The Only One that Mattered

The morning of our wedding was hectic, to say the least. Together, we proceeded to the reception area to decorate it. The ferns and the cake had to be picked up, signs had to hung, and emotions were running high. Luckily my soon to be mother in law and her friends jumped in. You can imagine my distress as the clouds rolled in and a light rain started just as my daughter and I had to rush off to our hair and makeup appointment, leaving poor Brad to finish everything on his own.

Meanwhile, his mom and her friends were decorating the clearing for the ceremony and making calls in search of affordable tents in case the rain didn't let up. I was a wreck. My daughter and I did each other's nails while the other was in the salon chair, then rushed home to get our dresses, jewelry, rings, and bouquets loaded into the car to head to the wedding. Throughout it all, I rehearsed my vows. I've never been good at public speaking and I was already so emotional I knew I was going to screw it up.

After just a light drizzle, the clouds faded into a beautiful spring day. The dressing room was crowded, his mom sat in the floor while she dressed our little flower girl on her lap. His stepmother helped me get into my gown and then gave me a beautiful charm bracelet welcoming me to the family. It was bittersweet. Here I was surrounded by so much love and kindness, yet as I looked around, I realized no one from my family was there. Oh how I wanted my mom. My sad moment was quickly interrupted by a well dressed newborn who demanded to be nursed and didn't care that I was wearing a wedding dress.

Soon after, my dad and stepmother arrived. His dad came to wish me luck and I told him to find Brad and tell him we needed to read our vows. I was such a mess I knew I'd never be able to recite them. I heard the music start and my heart nearly burst. I took my son's arm as we started down the wooded path. At first I watched my step for fear of falling, but I looked up and I saw him. There he stood looking so handsome. I couldn't wait to be beside him. This was it. This was the moment that everything had built up to.

I realized for the first time that all the heartache, failed relationships, and broken roads were all part of the plan. Every tear was required in order for me to recognize this moment, this man, for what they were....the only one that mattered. He hadn't brought his vows with him and recited them from memory. He still to this day gives me a hard time because I read mine. Everything was beautiful. I wouldn't have traded my budget wedding on that hill for the most extravagant event in a Bridal magazine.

We all took turns during the sand ceremony. I actually ordered the sand specifically from Virginia Beach in memory of our sunset. I looked around at our new family and I'd never been more happy. He was everything I'd ever wanted or needed, and he was mine.