Impressions of a Wedding Day

A newlywed of just 21 days old…it is so hard to believe that the event that consumed me for months is behind me. And I have to say – it feels great!

In fairness, let me voice that my wedding day was amazing. A few minor glitches, but the incredible joy is what stands out to me. When I walked into the church and started down the aisle, James and I were all smiles. Big ones. And the way the church was set up, our guest felt very close, just like they were surrounding us. So, I didn’t feel nervous at all. I felt like my face hurt from smiling so hard. And it was genuine. For that moment, I really felt like James and I were close to exploding. We smiled when we saw each other, when we lit our candles, when we exchanged rings, when we said our vows.

I always thought my wedding ceremony would be a weepy, emotional moment – but it wasn’t. It was just happy.

And the service was beautiful. Our pastor did such a phenomenal job…it was heartfelt, sincere, warm and personal. And that was the whole atmosphere in the church…warm, soft, peaceful – and happy.

When our pastor pronounced us Mr. and Mrs. James L, I could see some faces in the audience, and I could tell everyone was so excited but wasn’t sure what to do. Then all the sudden, everyone just stood up and started cheering and clapping. It was such an amazing moment. The love and excitement in the room was tangible.

I don’t know if people were so happy because we were a little older and waited so long? Because each of us had had some tough years prior to getting to this point? Because they really could tell that God brought us together in a special way? And had a special purpose for us? [I had a number of people tell me, ‘Katie, you guys did it the right way.’ I’m not sure of their interpretation of that…but I found that interesting, because while we tried to be intentional, it felt a little fumbly when we were going through it.]

And for all of James’ nerves prior, he did outstanding. He is such a freakin’ natural! At the reception, he was going around to all of my friends, chit-chatting, introducing himself…he did amazing! I was so proud to be his wife.

The reception was great too. We did more of a cocktail reception – not really a dance party. But our guests told me they all had such a good time catching up with people they hadn’t seen in a while, not struggling to talk over music. I had a lot of people tell me it was such a different wedding and reception than any other they had been to – and it was the best.

I’m not sure what made it so for them, but I am glad. I had a lot of different circles of friends from my past, so it was like a reunion for a lot of people. I just saw lots of laughing, smiles…and every table I went to, I wished that I had been assigned to sit at that table and hang out with them.

Needless to say, we were wiped by the end. But we went to the hotel, got there around 1 a.m. We drank champagne, got ‘acquainted’ with each other for the first time (yes, let’s just say that if I was an Old Testament Jewish girl,I would not have been stoned!), and stayed up to watch the sunrise. We opened our cards and we were overwhelmed by the notes and the gifts. We were in tears after each one we opened. The generosity of our family and friends stunned us. And they are working people just like us. We felt so humbled and unworthy.

So, all that to say –all the planning was worth it – but I am glad all the planning is OVER! It feels AWESOME to not have to call vendors, make appointments, print programs, assemble centerpieces…it is nice to just ‘live’ again. And this time, with my man.

Yahoo!!! 

Nitty gritty details and pictures to come!