Thursday, June 01, 2006

Happy Anniversary to ME

Fifteen years ago, I woke up early so that I could make carmel rolls for my bridesmaids, family and friends. We were staying at the retreat center of the Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN. Some friends that I had not seen in quite a while had made it and I was thrilled to catch up with them. Then I realized that I needed shoes for Serenity, my 6 1/2 year old daughter, so it was off to the mall to go shopping. I was embarrassed when I saw people there who would be at my wedding later. I'm not even sure why? It did not feel hurried, or harried, but we came back and went to the church by about noon to get my dress on and then I put on nail polish and finished getting all ready. My photographer was late so I was worried about that, but eventually he made it and we started taking pictures. People were coming in to the church and we still weren't done with the pictures, but they were patient and we moved out of the sanctuary so they could sit down. Then finally, time for the processional and I was on cloud nine waiting for my turn to go in. I was arm in arm with my dad, one of my very favorite people in the whole world. And then I was walking down the isle. I wore my mother-in-laws wedding dress, re-made to fit me. It was very simple with long sleeves, and made of smooth ivory satin. It has a medium train and matching head piece with veil. Then Ron and I were together at the front of the church and my dad was up on the stage along with Ron's pastor and my pastor because my dad is a minister too. We had had a rehersal the night before, but I couldn't remember anything and I kept asking my dad in a whisper, what's next? I planned this for months and knew everything, but I couldn't keep track of the order of service. Finally we were marching back out the isle and we were married. We had so much fun at the reception. I even didn't mind hugging all those people in the receiving line. I have always said that my wedding day was one of the best days of my life. What about you? What is your wedding story? Was it the best day of your life? The worst? What would you do differently? I wouldn't change a thing, even my late photographer.