The rehearsal went pretty smoothly. Aside from the goofy coordinator who was practically a fembot and unable to do anything she wasn't programed for! Since Tony wore his blues and an NCO sword, I was to stand on the opposite side as traditionally. Not that big of a deal, just flop everything around, right? Yeah the sidewalk outside would have a better chance understanding what we were trying to say! The dinner afterwards went well also. Just a case of butterflies for dessert about the next morning!
The wedding on the 19th of April was great! We lucked out with the weather, it was a gorgeous day. The rain didn't come until I was being carried out the reception hall door!
I had been mentally preparing myself for weeks for the big day. I was nervous (in a good way) and anxiously awaiting the day. I think its the unknown that is most frightening. The unknown of how things will go before the ceremony, how it will feel to walk down t
he aisle with my daddy, the unknown of will I hold back my tears while I speak my vows, etc. As well as the unknown on my big move down to North Carolina about 10 days after the wedding. So I prepared myself to keep a cool head on my shoulders, take control of the things I can - go with the flow on things I can't. I think I did a good job because I only had a small case of butterflies that day! Nothing a few Tums and mint chewing gum can't fix!When I came up from the downstairs bridal dressing room with my florist carrying my train (something the goofy wedding coordinator should have been doing!), I saw my dad standing there. He looked pale and anxious. I watched him take a gulp of water, a deep breath, and join me at my side as the rest of my bridal party walked up to the alter. I blinked back my tears and painted on a smile. Just as my mom described about her big day, almost exactly 24 years prior to mine in the same exact spot I was standing, the processional stopped, the doors swung open, and the music began again as I thanked my amazing florist for all her help and started down the aisle. Its pretty much a blur. I saw familiar faces of family and friends, flashes from cameras, my mom holding b
ack tears at the front pew, and my handsome Marine all smiles at the alter. I held back the tears as my dad lifted my veil, gave me a kiss and a hug, then put my hand in Tony's hand and we walked up to the officiant. The wedding went well, it was really pretty. The Reverend even changed things up a bit to say a few words about the members of the armed services. His son is also a Marine and he chocked back the tears as he spoke of how Tony reminds him of his beloved son who chose to make a career out of the Corps.The reception was great. It seemed to fly by! Every time I was trying to speak to one of our guests, someone would drag us away to do something - pictures, gar
der and bouquet toss, cake cutting, etc. I felt irritated because I wanted to spend time with my guests. As it is, I don't think I got to see every one of them. But in any event, it was a blast. The food was good, the music was great, and everyone seemed to have a blast. Before we knew it, the night was done and Tony was carrying me out the door to my car, which was affectionately decorated by the wedding party (hehe!)Its a relief that the stress and planning is done. Everything turned out great! I am now down in our new apartment in good old Jacksonville, NC. Trying to get things organized and settled in. I miss home and my family a great deal. But thankfully we have cell phones and internet to stay connected. I also miss my animals and my horses so much. But this move isn't permanent. I'll be back for good next spring when Tony gets out of the Marine Corps.
PS.
we adopted an adorable little kitten on May 1st! We named him Malone, after Tony's favorite Pittsburgh Pens player! He is around 2 months old and was saved from the local animal shelter where they put down any critter who has been there unadopted for 30 days or more. Heartbreaking, if I could, I woul
d have taken all of them home!! So if you want to get a pet, adopt a mutt and save a life!
