bridal room

Walked up to the bridal room. My bridal room. Peeked through the shutters and over the balcony to see everyone down below filing in. The tables looked perfect, especially with the sweet little favors adorning each plate. The courtyard was just beautiful with the sun rays shining overhead and the candles lit and the fountain trickling. I toasted with my girls and took a sip of champagne. My dress went on a little photo shoot. Then it came time to put it on.

Stepped into it. Sister helped. Zipped up the back. Fit just as it should- not too tight, but just tight enough in all the right places. Veil came next. Tucked under my hair. Draped over my shoulders. Classic lace around the edges. Slipped on my shoes and had sister buckle them. I kept looking in the mirror. Is that really me? It was. One sweep of lip gloss and it was done. I was ready.

The piano player walked through my room to his place on the balcony. I listened to him start playing Canon in D. "It's time!" I exchanged one last smile and "Eeee!" with the girls before the wedding planner hurried them out of the room and down the stairs and I was left alone. (Well, except for Craig, my lovely photographer's husband/assistant for the day.)

I walked across the room to the top of the stairs. There was a tiny window there. No one could see me, but I saw everyone. All the people we love, there together for us. I made it my little secret and watched excitedly as my groom walked with his brother to the alter. My groom- he is so handsome. I heard them open the doors below and watched my best friend walk down the aisle...then my sister-in law...then my sister...all the while my groom was beaming and the anticipation was building not only for me, and not only for Danny, but for everyone else in the courtyard.

Then my wedding planner walked back up just before I could watch the flowergirls and ring "barrier" (or so he called himself). "Okay, Kaylyn- you are stunning...let's do this!" I knew through all the wedding planning, through all the meetings, through all the decisions that had to be made- I knew this would be my favorite part. The walk. My walk.

As I walked down the stairs I heard my song start to play. He played it perfectly. I was handed my bouquet (oh, the bouquet!). I took a deep breath and the door opened. Even as I type these words I remember how I felt. So excited. So anxious. So happy. The first face I saw was my handsome stepfather. He took my hand and put it in his arm. He leaned down and whisphered, "You look beautiful- are you ready?" I smiled and nodded. I've never been more ready for anything...

And then we walked.