Our Wedding Day

O God beyond all praising, we worship you today
and sing the love amazing that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder at every gift you send,
at blessings without number and mercies without end...

Most of the time when you anticipate and imagine some big event, it's not quite how you picture it. Sure, its wonderful and memorable...but not quite how you picture it beforehand. 

But my wedding was exactly how I pictured it.

I woke up that morning, and I couldn't stop smiling. I showered and tried to eat breakfast. My bridesmaids started arriving, I couldn't stop smiling, and all I could say was "I'm getting married! I'm getting MARRIED today!" We laughed and listened to music and did our makeup and hair. I couldn't stop smiling.

It's funny how one day can go by so quickly, and yet have so many distinct memories. Taking pictures with my bridesmaids. Seeing my parents. Hearing our musicians practicing the songs that Ryan & I had so carefully and deliberately chosen for this day. Trying not to let the tears welling up in my eyes spill out (I'm always wary of the grand claims made by waterproof mascara)...tears of total and utter joy. 

And then, before I knew it, it was time to walk down the aisle. 

Ryan and the rest of the bridal party had walked down the aisle while our musicians played "How Great is Our God". I had chosen "Oh God Beyond All Praising" as my bridal march. I have known for YEARS that I wanted to walk down the aisle to that song. It is my absolute favorite hymn...those lyrics have a profound effect on my heart every time I hear them. Ryan and I wanted the first moments of our wedding Mass to make it abundantly clear WHO this celebration was focused on. 

we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord...

Seeing Ryan waiting for me at the end of that aisle was one of the happiest moments of my life. Actually, every single minute of our wedding Mass was one of the happiest moments of my life. I couldn't stop smiling. 

Every instant of that Mass is dear in my heart. It was beautiful in the truest sense of the word.

And in front of God and around 300 of our friends and family, Ryan and I spoke the vows that we had memorized months before. WE WERE MARRIED!

The whole rest of our wedding day was fantastic. Taking pictures. Talking with friends. Catching up with people who made incredible sacrifices to be there with us. Our first dance. So much laughter. Enveloped in the richness of the love and support being poured out on us. Memories I will treasure forever.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king...

And yet, when I think of "our wedding"...I remember the Mass. I remember standing in front of that altar, staring into the eyes of the love of my life, and promising to be his wife. I remember receiving the Eucharist with tears in my eyes, soaking in the beauty of being Ryan's bride and celebrating as Christ's Bride, the Church. 

It was exactly as I pictured it. It was our wedding. And it was perfect.

...and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'II triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still...

Now we've been married for two months. Two short months, but it seems like so much longer...because it is just so RIGHT. Being Ryan's wife is the most beautiful privilege. Every day I'm still stunned that I am married to this incredible man!

We have no idea what the future holds, but this incredible adventure is our path to holiness. In good times and in bad. In sickness and in health. How humbling this call. 

...to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.

Our sacrifice of praise.