From This Day Forward... (Our Wedding Story)

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Welcome to Marriage Monday, hosted by Chrysalis!
In honor of June, the theme this month is

"Our Wedding Day"...


When I think back to my wedding, and all the days leading up to it, it seems like a whirlwind of happiness, excitement, a few snags, a tiny bit of stress...and with just a little bit of loneliness thrown in.

Loneliness, you ask?
You see, my fiance', who had joined the Navy the previous summer, was half way across the country during most of this frantic and exciting time.
Therefore, I was left to make all the decisions (and to make them all on a tiny shoestring budget!)

With my minuscule savings, though, I somehow managed to pick out my dream dress...
I picked out our cake, the topper, the flowers, the photographer...and all the millions of other details that I'm sure my fiance' was just as glad to stay out of and leave all to me!

My mom did go with me for dress fittings, meetings with florists, ect. But mainly she was just there for moral support- the decisions were all up to me. Which was both good and bad.

And did I mention I had to do it all in four short months?

Actually, this wasn't as stressful as you might think.
Some couples differ or even argue over everything from invitations to fruit punch...
Not the case with us. I got to make all the choices.
His job was to fly in and show up on the appointed day with the ring and wearing his tux.
(OK, I exaggerate just a tad...)

But truth be told, there was a bit of an interesting challenge trying to find things for my wedding in time...at the right price...and that I actually liked.

Oh, there were a few times that I secretly wished we weren't counting the pennies.
For example, after the most important things to me were picked out, I was forced to cut corners...one of them being the decorating of the church. I could only afford real flowers for my bouquet and our wedding party...but the church had to be donned with artificial flowers. Deep inside, I was a little disappointed at the outcome...but I reminded myself that what happened on this day was more important than any superficial surroundings.

I had hired a photographer, but the camcorders were covered...we had both the best man's wife and one of his brothers each bringing one for our big event.
Or so I thought.

Finally, our day arrived.
Right before my two dear bridal attendants were about to make their entrance, we found out that both- both- of these camcorders were forgotten.
One of my attendants and dear friend that she is caught my falling expression before it hit the floor and quickly said anything and everything she could think of to not let it spoil the moment for me. (It worked, bless her heart!)

(Minutes before the ceremony...my quick thinking friend, D. is on the left as they practice "their walk".)

I should add that my husband-to-be and I saw one another only once during our engagement period due to the miles of distance between us.
So when my moment arrived, and I began my slow walk in my dreamed-of flowing gown, it was the first time he had seen me in an entire two months.

Now, some brides relish their walk, regally smiling at everyone as they slowly walk on their father's arm.
My mom had offered to walk me down the isle, but as much as I loved her, I was more of a traditionalist, so I was to go it alone. (Yes, Mom...if I had to do it over...)

As I walked those first couple steps all alone in my flowing white gown, I remember feeling more than a bit of stage fright...
I wasn't thinking of the flowers (or lack thereof) nor the fact that our ceremony wouldn't be captured on film. And I was especially not I jittery about marriage itself.

But nevertheless, my bouquet probably trembled as I walked in step to The Wedding March.
The blur of faces seemed to not even be smiling at me, but looking back I know it was more due to my nervousness that made it appear so.

But then I dared to look up into the face of my beloved, whom I hadn't seen in months and who I was now about to pledge my undying love.
When I saw him beaming down at me as he stood on the platform, I couldn't help but beam in return.
I knew I could make it the rest of the way if I kept my eyes on him and the way he was looking at me...
And as he stepped down to take my arm, the rest of the room faded completely from view...


I can't help now but think of the hidden meaning that took place in this ceremony. No wonder God designed marriage as a symbol of Christ and the Church!
If we just keep our eyes on Him in the midst of life's trials or fears- and even see a glimpse of the way He lovingly sees us- all us will begin to fade a bit from our view.


My earthly groom can still make my heart beat faster.
But unlike Christ, he is only human- complete with human failings. And so am I.
So it's a day-to-day process of accepting and forgiving...


And occasionally stepping away from the hectic pace of life and going back in time together...back to that incredible day when we looked into one another eyes after time and distance had kept us apart, and took our vows to always love, honor and cherish...

When all we could see was each other.