The wedding is 10 weeks behind us now. Everything has been put away, thank you cards have been delivered, flowers are hung and dried, and I’ve finally gotten a look at the beautiful pictures. After writing so much about everything leading up to the big day, I wanted to offer up a paragraph or two of reflection, and put the whole thing to rest with my most happy memories.
July 1st really was one of the best days in my life. There was an awful lot of planning that went into making the day beautiful, organized, yummy and fun. But aside from those things, it was absolutely wonderful to spend the day with friends and family while R and I said “I love you – and I’ll do so forever.” I feel lucky when I reflect on our day – so many people (brides?) look back and talk about what they would have changed, or what could have gone better. It was truly perfect for us, I wish I could relive it again and again… Without all the planning, stress and invoices of course!
We learned a lot, and laughed a lot, and cried a lot. I chose not to do the traditional walk down the aisle with my dad. I adore my dad (ADORE), but I’m a grown woman now, and tradition didn’t seem like a strong enough reason to get my dad walking around on his newly-replaced knee. Instead, R and I met before the ceremony and walked down the aisle together. This was a choice we made based on ease, and flow, and for our own comfort levels. Looking back though, holding his hand and walking in together was a great parable for the equality, strength and love in our relationship. That was one of my favorite moments and made some of the best pictures I will cry over forever!
We had a small guest list, but the restaurant was filled with all of our favorite people. Aside from the very few who were not able to be there with us, we were lucky to be surrounded by so many happy, joyful, gracious individuals. I personally will never forget R’s best men Cam and Nick doing (literally) anything to make the day great; or my maid of honor, Dara getting me a drink to get me out of the hotel, holding my hand, and giving an incredibly touching speech. There were our parents involved in the actual ceremony (how amazing – to me marred by your father-in-law and mother!), and my brothers, David, who is simply one of the sweetest guys ever, and John, who’s shown he cares by working his butt off on so many projects before, during, and after the ceremony (could not have done it without him). I’m so happy to be able to look back at video of Uncle Peter and Uncle Jim’s speeches and the guest signed picture frame with “I love you” written by my nephew, Leith, will be on our wall forever.
July 1st was an incredible day. Thank you to everyone who helped make it great, who came and partied with us, or who just thought some well-wishes from wherever you may have been. R and I are looking forward to many anniversaries to come, more than likely celebrating low-key, from the cottage dock, with a glass of Champagne and the Canada Day fireworks overhead.
Bliss.