Ten years ago.....

I didn't sleep well that night. I went to bed thinking about what the day would be like, how I would feel, what he would look like, how the flowers would be arranged and if my prince in shining armor would cry. I drifted off to sleep off and on through the night and every time I jolted awake I would look at the clock...wondering...waiting....so excited. Finally it was time to get up. My heart raced, my skin felt like it would jump off my body. I ran downstairs, and started to wake up some of my girlfriends. As they were stirring I ate some grapes, drank some juice and waited for my hair dresser to come. Oh, I hope my hair looks like I want it too. Finally she arrives. She starts working on my hair. Braid after braid, bobby pin after bobby pin and finally lots of hairspray. Enough to last me the year in fact. Not too bad. It looks great and I am pleased, very pleased. I am feeling like a queen already. I can't wait to put my dress on. I wonder if he got any sleep. I wonder if he is nervous or excited.
It's time to head to the church building. I am getting so excited! I hope I remembered everything. I walk in, the decorations look great and the atmosphere is bubbling. I can't believe it's almost time. My girls are looking gorgeous. I am so happy they could come and celebrate this day with me. I finally get my dress on. It's perfect. Makeup goes on and I touch up my hair. I get tons of pictures taken. My photographer is great. Whew! It's almost time. I try to eat and drink a little but my stomach feels otherwise. I look at the clock. It's time to meet my dad in the hallway. There he is. He is so handsome. I hope he is proud. After looking at him a little closer, I see a sparkle in his eye. He smiles and gives me a hug. I put my arm in his. Wow, it's really happening. I can't believe it. I hope he likes my dress.
The door opens. Oh my goodness! My heart is really racing. My body is shaking with excitement and butterflies. The moment is finally here. I am going to be with my groom in a few short moments. I look up. His lip is quivering. He's crying! I start to tear up. I feel so beautiful. I relish every moment of walking down the aisle. I get closer to the love of my life. I wonder what our life is going to be like as a married couple. I know it will be an adventure. I hope I don't trip. Oh, the flowers are beautiful. I love it all. We finally arrive, my dad hands me over to his future son-in-law. We are both so nervous, young and happy. What a moment!!!
Each vow that flows from our lips are said with honesty, thoughtfulness and care. We slide the bands we picked out onto each others finger. We smile. Awesome! We did it. I am so happy. He is so happy.
After the ceremony we smile until our cheeks hurt for pictures and we head over to the reception. I can't believe I have a husband. He's all mine. As we approach the door, Stephen decides to pick me up and carry me in. How sweet. I love him so much. As we walk in, people clap for us and the wonderful aroma of food fills my nostrils. Everything looks so beautiful. There is even an ice sculpture in the middle of all the fruit. That is a surprise. We walk around and talk with our friends and family. We cut the cake. I "accidentally" got some icing on Stephen's nose. Gotcha! People start trickling out of the reception hall. We get ready to go. As we go outside, I notice Stephen's car is...what? Filled with cans and balloons. Holy Moley! How am I going to get in? People are throwing birdseed like crazy and spraying silly string everywhere. Get me in the car. Let's get out of here. We finally get in and we are on our way. What a day. It was perfect. God is so good and I am so thankful for the man he gave me to marry. Help me to be the Godly wife You want me to be God. I love this man so much and he deserves the best.
Ten years later, I sit and think about our special beautiful day. It has been wonderful, challenging, and full of adventure. I am more in love than the day we said I do. I am so proud of our accomplishment and praise God for the life that we have together. I am definitely looking forward to many more years to come with the love of my life, my handsome groom, and my best friend. I love you Stephen!