Happy 4 Years, My Love

October 15, 2005
A gorgeous early fall afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee. I was tired, maybe a bit hungover from the cheap champagne the night before. But I was the happiest bride around because I was becoming "one" with the absolute love of my life. Dan and I had done the whole long distance thing for 3 years. From 2002 to 2005 when we married, he was stationed in South Carolina and I was in Texas. It was nearly impossible to get stationed together unless I got out of the Air Force. So, one month before our wedding, I separated from active duty. And then we were able to marry and live together.
The week of our wedding, we found out we were to be moving to Hawaii in June 2006. Talk about some life changes on the horizon! But, we weren't bothered... we had 300 guests in town for our wedding and had a week + planned in St. Lucia. We were carefree - and kid free! All we had to worry about was each other and who would watch our cat (Maria). Life was incredible.
The morning of my wedding, I awoke with a headache and was sent back to bed - definitely not had enough sleep that week! But once I was up, and after a McDonald's run by my sweet sister, Kelly, and best friend, Lydia, I was somewhat ready to go.... My dad and I had to have our traditional run at Lipscomb's track though. THAT was hard to get through given my bad-champagne-headache! But, the memory of running with my daddy once more as a single girl is priceless. And that entire week, I had stayed at my Aunt Mamie and Uncle Bob's home... it was such a feeling of childhood for me. I have spent almost every night that I have ever been in Nashville throughout my life in their home. It is my "2nd home."I walked down the aisle at Woodmont Christian Church in Green Hills in my "dream dress:" Reem Acra's "Adored" dress of 2005. It was the first dress I tried on. My bridesmaids: Kelly, Brittney, Shannon, Lydia, Michelle and Annie walked down the aisle in champagne strapless gowns. They were visions. I couldn't have had more beautiful bridesmaids. My flower girls: McKenzie, Sutton, Gracie and Sarah Grayson (all my cousins) and my ring bearer, my cousin Sam were all dressed in hand made gowns/John Johns by my Aunt Dodie.
Seeing my intended at the end of the aisle tearing up as I walked down in my perfect dress and my cathedral length veil was everything I had ever imagined it to be.
My Aunt Mamie did most of the planning along with me - she's phenomenally talented. The flowers were the most vibrant fall colors. They made your eyes POP! And my precious Uncle Bob married us... I wouldn't have had another human on this earth recite our vows to us aside from my Uncle Bob.
Our reception was immediately after at Fontanel Estate just outside the Nashville city limits. It was the former log-cabin home of country star Barbara Mandrell. It was catered by Sodexho Marriott and was so gorgeous. I danced with my groom to Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" and then with my daddy to the song that he danced with at his and my mom's wedding in 1977: "Annie's Song." Dan danced with his mama to "Unforgettable." I could tell you that it was a perfect day but I would sound like I was bragging. To be honest, I was an exhausted and overwhelmed bride. But once we were in the honeymoon suite at the Hermitage in downtown Nashville, all was right with the world. I was with - finally - the man that God had ordained me to spend the rest of my life with. What a blessed young woman I was - and I still am.
Here we are 4 incredible years later with a love that grows more insanely deep each day and with a very active, smart and precious red-head to show for our love. Noah is the epitome of my and Dan's love for one another.
If I could go back and re-live October 15, 2005 I don't think I would. I would leave it just as it is in my memory: perfection. Praise God.