71 waking up in the middle of the night and seeing my husband next to me
72 the crushed ice at Corner Bakery
73 a good bike ride
74 being in silence
75 and being okay with it
76 tissues
77 seeing my new last name outside my office door
78 planning our youth kick off event
79 our new holga
80 new bath towels
81 pulling down my sewing machine from the top shelf
82 having a full(ish) tank of gas
83 refrigerated bananas
84 yellow notepads
85 colorful tissue boxes
8.27.2009
8.25.2009
dears
dear husband,
i love you.
dear verizon,
thank you for installing internet at our house.
dear best friend,
i am coming to see you on monday. i can't wait.
dear bathroom,
i hope you like the makeover i gave you. you look good in green.
dear dessert,
you are so lovely and i want to eat you all the time lately. sorry about last night- i had to say no for once. don't worry, though, because tonight is a new night.
dear jor,
happy birthday! tomorrow will be a good day for you.
dear orange chicken,
let's get together this week. husband has been craving you, too.
dear ontario library,
you are so fun. thank you for employing happy people and letting me borrow books and having a cafe in the back that makes the entire building smell like chai. we should talk about that late fee, though..
dear mom,
will you see this movie with me? please?
dear hair,
i am thinking of cutting you. or at least some bangs. i've got to do something.
dear students,
we miss you. can't wait for youth group to get back into its groove.
dear God,
life is really good. and i mean really good. thanks for that.
i love you.
dear verizon,
thank you for installing internet at our house.
dear best friend,
i am coming to see you on monday. i can't wait.
dear bathroom,
i hope you like the makeover i gave you. you look good in green.
dear dessert,
you are so lovely and i want to eat you all the time lately. sorry about last night- i had to say no for once. don't worry, though, because tonight is a new night.
dear jor,
happy birthday! tomorrow will be a good day for you.
dear orange chicken,
let's get together this week. husband has been craving you, too.
dear ontario library,
you are so fun. thank you for employing happy people and letting me borrow books and having a cafe in the back that makes the entire building smell like chai. we should talk about that late fee, though..
dear mom,
will you see this movie with me? please?
dear hair,
i am thinking of cutting you. or at least some bangs. i've got to do something.
dear students,
we miss you. can't wait for youth group to get back into its groove.
dear God,
life is really good. and i mean really good. thanks for that.
8.20.2009
"So...how's married life?"
I have never been asked a single question so many times in my life. Danny and I usually just look at eachother. Smile. And reply. "It's great- we love it!" And that's the truth.
We've made a lot of fun memories the past three weeks. Like returning our repeat gifts. And using our giftcards to get the leftovers on our registries. We've had our first kitchen fire. (Don't worry mom, everything is okay...And yes, I am going to buy a fire extinguisher for next time.) And three dinner parties. Pratically blown through this month's grocery budget, yet our fridge stays stocked for only a couple days. (Where does all our food go, Husband?) Ordered internet for the house. Got me on his health insurance. Took our students to the beach. Jumped on our bed. The toothpaste has ran out twice as fast. And there is double the hair on the bathroom floor. (Gross.) And our laundry basket gets full really quick. And all the yogurts have disappeared. And I don't really sleep straight through the night anymore.
But at the same time the little house noises don't scare me anymore. And instead of a morning text I get a morning kiss. And he helps me pick out what to wear for the day. And he folds laundry with me. And I make his lunch. And we listen to music when we get ready in the morning. And my feet stay warm when I sleep. And we take one car places instead of two. And the house smells of coffee and breakfast every morning. And our love keeps growing! It's simply wonderful. I hope you know what I mean. Or at least that one day you'll know.
So that is that. Our wedding day, honeymoon, and the past three weeks. Now there are new things to look forward to. Like starting my second year in seminary. And growing new and old friendships. And getting creative with cooking meals. And getting into the swing of things with our youth group. And developing teams of student leaders. And having my fourth niece enter the world. And, and, and!
We're glad you're here to journey with us. :)
We've made a lot of fun memories the past three weeks. Like returning our repeat gifts. And using our giftcards to get the leftovers on our registries. We've had our first kitchen fire. (Don't worry mom, everything is okay...And yes, I am going to buy a fire extinguisher for next time.) And three dinner parties. Pratically blown through this month's grocery budget, yet our fridge stays stocked for only a couple days. (Where does all our food go, Husband?) Ordered internet for the house. Got me on his health insurance. Took our students to the beach. Jumped on our bed. The toothpaste has ran out twice as fast. And there is double the hair on the bathroom floor. (Gross.) And our laundry basket gets full really quick. And all the yogurts have disappeared. And I don't really sleep straight through the night anymore.
But at the same time the little house noises don't scare me anymore. And instead of a morning text I get a morning kiss. And he helps me pick out what to wear for the day. And he folds laundry with me. And I make his lunch. And we listen to music when we get ready in the morning. And my feet stay warm when I sleep. And we take one car places instead of two. And the house smells of coffee and breakfast every morning. And our love keeps growing! It's simply wonderful. I hope you know what I mean. Or at least that one day you'll know.
So that is that. Our wedding day, honeymoon, and the past three weeks. Now there are new things to look forward to. Like starting my second year in seminary. And growing new and old friendships. And getting creative with cooking meals. And getting into the swing of things with our youth group. And developing teams of student leaders. And having my fourth niece enter the world. And, and, and!
We're glad you're here to journey with us. :)
8.19.2009
our honeymoon
In a nutshell, here is how we spent our days:
Sunday
Arrived in Portland around 2:30. Got lost. Took over an hour to find our hotel that was just 15 miles away. Napped. Walked around downtown. Ate at Typhoon. Mmm Thai food. Walked back. Took a bubble bath in a bathtub that went up to my waste. Watched a movie in our room.
Monday
Woke up. Shared an americano & a muffin at The Dragonfly Coffee House. Drove around all the different districts of Portland. Drove the wrong way down a one-way street. Went to Powell's and Danny bought a book with over 800 pages. Split a burger and Caesar salad at Bread & Ink. Voted best burger ever. By us. Back to the hotel to change. Road trip up the scenic Columbia River Highway. Took our breath away. Saw Multnomah falls. Hiked up it. Hiked up the one next door. Took our time driving home. Road bikes through downtown. Ordered pizza at Old Town Pizza and rode bikes along the Willamette River while we waited. Took our pizza back to the hotel. Danny carried it with one hand while he rode with the other. Reminded me of this. Made me smile. Picnicked on our bed at the hotel and fell asleep early.
Tuesday
Woke up early. The plan was to go for a drive and go wine tasting in the vineyards. But Danny rolled over and said, "Hey want to drive to Seattle today?" And I said "Okay!" And that was that. So we showered and dressed and were on the road by nine. (After a pit stop at the Portland Coffee House.) Were in Seattle by 11:30. Drove around. Parked. Walked about 7 miles to all the different things we wanted to see, like the fish market and the first ever Starbucks and the farmers market and the glass blowing studio and the space needle, etc. Got lunch at a little French bistro. Plain baguette with slices of brie. Perfection. Stumbled upon my favorite store. Bought a couple pieces that were on sale. Scanned for even less. Even better. Road the metro. Drove home. Walked around to find a place for dinner and ended up at #1 Italian restaurant in Portland, Mama Mia Trattoria. It was just wonderful.
Wednesday
Took our time waking up. Got room service. Once again overpriced, but what the heck. You only honeymoon once. Right? Right. Walked over to Stumptown later for a great espresso for him and vanilla latte for me. His with a heart. Mine with a leaf. Walked through Portland Outdoor Store. Danny was mesmerized by all the flannels but couldn't pick one. Went back to the hotel to change into our suits. Sick of eating out; stopped at Target for some yogurt and cheese and crackers and trail mix. Oh Target, you never disappoint. Drove to our destination. Met our raft guide and had the time of our lives white water rafting. Almost fell out twice but Danny grabbed me back in. We laughed a lot and just enjoyed the surroundings. This is us. The water was freezing (61) but we both got in. We are still proud of ourselves for it. Drove home, injury free. Defrosted in the tub, got ready for a night out in the Pearl District. Ended up at Henry's Tavern. Mmm. Walked home through the jazz clubs and book stores and coffee shops. Watched a movie and called it a night.
Thursday
Woke up and rode bikes back to Stumptown for coffee. Sat at the bar and people watched until we were done. Went back to the hotel to pack, shower, etc. Went one last time to our favorite district and ate at a little Boulangerie (Aim- I pretended you were behind the counter making pastries and it made me smile and wish we had just one more day to come see you). Then we turned in our car and flew home.
We didn't want to leave. But once we got home it felt good to be here. And it just gets better everyday.
Sunday
Arrived in Portland around 2:30. Got lost. Took over an hour to find our hotel that was just 15 miles away. Napped. Walked around downtown. Ate at Typhoon. Mmm Thai food. Walked back. Took a bubble bath in a bathtub that went up to my waste. Watched a movie in our room.
Monday
Woke up. Shared an americano & a muffin at The Dragonfly Coffee House. Drove around all the different districts of Portland. Drove the wrong way down a one-way street. Went to Powell's and Danny bought a book with over 800 pages. Split a burger and Caesar salad at Bread & Ink. Voted best burger ever. By us. Back to the hotel to change. Road trip up the scenic Columbia River Highway. Took our breath away. Saw Multnomah falls. Hiked up it. Hiked up the one next door. Took our time driving home. Road bikes through downtown. Ordered pizza at Old Town Pizza and rode bikes along the Willamette River while we waited. Took our pizza back to the hotel. Danny carried it with one hand while he rode with the other. Reminded me of this. Made me smile. Picnicked on our bed at the hotel and fell asleep early.
Tuesday
Woke up early. The plan was to go for a drive and go wine tasting in the vineyards. But Danny rolled over and said, "Hey want to drive to Seattle today?" And I said "Okay!" And that was that. So we showered and dressed and were on the road by nine. (After a pit stop at the Portland Coffee House.) Were in Seattle by 11:30. Drove around. Parked. Walked about 7 miles to all the different things we wanted to see, like the fish market and the first ever Starbucks and the farmers market and the glass blowing studio and the space needle, etc. Got lunch at a little French bistro. Plain baguette with slices of brie. Perfection. Stumbled upon my favorite store. Bought a couple pieces that were on sale. Scanned for even less. Even better. Road the metro. Drove home. Walked around to find a place for dinner and ended up at #1 Italian restaurant in Portland, Mama Mia Trattoria. It was just wonderful.
Wednesday
Took our time waking up. Got room service. Once again overpriced, but what the heck. You only honeymoon once. Right? Right. Walked over to Stumptown later for a great espresso for him and vanilla latte for me. His with a heart. Mine with a leaf. Walked through Portland Outdoor Store. Danny was mesmerized by all the flannels but couldn't pick one. Went back to the hotel to change into our suits. Sick of eating out; stopped at Target for some yogurt and cheese and crackers and trail mix. Oh Target, you never disappoint. Drove to our destination. Met our raft guide and had the time of our lives white water rafting. Almost fell out twice but Danny grabbed me back in. We laughed a lot and just enjoyed the surroundings. This is us. The water was freezing (61) but we both got in. We are still proud of ourselves for it. Drove home, injury free. Defrosted in the tub, got ready for a night out in the Pearl District. Ended up at Henry's Tavern. Mmm. Walked home through the jazz clubs and book stores and coffee shops. Watched a movie and called it a night.
Thursday
Woke up and rode bikes back to Stumptown for coffee. Sat at the bar and people watched until we were done. Went back to the hotel to pack, shower, etc. Went one last time to our favorite district and ate at a little Boulangerie (Aim- I pretended you were behind the counter making pastries and it made me smile and wish we had just one more day to come see you). Then we turned in our car and flew home.
We didn't want to leave. But once we got home it felt good to be here. And it just gets better everyday.
8.18.2009
the day after
Danny isn't afraid to tell you that he has a "mild to severe case of IBS". We laugh about it, halfway joking, but most of the time we're pretty serious. August 1 was one of those times.
I woke up at 3am to Danny. His 6 foot 4 inch body curled in the fetal position. Moaning- first softly, then louder. I pretty much freaked out and didn't know what to do. He explains it now as "the worst pain he's ever felt in his entire life". I sat there next to him in bed praying over him until he was silent. Praise God he fell asleep and woke up the next morning feeling fine. We're still not sure what it was all about, but it hasn't happened since! Yikes...
Anyhow, we got room service that next morning- which by the way is really great and convenient, but highly overpriced. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, 2 slices of bread, oj, and coffee for one, which we so frugally chose to split. All for the low, low price of $28. I know. We ate and enjoyed every overpriced morsel. Then we went home and got all dressed up again in our wedding day clothes. It was pretty fun to have my husband's help as I slipped back into my wedding dress. Not many people get to do that!
Eri took us out to the groves in Riverside where we took pictures for the next 1 1/2 hours. We trespassed. And made one lady pretty ticked. But the pictures will be beautiful and worth the death glances and chase down of the homeowner. Oops.
That night we had a present opening party at our Aunt and Uncle's home. They decorated beautifully and it was fun to see our family who flew out one last time. We were so blessed with amazing gifts. Among my favorites are my new hand mixer, towel sets, new (and mis-matched!) plates and bowls, and some wall art. Among Danny's are the knife block, the cutting board that weighs about 15 pounds, a bike pump, and the mag lite he keeps ever-so-securely next to his side of the bed. Go figure.
It was so exciting for Danny and I to sleep together at our townhouse. In our room. In our bed. He didn't have to go home- he already was. That's one of our favorite parts of being married.
Then, Sunday morning, we left for our honeymoon.
I woke up at 3am to Danny. His 6 foot 4 inch body curled in the fetal position. Moaning- first softly, then louder. I pretty much freaked out and didn't know what to do. He explains it now as "the worst pain he's ever felt in his entire life". I sat there next to him in bed praying over him until he was silent. Praise God he fell asleep and woke up the next morning feeling fine. We're still not sure what it was all about, but it hasn't happened since! Yikes...
Anyhow, we got room service that next morning- which by the way is really great and convenient, but highly overpriced. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, 2 slices of bread, oj, and coffee for one, which we so frugally chose to split. All for the low, low price of $28. I know. We ate and enjoyed every overpriced morsel. Then we went home and got all dressed up again in our wedding day clothes. It was pretty fun to have my husband's help as I slipped back into my wedding dress. Not many people get to do that!
Eri took us out to the groves in Riverside where we took pictures for the next 1 1/2 hours. We trespassed. And made one lady pretty ticked. But the pictures will be beautiful and worth the death glances and chase down of the homeowner. Oops.
That night we had a present opening party at our Aunt and Uncle's home. They decorated beautifully and it was fun to see our family who flew out one last time. We were so blessed with amazing gifts. Among my favorites are my new hand mixer, towel sets, new (and mis-matched!) plates and bowls, and some wall art. Among Danny's are the knife block, the cutting board that weighs about 15 pounds, a bike pump, and the mag lite he keeps ever-so-securely next to his side of the bed. Go figure.
It was so exciting for Danny and I to sleep together at our townhouse. In our room. In our bed. He didn't have to go home- he already was. That's one of our favorite parts of being married.
Then, Sunday morning, we left for our honeymoon.
8.14.2009
8.13.2009
the reception
Our favorite part of the wedding was by far the ceremony, but the reception was beautiful as well. I had never seen our venue at night, but I imagined it. Let me tell you- it was better than what I could dream up in my mind. The weather was just wonderful- not at all too warm, or too cold. All the twinkle lights lit the courtyard and the tea lights lit the tables. The food (or what Danny and I got to eat of it) was really the best wedding food I've ever eaten. The constant conversations and laughter continued throughout the night, with an occasional "ting ting" of glasses, prompting Danny to lean in and kiss me. It was romantic, it was fun, it was beautiful, and it was just about the best celebration of my life.
Besides the walk down the aisle, our first dance was the other event I was really looking forward to. We danced round and round to the song Danny played for me when he proposed. I sang every word to my husband and he sang every word to me. "Love we sleep apart for the last time, for the last time..." Time may have stopped. Everyone there just sort of vanished as I glided around with my love. He dipped me. We kissed. They clapped. And then. The dancer of all dancers.
"Can we please have Luke Unterkofler to the floor!?"
The ring "barrier" took his place and the DJ started up his requested song, special thanks to Madagascar. Our five year old nephew started the night off right by break dancing his little body all over the dance floor. We laughed and clapped and, after a while, we joined him and pretty much danced the night away.
It was magical. And we stayed until the clock struck eleven. Then my groom swept me away to our hotel. They knew it was our wedding night and upgraded us for free to the executive room- complete with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne and a candle lit bath. The rest of the night was glorious and special and God blessed us beyond belief for waiting for one another.
Until 3 am.
My poor husband.
Besides the walk down the aisle, our first dance was the other event I was really looking forward to. We danced round and round to the song Danny played for me when he proposed. I sang every word to my husband and he sang every word to me. "Love we sleep apart for the last time, for the last time..." Time may have stopped. Everyone there just sort of vanished as I glided around with my love. He dipped me. We kissed. They clapped. And then. The dancer of all dancers.
"Can we please have Luke Unterkofler to the floor!?"
The ring "barrier" took his place and the DJ started up his requested song, special thanks to Madagascar. Our five year old nephew started the night off right by break dancing his little body all over the dance floor. We laughed and clapped and, after a while, we joined him and pretty much danced the night away.
It was magical. And we stayed until the clock struck eleven. Then my groom swept me away to our hotel. They knew it was our wedding night and upgraded us for free to the executive room- complete with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne and a candle lit bath. The rest of the night was glorious and special and God blessed us beyond belief for waiting for one another.
Until 3 am.
My poor husband.
8.12.2009
the ceremony
Kevin e-mailed me the morning of our wedding. "I will be so very proud and honored to walk you down that aisle. Can we take it slowly and make it last as long as possible?" I agreed. And so slowly we walked.
Once my eyes met Danny's they never left. I don't remember anyone but him, standing there in his suit with his arms held in front, waiting for me just as he had promised. We both had tears in our eyes which only grew larger the closer we got to each other. He looked so happy, so ready to become my husband. I was so happy, so ready to become his wife. Finally we made it to the end, Kevin kissed my cheek and placed my hand in Danny's. "You are so beautiful" was what my groom whispered to me as we made it the last few steps.
We secretly squeezed each other's hand as we stood in front of Mike (my old youth pastor/former boss/mentor/friend/accountability partner/advice giver/marriage counselor/pastor who married us) and the rest of our friends and family. It was our only way of expressing our excitement and joy to be standing where we were standing, making the promises we had been waiting to make for nearly nine months now.
I was completely engaged in the ceremony. I have heard from a lot of brides that you won't remember the ceremony. But I remember it all- every word. And it was beautiful. Recited the Shema. Exchanged traditional vows (because we figure they were made a tradition for a reason). Slipped rings onto one another's finger. Took communion as husband and wife and praised God for his Son and for amazing grace. And for the day he made. And told him that we were glad in it. God was present in a way I had never before felt or experienced. I was just at peace and my cup was full. Very full.
Then came the announcement. "I now pronounce you as husband and wife!" Excitement is an understatement to how I felt and, if you were there, you can probably witness to that. I am pretty sure I bounced up and down a few times. I take that back, I am positive I bounced. (my uncle got it on tape...I promise to share it when I get it from him.) "Danny, you may kiss your beautiful bride." He cupped my face in his hands and went in for it. First kiss as husband and wife. Fireworks, sparklers, lightning, butterflies, whatever- nothing can serve as an adequate metaphor for that kiss. "And now, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Unterkofler!" And we laughed and we smiled and we walked to the song we planned. And we gave high fives. And we got behind closed doors with our bridal party and kept saying, "You are my wife!" "You are my husband!" And we kissed some more.
And I have never been so happy in my life. But it wasn't over, yet...
Once my eyes met Danny's they never left. I don't remember anyone but him, standing there in his suit with his arms held in front, waiting for me just as he had promised. We both had tears in our eyes which only grew larger the closer we got to each other. He looked so happy, so ready to become my husband. I was so happy, so ready to become his wife. Finally we made it to the end, Kevin kissed my cheek and placed my hand in Danny's. "You are so beautiful" was what my groom whispered to me as we made it the last few steps.
We secretly squeezed each other's hand as we stood in front of Mike (my old youth pastor/former boss/mentor/friend/accountability partner/advice giver/marriage counselor/pastor who married us) and the rest of our friends and family. It was our only way of expressing our excitement and joy to be standing where we were standing, making the promises we had been waiting to make for nearly nine months now.
I was completely engaged in the ceremony. I have heard from a lot of brides that you won't remember the ceremony. But I remember it all- every word. And it was beautiful. Recited the Shema. Exchanged traditional vows (because we figure they were made a tradition for a reason). Slipped rings onto one another's finger. Took communion as husband and wife and praised God for his Son and for amazing grace. And for the day he made. And told him that we were glad in it. God was present in a way I had never before felt or experienced. I was just at peace and my cup was full. Very full.
Then came the announcement. "I now pronounce you as husband and wife!" Excitement is an understatement to how I felt and, if you were there, you can probably witness to that. I am pretty sure I bounced up and down a few times. I take that back, I am positive I bounced. (my uncle got it on tape...I promise to share it when I get it from him.) "Danny, you may kiss your beautiful bride." He cupped my face in his hands and went in for it. First kiss as husband and wife. Fireworks, sparklers, lightning, butterflies, whatever- nothing can serve as an adequate metaphor for that kiss. "And now, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Unterkofler!" And we laughed and we smiled and we walked to the song we planned. And we gave high fives. And we got behind closed doors with our bridal party and kept saying, "You are my wife!" "You are my husband!" And we kissed some more.
And I have never been so happy in my life. But it wasn't over, yet...
8.11.2009
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.
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.
8.10.2009
getting ready
I took my time. Shaved every inch of my legs. Moisturized. Used the good stuff. Skipped the makeup routine and went straight for the blowdry. Got dressed in jeans and a tank and felt beautiful, mostly because Danny tells me everyday.
Spent the day surrounded by some of my favorite girls in the world. Had Bride Wars in the background. Home smelled like vanilla and pomegranate candles. Drank water with cucumber and lemon. Listened to little feet playing ring around the rosie upstairs while I got my hair done downstairs. Sis did a wonderful job. Hair wrapped around the iron instead of inside. About 54 bobby pins. (Danny and I counted later that night.) Used the clip I bought what seemed like so long ago. Pearls and silver. One last spray of the hair and it was done.
Ate some lemon bundt cake. And cheese and crackers and veggies. Felt good. And calm. And cool. And stress-free. And so excited.
Sat on the bathroom counter and did my makeup next to my best friend. An extra layer of blush today. Plus some eye liner smudging (but only on the bottom). Plus 3 different shadow shades. The lipgloss could wait.
Then came my stepdad looking all handsome with his hair grown back and a smile on his face. Mom fixed his tie. He told her she looked pretty. They drove me down the 60 to the 57 to LaVeta down to 17th and right on college. It was sort of a quiet drive. I was enjoying the feeling of peace and joy welled up within me.
And then I waited...
Spent the day surrounded by some of my favorite girls in the world. Had Bride Wars in the background. Home smelled like vanilla and pomegranate candles. Drank water with cucumber and lemon. Listened to little feet playing ring around the rosie upstairs while I got my hair done downstairs. Sis did a wonderful job. Hair wrapped around the iron instead of inside. About 54 bobby pins. (Danny and I counted later that night.) Used the clip I bought what seemed like so long ago. Pearls and silver. One last spray of the hair and it was done.
Ate some lemon bundt cake. And cheese and crackers and veggies. Felt good. And calm. And cool. And stress-free. And so excited.
Sat on the bathroom counter and did my makeup next to my best friend. An extra layer of blush today. Plus some eye liner smudging (but only on the bottom). Plus 3 different shadow shades. The lipgloss could wait.
Then came my stepdad looking all handsome with his hair grown back and a smile on his face. Mom fixed his tie. He told her she looked pretty. They drove me down the 60 to the 57 to LaVeta down to 17th and right on college. It was sort of a quiet drive. I was enjoying the feeling of peace and joy welled up within me.
And then I waited...
July 31, 2009
was the best day of my life.
I woke up and rolled over in bed. I looked at the pillow next to me and thought, from now on I will turn and see my best friend and the love of my life lying there. Then I smiled. And I'm not sure it left the rest of the day.
Danny and I broke the rule and saw each other on the morning of our wedding. We went to Corner Bakery and shared a lemon poppyseed muffin and a pumpkin muffin and a big cup of coffee. With the Bible between us, we dove into the great truths of Psalm 118. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever...This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us... Oh yes, great truths indeed.
We sat there staring across the table at eachother, feet touching beneath. He gave me the Hebrew ring I've always wanted. I am my beloved's and he is mine... Tears streamed down my face and he kissed them away. At the booth right next to us a gray-haired couple sat down with their muffin and coffee. They held hands. We smiled and didn't need to say a word- we knew we were sitting next to our future. We held hands for a while longer. He drove me home. I gave him his groom present. Then we knew we had to part. We hugged and I told him I would be the one in white and he told me he would be there waiting for me and then he left.
More to come...
I woke up and rolled over in bed. I looked at the pillow next to me and thought, from now on I will turn and see my best friend and the love of my life lying there. Then I smiled. And I'm not sure it left the rest of the day.
Danny and I broke the rule and saw each other on the morning of our wedding. We went to Corner Bakery and shared a lemon poppyseed muffin and a pumpkin muffin and a big cup of coffee. With the Bible between us, we dove into the great truths of Psalm 118. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever...This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us... Oh yes, great truths indeed.
We sat there staring across the table at eachother, feet touching beneath. He gave me the Hebrew ring I've always wanted. I am my beloved's and he is mine... Tears streamed down my face and he kissed them away. At the booth right next to us a gray-haired couple sat down with their muffin and coffee. They held hands. We smiled and didn't need to say a word- we knew we were sitting next to our future. We held hands for a while longer. He drove me home. I gave him his groom present. Then we knew we had to part. We hugged and I told him I would be the one in white and he told me he would be there waiting for me and then he left.
More to come...
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