Beach Bliss: The Ceremony.

It's hard to believe I got married two years ago. It seems like so long ago but on the other hand, it feels like we just got engaged. How is it that this is our second anniversary and we're celebrating it as a family? With a KID? If you had asked me 3 years ago where I'd be today... never ever in a million billion years would I have said already married with a baby. But you know what? It's the best. I wouldn't change a thing.

On May 2, 2010, my life changed, I had no idea just how much it would change but it was the beginning of a life I never knew I would have. 

First, we got ready and at 5:55 pm, I walked out of the aquarium behind my bridesmaids and the coordinator ushered us behind some bushes to hide us from the guests and I then took my dad's arm. I peeked around the corner and watched as the groomsmen and my husband gathered in the grass at the edge of the Roanoke Sound. 

Then it was time for my bridesmaids to join them. One by one, they walked to the waters edge to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. 

It was hard not to get choked up just at the sight of my best friends walking ahead of me on my wedding day but I held it together. I looked at my dad and the coordinator signaled that it was our turn to walk. When our song started (You and Me by Rosie Thomas) it was all I could do not to fall apart. 

Disclaimer: this is the only video I can find. I guess the video is in Turkish?

Hopefully they're not curse words. Sorry if they are. ;)

 One thing I'll never forget: as we stepped out into the sun, my dad whispered under his breath "left, left, left, right, left" as if we were in the military. I stifled a giggle and looked up at my soon to be husband.

It seems like I had prepared to take this walk forever. All year I planned and prepped for this wedding and here it was. I was literally walking down the aisle to get married. It felt surreal... and perfect. Everything came together just as I had imagined and it was happening. Right here, in this moment, I was about to marry my best friend. As I reached the front of the aisle, my mother stood up and gave me a kiss on the cheek, another memory that is forever engraved in my mind. I have the best parents a girl could ask for and they made this day happen for me.

 Pastor Harris looked at us and asked who would give me away, my dad answered "her mother and I" and placed my hand in Kevin's, kissed me on the cheek and went to sit with my mother.

During the ceremony, my sweet sister (and matron of honor) read aloud from Corinthians

and I like to think this next picture is of her getting a tissue to wipe her tears. ;)

As the sun began to descend behind us, it was time to read our vows to each other. We both wrote our own along with the traditional vows, and I'm so glad we did. It was personal and romantic, just the way a wedding should be.

Kevin began and while I don't remember his vows off the top of my head, I saved the paper and they're in my jewelry box to this day. 

Then it was my turn and since my wedding gown doesn't have pockets, I reached into the only spot I could think to store them...

and while it's not the most flattering image of me, the next picture pretty much sums up how I felt. Overcome with emotion and tears were flowing. Yes, I'm an ugly crier...

Then the pastor blessed the rings and we exchanged them, promising to love each other for better or worse.

And in true beach wedding style, we had a sand ceremony to symbolize the coming together of our two families. 

Our ceremony was short and sweet which is a good thing since the wind was beginning to pick up. It was a beautifully sunny day otherwise and after the vows, the prayers, the reading and the sand ceremony, I was finally able to kiss my new husband. We were man and wife. Finally.

 

 We were introduced as the new Mr. and Mrs. Trimble and our friends and family applauded as we walked down the aisle as a new family.

 Happy anniversary Mr. Trimble. I'm ecstatic to call myself your Mrs. We have an amazing life and now an amazing son. I love you more than anything. Here's to the next 50 years babe. <3

(Next up: the reception!)