I had had this idea that it would be a fairytale experience. Don’t get me
wrong, it was an unforgettable day, just not what I thought it would be. Let me
tell you the back story first.

When I met him, I didn’t want anything to do with him. I could only see his
profile in the shadows, and I wouldn’t say I liked his looks. Later, when
I looked at him in the light I decided he was good-looking! There were two
things more important than his looks, though:

1.) He had what I believed to be a great personality, and I still swear that
he could carry on a conversation with a mannequin! This is important because I
was still ultra-shy at this time in my life. He told me later that he was unsure
why he went out with me a second time as I barely spoke to him on our first
date.

2.) He had a spectacular sense of humor, and it was what I think I fell for
first. He could always make me laugh. Most of his jokes were groaners or total
dad jokes, but still, life is so much better with laughter. Up until this point,
there was not a lot of laughter in my life.

We dated for almost five years. Then I forced (says he) him into marriage,
and no, I was not pregnant. I gave the ultimatum that if he didn’t know whether
he wanted to marry me or not, let’s move on. To him, that was forcing him to
marry me. At first, he said, “Let’s move on.” Only when he found out
I was dating someone else that he suddenly was ready to marry! After making him
sweat a little, I finally said yes. As I look back on this time, it wasn’t the
best way to start a lifelong commitment.

I was so excited to get married, though. I wanted nothing more than to
settle down and be a wife and mother. I had dreamed of a big wedding: a big
fancy church, gorgeous white dress, big reception after with dancing and fun.
There would be no big fancy wedding, as I couldn’t afford it, nor could my
parents. I think the whole wedding cost something like $500.00.

It was a small church wedding with a small reception after. It was still
special, just different from what I had imagined. I had my dress made; I
loved that dress, and I still have it. My current goal is to be able to fit
into it again someday. I also had the cutest pair of lacey white shoes that I
have lost in one of the moves over the years. The theme was a simple one with the
colors blue and pink. He had his best friend stand up for him. My best friend
at the time was my maid of honor.

There was no band or dancing at the reception, but we did have cake, punch, gifts,
and lots of good friends.

It was a small ceremony and reception, but intimate and personal. It had
most of the traditional elements. It was a romantic, unique, emotional, and
joyful experience. For that one heartbeat, it was a perfect and beautiful day.
A simple, sweet wedding!