It's Not About The Wedding...

Most little girls dream of their wedding day. I was no exception. I always had that Cinderella fantasy wedding in mind. I think my family had that in mind for me as well. From the minute we got engaged the pressure was on. It was expected to be perfect, and day by day the guest list was growing, as was the stress of the planning. I was now a stay at home mom after quitting my full time job, with benefits. It was taking longer than planned to save for this perfect wedding. Then a blessing happened. I became pregnant with our second child and I had no insurance. 

 

“We need to get married asap!” I told Jason. We were nowhere near ready for the elaborate wedding everyone was anticipating, but I needed insurance.

The next morning I woke up and called the Justice of the Peace.

“We can marry you today if you get here before 4:00” they said.

I called Jason and shared the news. Then it was set. He would leave work and we were getting married right now. With only our mothers and my grandmother in attendance we took our vows that day. There was no fancy dress, hundreds of flowers, or wedding guests. No big reception or cake that could pass off as artwork.

I’ve attended quite a few weddings since then. I’ve watched down to earth women turn into bridezillas, people spending thousands of dollars on a wedding, yet can’t afford a down payment on a house, and even though my best friend had one heck of a beautiful wedding, she admitted that it went by so quick, she doesn’t remember much about it. Thinking back now, my wedding may not have been ideal or fit the mold of others ideal weddings, but it couldn’t have been more perfect for me.

We’ve had many ups and downs through our marriage, but at the end of the day I feel so blessed to know that no matter what, I’ve got my husband by my side. He’s seen me at my best and at my worst and still stands beside me every day defending me, honoring me, and loving me. Tomorrow will be our 9 year wedding anniversary. A fairytale wedding wouldn’t have added any more sparkle or love to our lives. After all, it’s not about the wedding, it’s the marriage that counts. And I’ve had one fabulous ride on it so far!