Recently I have been asked by a couple of friends for advice in regards to planning a wedding- what worked, what do you wish you had done differently, what was your favorite part etc. This combined with wedding projects online, watching our video, and sharing with friends has been good for me. It has given me time to truly reflect and think back on that day.
I was one of those girls that dreamed of what my wedding day would be like for as long as I can remember. I read books, watched movies and TV shows (TLC The Wedding Story anyone?), and spent hours looking at websites, browsing magazines, and helping out at weddings in a variety of ways- from cutting cakes, singing songs, serving as a bridesmaid, or just lending a hand in the planning stage. I was and still am a huge fan of weddings. I had in my mind what I thought my wedding day would be like. For the longest time I envisioned a wedding similar to the one in ‘Father of the Bride’…. pink, tulle, classical music, and lots of flowers. Tastes change (for which I am sure Ben is grateful:) and my color scheme went from pink to pink and green, from green and blue to blue and yellow.
When asked what were your favorite moments or what is something you are glad you did…
I think back to the drive to the church- just me and my Dad. I think of the time I had once we arrived to sit in the quiet sanctuary and the few minutes to play the piano (Great is Thy Faithfulness). I think about being able to see the decorations before the guests arrived, of eating Chick-fil-A with the girls and pulling out the leftover cheesecake from the night before. I think of seeing all the little details fall into place thanks to the hard work of my Mom. I will never forget putting my dress on before taking pictures and having my Mom put her wedding pearls around my neck. I will never forget walking around Brooks, to take pictures- the very city where I went to elementary school and was inspired to teach. I will always remember the time of prayer with Ben (with a door in between us so we weren’t able to see each other beforehand :) and being able to hear his voice and hold his hand one last time before walking down the aisle. I will never forget walking up to the sanctuary doors and hearing beautiful music being played, of being able to see last minute guests arrive, and realizing as we got closer that this was really about to happen. I will never forget walking down the aisle and seeing a room full of family and friends with my best friend at the end waiting for me. Verses shared, the Lord’s Supper, Vows and rings exchanged, our first kiss, and the announcement that we were now man and wife.
Looking back when I am asked if there is anything I would change… perhaps. I could respond by saying I would have eaten more cake or danced more, but in the end when it is all said and done it isn’t about that day. That day is simply a launching pad for a future with someone that God has called you to be with. I am still new at this thing called ‘marriage’. Ben and I have almost been married for 6 months now. Despite the ups and downs, the times of uncertainty we promised on our wedding day that we would be by each other in the laughter and the tears. We have indeed had our share of both, but I have seen His hand of faithfulness time and time again in our lives. He didn’t bring us together and then leave us to our own devices, rather He is with us each step of the way…leading, directing, and challenging us as we learn how to take things one day at a time. Give us this day our daily bread….
