June 4, 2021 (Part 2)

 7:00 rolled around with a backstage dance party, followed by one more group prayer, and finally, the sweetest ceremony  of all time. Dad and I laughed from the lobby as we watched late-arrivers attempt to shuffle in unnoticed and beautiful bridesmaids try not to trip on their gowns. The doors opened, piano music filled the room, and I started my walk down the aisle. 

Despite my love's sentimental tears, I couldn't stop laughing. My joy couldn't be contained by a smile and it bubbled out as laughter as I watched my dad and my dude fight the flood of tears. I don't remember much about the ceremony, but I'll recap the best I can.

Jeff opened the show with a  beautiful message about joy, love, and commitment. He rattled off two-minutes worth of straight up puns which had the whole crowd laughing. Dad handed me off and we ascended the stairs of the stage, unable to take our eyes off each other (uh, me and Joe, that is. Not my dad and I. that'd be questionable). Pastor Terry assumed the pulpit and encouraged us to keep choosing each other. He reminded us how many people had our backs in times of trouble, and we turned around to see over 200 guests with hands in the air, a physical promise of their lifelong support. 

Rhett, Grace, and Abby led the congregation in Come Thou Fount, followed by communion, a prayer, the recitation of vows and exchange of rings. All of it moved so fast and felt so surreal. PT nearly rapped a rhyming poem which received immense applause and we kissed and that was that! I'm sure there's a video of our ceremony that will surely encapsulate more but all I can remember is the beauty of that evening, the support of our friends, the love of my now HUSBAND and the goodness of our God. 

Everything from that point on was full-speed ahead. We got introduced, hurried through a delicious nacho dinner in order to catch the setting sun just in time for golden hour, made it back in time for three dances, cake cutting, a brilliant rhyming speech by Pips and Lilly  and a nostalgic brotherly toast by Jake. It's crazy how much time and planning went into an event that lasted less than two hours, but the joy and memories of those hours will last for as long as I live.

We were sent off with sparklers and an explosive firework show and drove by Goodrich Ballpark at Wabash-- the place where it all began. 

I'll spend my  whole life being thankful for the work that was poured in by beloved friends and family. The countless hours spent decorating, delivering, counseling, cooking, cleaning, setting up, planning, piecing together flowers, ordering decorations and food and invitations and collecting tablecloths and ordering lights and planning the music-- people like Kristin, Cindy, Grammy, Stacey, Page, Patty, Holly, Kelly, Steph, Terry, Jeff, Nana, Papaw, Pips, Lilly,  Reyna, Mom, Dad, Joe, Paul, Ellen, Karli, Jake, Abby, Grace,  Rhett, Dylan, Cam, Ian, Steve, Aneli, Jeff, Kelli, Zach, and so many more...we will forever be indebted. 

Some takeaways:

1. There's no family like church family.

2. The stress of a wedding day should never outweigh the straight-up gratitude!!!!!!

3. I should be willing to serve people like people were willing to serve us!

4. A wedding doesn't have to be a budget-buster to be beautiful.

5. God has placed the! most! wonderful! people in our lives!!! May I never be moving so fast that I fail to see it!!!!!!!

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