8 years ago, today

8 years ago today, I woke up at 10:30 AM, showered, got dressed, packed my dress and make-up into the car and drove out to Burbank to pick up my Matron of Honor, Lisa. We drove back to the Westside and picked up Corina (my friend and hair & make-up goddess) and ended up lunching at Quiznos and driving down to the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

When we arrived there was a ruckus in the lobby. Seems there was some overbooking of rooms going on. We briefly became part of that ruckus and then made our way to our stateroom. My mother met us there, sprawled out on the couch and iced down her knee (she fell walking the dog two days prior) while Corina did my hair and Lisa cracked jokes and sang to us.

My future sister-in-law, Stacey, arrived a short time later and told me you were on board. You and your brother were off to meet the ship's chaplain and get ready. I was so excited that I forgot my hoop slip and had to endure heckling (from Lisa of course) and three woman (including our photographer) pulling my dress over my head to get the slip on. I managed to get red lipstick all over my veil. The room became quiet. I think people were scared I was going to freak out about it. I didn't. I just pulled my veil all the way back and said it would look better that way.

The wedding coordinator for the ship arrived and said it was time to head over to the chapel. I remember a rush of excitement and nearly ran out of the door. People came out of their rooms and watched us head down the hall. They called out to me, well wishes and such.

We arrived at the chapel and the coordinator ushered me into a tiny waiting room. I could see the pews of the chapel filling up through a curtained window. My father came in, dressed in a dark blue suit with a crimson tie. He looked amazing. He was nervous, hands shaking. I wasn't sure if he was nervous about walking me down the aisle or seeing my mother again, after their divorce. I did know that I wasn't nervous. Not even a little bit.

Ten minutes later the doors to the chapel closed and I was brought out of the waiting room. My father and I lined up and the coordinator was about to open the doors for us when we realized my train was still bustled. She came over, unhooked it, spread it out and then said we were ready. Suddenly the doors were open and all faces turned towards me. My father gripped my arm tighter. I could see no one but you. You were standing there, in your long-tailed tux. You looked gorgeous. All I could think was how unceremonious it would be to drop my bouquet and sprint down the aisle to you. So I didn't. I savored the walk towards you.

During the vows you teared up a bit. And I'll remember that moment forever and ever. The moment I became your wife.

Happy Anniversary, Love.


I love you. Forever and ever.