Our Wedding Day!

I’m MARRIED! Wow. I can hardly believe it’s real, but it’s wonderful. Today was so special, and so memorable, that I couldn’t even wait until after my mini-moon tonight to tell you all about it.

Last night I slept over at my parents’ house and this morning I got all ready in the place I grew up. It was nice, kind of how I pictured it my whole life, with the exception of my mom waking me up and getting ready with me in the morning. Last night was the night I had to cry as I dozed off to sleep because my mom wasn’t there to tuck me in and wish me sweet wedding-eve dreams. But this morning I woke up with peace in my heart and prayed all morning that today would be a day of celebration that would be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who was a part of it. The Lord did not let me down.

When my sister Cathi & I arrived at the hospital we giggled at the spectacle surrounding us. You would not believe the surprise and awe on the faces of everyone in the surgical waiting room seeing a girl stroll by in a veil! I almost felt like it brought a little smile to some people who needed it, and that warmed my heart. And between you and me, I kind of enjoyed the attention. I felt like a girl on her wedding day SHOULD feel, and that was great.

I was so excited to see my mom!! I have been SO busy this week, between two weddings, work, and every other daily task I had hardly any time to visit my mom and I felt bad about it. But yesterday when I called her she told me not to feel that way, she doesn’t want that. And that was enough for me to stop with the self berating.

I could not believe how BEAUTIFUL she looked. Her hair, makeup, dress, jewelry… she definitely did not put an end to her foxy-Jeanette-at-her-kids-wedding streak! She was gorgeous and it just made my heart sail to look at her. I gave her the bracelet I got her that matched my own and she seemed to really love it. Once she was all ready she told me I looked beautiful and held my hand as we made our way down to the chapel.

Then I got a little nervous. I could not believe how calm I was all morning, not really feeling like it was my wedding day, and not freaking out at all. Right outside the church I got a little shaky. But still, nothing like I would have imagined… at all! I guess that’s what happens when you’re just sure. Our friend Terry Murphy, who is a gifted photographer, generously volunteered to take pictures during the service, so all those special moments were captured on film.

My dad escorted me in and gave me away to Rocky. We both kept pretty composed as we exchanged our vows and were pronounced man and wife. Maybe a few tears fell, but again, I was so surprised at how calm and peaceful and wonderful it all was. “And then he kissed me”! Anyone who has ever seen me, my mom, and dad sing before will appreciate the irony in that sentence.

Afterwards we had a wonderful little reception in a large room on my mom’s floor. My aunts, my mom’s loving, thoughtful sisters, prepared the room with flowers, decorations, and a delicious cake. Rocky’s mom & dad brought beautiful roses, some of which served as my mini-bouquet when I walked down the aisle. It was a really great time for all of us. We laughed and sang the “Rebekah” song my dad wrote for me when I was little, ate cake, and took about… oh, I don’t know… a million pictures. I can’t wait to post some of them on here for you all to see!

Eventually it was time to go, and Rocky’s parents took us, my dad, and all our brothers and sisters, and brother and sister-in-laws out for a great lunch at Anyway’s. Bill & Geri Hayes are officially my mother and father-in-law and I love them SO much! They have been nothing short of a blessing from heaven throughout this ordeal of my mom being sick. Always there for us, always eager to help, and doing anything they can to contribute to our comfort and happiness. We are so blessed. Terry Murphy arrived at the restaurant with doubles of our wedding pictures developed and in hand. Talk about 1-hour photos! We are so thankful to Terry for his generosity. Lunch was delicious but the highlight had to be the beautiful, heartfelt speech that Rocky made. I so wish we had it on video or something, but he plans to give my mom her own presentation of it, and I know she will love it. Maybe he'll even type it up and post it on the blog one of these days. I don't think I was the only one who was moved to tears. It just solidified how lucky I feel, and what a wonderful husband I’ve won.

So now, we are about to embark on our “mini-moon”… a miniature version of our honeymoon, to be had later, after September 22nd. Tonight we will have a deliciously expensive dinner that we can’t afford, and celebrate our love, and the promise of forever that we made today.

We love you all!