for the first time with anyone else. It was a moment that will be engraved in my heart forever. I had the girls get dressed and take the boutonnieres upstairs to the boy’s room as well as the rings and Jeremy’s gift. I couldn’t wait for him to open the presents I got him. I knew he was going to love it.

Here was the moment. Andy came into the room and we finished zipping up my dress. I had my bridal TOMS waiting for me, my garter and my beautiful veil, borrowed from my sister’s wedding. While putting on my garter I realized that it was too big. I had lost some weight leading up to the wedding and in an instant it started falling off. I figured I would just make sure to put it on before the garter toss later that evening. I then sat in a chair by the window and opened the gifts Jeremy got me. He wrote me this beautiful letter and gave me a necklace I’ve wanted for forever. It says “Mrs” on it. Not too soon after that I was fixing my lipstick and drowning myself in perfume. In just moments I would be going to see him, my groom, on our wedding day.

I hopped in Andy’s car and as we drove across the street I practiced my breathing again. He gave me instructions on how to walk behind Jeremy, just slightly to the left and tap him on his left shoulder. (Making sure to keep the moment in frame so we could get those awesome pictures!) It. Was. Happening. Andy parked the car and told me to wait there and he would give me the signal when it was good to walk over.  What felt like five seconds later I was getting out of the car and saw Jeremy’s back for the first time all day. I slowly walked over and tapped him on his shoulder.