I fell into bed at midnight with the biggest smile on my face. My mind raced with how great yesterday was and how great today will be. Excitement and pure joy have kept me up and I don't feel tired.
Yesterday I couldn't sit still. I desperately needed to stay busy and constantly going. By 8 AM I had breakfast, balanced my checkbook, taken out the trash, and emptied the dishwasher. Y'all I haven't moved that fast since I left work. After getting ready, Mom and I ran to the grocery to get food for today and delivered everything to church. Once we were at church we realized that we needed to make another trip home and get more things. I ironed 4 rented tablecloths on Thursday night and brought those to the church. We also had the unity candle, memory candle, programs, and pen and guest book. Mom and I got the church how we wanted it and felt so much better about everything. My nerves started to leave at this point. We also ran to Jimmy John's and placed the lunch order.
When we got home, Lauren was here and we visited for a quick minute before heading to lunch. Whitney met us at Ricon, which is the Mexican restaurant we used to eat at in college. I just felt like going back for one last time with the girls. I gave them their gifts and there were strict instructions to not read the card I gave them until we were apart. We couldn't be boohooing at the lunch table.
Jace arrived in Lex around lunch as well as Aunt Karen & Sara. I wish you could have been on Teak's deck yesterday. Sara & Aunt Karen assembled all of our wedding flowers on Teak's deck and you have NEVER seen or smelled what dozens and dozens of spray roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and other flowers I don't even know what they are called. All white with touches of greenery. If I could bottle up that smell and sell it as perfume, I would have my future kids college education funded.
Jace and I did get time together but it was spent running several errands. Jace, me, Mom, Aunt Karen, and Lauren ran to church and dropped off the ferns and ran the flowers to Malone's for the dinner tables. Then Jace and I ran to the bank and cashed a check. I am not going to lie we also practiced dancing and kissing at the alter. When 200 eyeballs are going to be watching you, we don't want to look like we don't know what we are doing. After the practice runs, Jace left to go to Jay's and get ready.
After Jace left, I watched in awe as Sara & Aunt Karen did their thing. It truly is an art and talent at how lovely and fast they can create arrangements and bouquets. As much as I loved watching them two, I needed to jump in the shower and start getting ready for our rehearsal. I wore what may be the prettiest white dress from Dillard's. It looked like a rehearsal dress and made me feel like a bride. Thanks JH!
Everyone arrived on time except my groom, the best man, and groomsman. Traffic was bad but they all arrived at the same time. Kory opened the evening in prayer and we gave quick introductions for everyone. We began the evening with rehearsing the recessional. From there, we worked our way backward through the ceremony. When my brother escorted me down the aisle and Jane played the Bridal March I got a little teary eyed. I held it together because I didn't want to start the tears just yet. Things ran so smoothly and no one had questions, so we all piled into cars and headed to Malone's for dinner.
The food was excellent but the company. Oh the company!!!! All of our worlds had collided and the stars aligned for this special night. My girls from college, our friends from GC, our families, and our law school friends were all in the same room. I can't tell you what that did and still does for my heart. They are the reason I am blogging so early. They rearranged their schedules, took off work, found babysitters, flew up, drove four-ten hours to get here. And why? For Jace and I. To watch, support, and love on Jace and I as we commit ourselves to each other before God, our family, and friends. I wanted to thank them. I had a speech prepared and was so nervous. Now, I can speak for a solid 30 minutes or more about needs vs. wants and how to create a spending plan to large groups of adults or kids and not be nervous. But this was different. It is always the hardest to thank the ones you love most.
Jace and I stood up and though I had something jotted down, Jace decided to "wing it", I thought we gave a heartfelt speech and we didn't even practice. I did get emotional but no tears fell. We concluded dinner and hugged the parents and grandparents good bye. At the end of the night we were surrounded by our closest and dearest friends. Words are not adequate to describe what these people mean to us. They have allowed up to be the third, fifth, and sometimes seventh wheel on their dates. They have supported us when Jace and I were miles apart. They have gone through law school with us, some physically and some emotionally. They have made us laugh and been there when life wasn't that grand. I came home and thought could life get any better? Yesterday was the perfect day; if only I could stick all of them in my pocket and take them with us everywhere we go.
As for today, I can't wait. Everyone talks about the bridal peace and how calm the bride always is. It has washed over me. It washed over me last night and I am soaking up all its glory. I think the peace stems from being surrounded by so much love. Once everyone was together, I was so relaxed and ready to enjoy our moment; a moment eight years in the making.
Today I am ready for so many things. I ready to put on the dress. I am ready for the first look. I am ready to say our vows and place the ring on Jace's finger. I am ready to walk down the aisle as Mrs. Katie Stamper. I am ready to see everyone at the reception and dance the night away. It is these things that keep me from sleeping. It is these things that keep me thanking God through continuous prayer and rejoicing.
It's 5:12 AM.
It's August 3rd, 2013.
I am wide awake and excitement hasn't allowed me to go to sleep.
Today is a big day.
This house won't be quiet for long.
The stillness won't last.
Today I get married!!!!
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