Our Wedding

Tomorrow, Jace and I will be married for one month; yet our wedding feels like it was both yesterday and a lifetime ago. It was a day that brings back many emotions and feelings and is something that I never want to forget. Our wedding was a beautiful experience and moment; one that overwhelms me still and has left me with the most cherished of memories. Some moments are a blur while others I remember so vividly. This post is for entirely selfish reasons because I want to always, always, always remember that day and the feelings and emotions that make August 3, 2013 so treasured.

Shortly after completing my blog post on the morning of our wedding, I got up. I wanted quiet time with just me and my thoughts. I wanted to go at my own pace and soak up the quiet of the still morning. I knew within hours things would be fast paced and I wanted to relish the quiet. I made my bed and got in the shower. After my shower I put my hair in a wet pony tail, slipped into a maxi dress, and waited. I tried to pray over the day but I couldn't squeak out complete sentences. I was so excited!

Mom got up shortly after I was dressed and was amazed to find me up and ready to go. We talked a little and then she gave me a large family Bible; the same gift Teak gave her and my dad on their wedding day. I read the card she gave me while she was in the shower. I was afraid to let her see me cry because there was no way we needed to start crying before 6:30 in the morning!

Mom was finishing up in the bathroom when Aunt Karen & Sara came over to complete the arrangements.They were so sweet and brought over pastries for us. Though the pastries looked delicious Mom and I didn't eat because we promised we would bring donuts and milk for the girls. We swung by Donut Days and headed to church. There we met Lauren & Whitney waiting for us. Shortly later, Pink Lou Lou, Dana & MeMaw met up with us. As we ate donuts and got settled into the administration wing of the church, Pink Lou Lou unloaded her trunk o' goodies which was filled with beautiful makeup, hairspray, and any type of hair tool you can think of. She got started on Dana & MeMaw first since they were going to go to the Signature Club and help with set up. Lauren, Whit, Mom, and I all visited, ate donuts, and watched Pink Lou Lou do her magic.

Around 10 AM, Jace called me and told me that things were beginning to get set up at the Signature Club. All that needed to be done was cushions tied on chairs, chairs placed at tables, tablecloths and chargers placed, as well as table center pieces. When Jace called I could sense his excitement and he said just how pretty everything looked. I was jealous because even though I had planned it and had a rough idea of how everything would look, I never saw it all come together until we walked into our reception. He got a sneak peak and it made me happy that he liked how everything was taking shape.

At 11 AM, it was time for my makeup and hair. Pink Lou Lou did her thing! She was quiet and provided a sense of calm. I didn't know it at the time but I was growing more and more nervous. I wasn't nervous to marry Jace; I was nervous because I was getting married. A huge moment in life was about to happen. Looking back, something would have been wrong with me if I wasn't a little nervous. For once, I stopped being my normal chatty self and knew I needed to see Jace.

The morning did seem long to me as I knew each hour was leading to something on the estimated time line. I wanted to stick as close as I could to that timeline. After the reception site was finished, Ely, Kirsten, Ross, and Beth came over and did things around the church. Beth took pictures for me just like she did at our rehearsal dinner. I wish I knew more of what they did - the final touches they made - but I was finishing up with hair and makeup and could only hear them. As everyone ate lunch from Jimmy John's, I was constantly reminded to eat; no one wants a fainting bride. I ate lunch after hair and makeup was complete and calmed everyone's fears of me fainting.

Lunch was followed by more "sitting"; my nerves were steadily increasing. I thought to myself that getting into my dress would make me calm down. I adored my wedding dress and nothing makes you feel more confidant than your wedding dress. I knew the time was quickly approaching 1:30 PM and that is when Jace and I would see each for our first look. I told Mom I was ready to get ready and off we went. I slipped into my dress, put on my ivory satin kitten heels, Mom placed my cathedral veil and all that was left was the jewelry. I ordered my jewelry from Etsy.com and found two pieces that were exactly me. The earrings were prized possessions that were a cluster of pearls and a hint of sparkle. They were huge stud earrings that embodied a Southern Lady. The bracelet was a double stranded pearl bracelet that was sweet, elegant, and classic. Yet it was the bracelet that was so hard to get on but thankfully created a good laugh for the serious moment. I grabbed my bouquet of white peonies, white roses, and flowers that Sara so eloquently assembled together. It was finally time to see Jace!

Mary & Gabe, our photographers, were superstars that day! Mary let me know when it was time for me to see Jace. Gabe had arranged Jace near the upper half of the aisle with his back turned to me. I walked in and saw an empty church ready to be filled with loved ones, friends, and family. I also saw my groom waiting for me. When we did see each other we didn't cry, surprisingly. We took the time to really see each other all dressed up - he noticed the details of my dress and I looked over his tuxedo. We asked each other how the day had been and then we exchanged gifts and cards. I teared up reading the card Jace wrote to me, which now permanently stays in the new Bible he gave me with my new name engraved. I had asked for this long before we got engaged and knew he was getting this for me. He, however, didn't know what I had done for him. I wish I could take credit for this idea but instead, it came from Pinterest. I bought a beautiful leather journal and I wrote Jace every week for almost a year. I wrote my love for him, what was happening at school, where we were in terms of planning the wedding, or just whatever came to mind. It wasn't a pricey gift but I wanted to do something that was from my heart and let him know just how much he means to me. We then shared a moment of prayer. With heads together, we took turns praying. Although other moments of the day have faded from memory, our moment of prayer remains crystal clear.

After our first look, it was time for pictures. Along with our wedding party, we drove to the Arboretum. Mary & Gabe set up beautiful pictures and directed us in such a loving and kind way. Mary and Gabe got pictures with Ross and Ely and once done with those pictures, they were free to leave. Same thing with the bridal party photos. Once done, everyone could leave. At the end, it was just Jace and I. Mary & Gabe are not only wonderful people but they have a sixth sense about knowing when the bride and groom need a moment, just the two of them. Mary & Gabe grabbed us at moments when I needed Jace the most. I told them how thankful I was for giving us quiet time because I truly felt like I saw Jace before our wedding, which is what I wanted and more importantly needed.

When we arrived back at the church, we took a few photos in the courtyard and then it was time for family photos. Mary assured us that it wouldn't take long and she was right, which was a good thing because now it was 3:30 PM. After all family photos were over, everyone met in the Chapel. We waited here with screens over the doors so no one would see us. Kory prayed for us for which I am greatly thankful. The time between 4:00-4:25ish PM may have been the longest stretch of time in my life. I was beyond nervous! I literally kept my eyes on Jace the entire time. I remember drinking some water and holding Jace's hand.

Mary let me know that my Dad had arrived and we quickly got pictures with him before the ceremony. These pictures meant the world to me and I am so thankful that he came to our wedding. After this, Joanna, whisked Jace off and the bridal party started lining up. I watched as the grandmothers were led down the aisle, as Ross led Mom, Rickey led Dana, and as the girls walked down with the guys. All that was left was Ross and I. I remember the doors opening up, Jack playing the trumpet, and Ross and I walking out. I remember walking fast until Ross slowed me, helping me realize to soak up this moment. I saw Jace and saw the crowd. I remember seeing Liz, Vicki Wynn, and Jennifer. Jennifer was crying and I knew I had to hold it together. I remember looking at my Mom, but only through my peripheral view because I was afraid that if we made eye contact we might both lose it.

Kory started our ceremony and I stood beside Jace, holding his hand. The ceremony was beautiful and was more than I could have imagined. Doug Hutcherson sang "Give me Jesus" and it took everything in me to fight back tears. Through Jane's fingertips on the organ and piano, Doug's voice, and Kory's words, our ceremony was touching, moving, spiritual, and I know without a doubt Jesus was glorified; His presence was felt.

One component of our ceremony was the affirmation. Our parents affirmed our marriage with the saying of "we will" and then our guests affirmed our marriage. Let me tell you there is great power and reassurance when you hear the people you love the most affirm your marriage and say they will support and love you as you journey through life with your spouse. Hearing their spoken words was a blessing to both of us.

Sidenote: When it was time to move to the alter, I almost tripped. In one hand, I held Jace's hand. In the other hand, I held my bouquet; there was no free hand to lift up my dress. I didn't fall down but I think everyone could sense I was having a tough time getting up those stairs. I will also say that God replaced my legs with cement during our ceremony. I thought I was going to come out of my heels but decided that wouldn't be real tasteful at my wedding. However, the thought did cross my mind but without a doubt, God drained the blood flow from my feet and replaced it was concrete. Needless to say, I came out of my heels during the receiving line!

After moving to the alter, I finally got to look Jace in the eyes. What I saw was pure joy and love. He teared up the entire ceremony, his voice cracked when he began his vows, his chin quivered several times and in that I knew; I knew just how much this meant to him. I knew that he would always love me unconditionally. I knew that I would never go a day without his love. I knew that he was soaking up this moment just like I was; I knew that God created him for me and for us to share this life together. This was the defining moment of our wedding. This is the moment I think of when I think of August 3rd, 2013. This memory of Jace takes me back to the moment of holding each other's hands pledging our love and life to each other and though we were surrounded by friends and family, we felt it was just the two of us.

After lighting the unity candle and serving each other communion, Doug sang the Lord's Prayer. Jace teared up again. I remember blinking every so slowly because I wanted to soak up the moment. I wanted to be aware of what was taking place and for it not to be a blur later on. This was the reason we were getting married. Not for the food we were going to eat at the reception, or the songs we would dance to, or what flowers were used. All though these things are nice and enhance a wedding, the real reason was right in front of me. That reason being a man who was fighting back tears and overcome with emotion while in the presence of our Lord Almighty.

Kory told Jace he could kiss his bride, we kissed, Lauren handed me my bouquet, and off we went as Mr. & Mrs. Jace Stamper. When we reached the foyer of the sanctuary, I wanted to break down and cry. I held strong for so many people but was tired of fighting back the tears. If I could have stopped time and got out a good cry I would have. We had just lived out our dream of being married and after seeing Jace so emotional, I needed a moment to break down. But there was no time for that! We had to assemble our receiving line and hug and love on all our guests! After seeing everyone and thanking them for coming, we made our way over to the Signature Club for our reception.

Lew Jetton, the lead singer of the band that played, introduced us and our bridal party. For the first time, I got to physically see what I had planned for 15 months. At the reception, guests were greeted with two large arrangements in the alcove of the foyer and once inside a large ice sculpture in the shape of a vase was the centered piece. Sara arranged flowers at the top of the vase and it was stunning. The gold chairs and chargers were accentuated by ivory baroque tablecloths and ivory satin napkins. At each place setting, Jace and I wrote a thank you card thanking the guest for sharing in our special day. Servers from Season's Catering poured tea or lemonade, started the meal with a salad, followed by the main course which was pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, and asparagus. Wedding cake and Great American Cookies were for dessert.

Shortly after dinner, Jace and I danced our first song as man and wife to Eric Clapton's "You look wonderful tonight".  Champagne toasts were given by Whitney, Lauren, Jay, and Bo. After the wedding traditions were complete, it was time to get on the dance floor. Lew Jetton and 61 South did a great job and played all our favorite 80s hits. We danced and Jace made me laugh as he always does when he is on the dance floor.

The night prior to our wedding, Lane told me some of the greatest advice that I used throughout the reception. Lane said that everyone would want to talk to us and get pictures and the important thing was to not separate from one another. I tried to always be by Jace's side and it is advice that I passed on to Ross and Beth.

Around 9 PM the crowd had started to thin. I wasn't ready for the night to end but at the same time was growing more and more tired since I didn't sleep the night prior. We said our goodbyes to everyone and got in the car. We drove to Teak's and changed and made our way to Cincinnati. We talked to whole way to the hotel, running on adrenaline but yet also feeling tired from such an exciting day. The next morning we got up and flew to San Francisco and were greeted with 60 degree weather!

August 3rd will always be a special day and I am ever so thankful for the people who were a part of our wedding day. More importantly, I am thankful for the One who blessed the day as well as the person I now call my husband.