Hear that noise? It’s the sound of church bells and music. If you listen a little closer, you can hear gifts being wrapped and speeches being practiced. A little further into the noise and you hear phrases like “WHY ISN’T THE DVD SLIDESHOW PLAYING ANY SOUND?!” to “my mother is driving me insane with all the sex advice”. And even further into it are freakouts by the bride because her hair didn’t turn out right or freakouts by her grandmother because the janitor decided to sleep in that Saturday and no one can get into the church to decorate. Finally, at the end of the sound spectrum, louder than any yelling or freaking out, you hear that breathless whisper of the two people the wedding is all about- “I love him/her so much and I cannot wait to marry them”.
Those, among many others (including wailing and gnashing of teeth) are just a few sounds that came from my wedding day. I couldn’t sleep the night before so I packed and repacked my suitcase and ended up popping a sleeping pill b/c I knew it was going to be a long day. My hair looked fabulous at the salon but one step outside (on the hottest day of the year that far) and it went flat. 3 days before we had drama about the centerpieces and I felt torn the whole week before because I wanted to spend time with my family from Chile but I was doing wedding stuff. But, like most things in life, everything came together and it was a perfect day where I felt beautiful and loved.
One of the main things that got me through those hectic months before the wedding (you know, the semester that I took 18 hours so I could graduate, did my internship, worked 30 hours a week, coached cheerleading at SCU, and temporarily lost my best friend) was my bridal party. My bridesmaids were the best. They were there for me, let me whine, helped me make 400 ribbon wands, picked out dresses, and willingly forked over the ridiculous amount of cash it takes to just BE in a wedding. (Thanks girls. I know those celadon floor length dresses are doing you a lot of good sitting in the back of your closet) They showered me with Pampered Chef, lingerie, Corningware and pillowcases. I know I told you all that day how much I love you, but I’m saying it again! You rock!
So why all this reflection on weddings, you ask? Well, next weekend kicks off my 3 of the 4 weddings this year that I am matron of honor in. I have to admit, it’s a big job. I can throw a baby shower with my hands tied and blindfolded but wedding showers are different! Every wedding I have been in I was a bridesmaid, I showed up and partied but I never planned. So it has been a learning experience and in some ways, feels like a lot more pressure because hello, this is one of the most important days of their lives. I want to be the shoulder to cry on, the ear to freak out at, the one with the emergency sewing kit in my bag and have the answers to embarrassing but necessary questions.
Next weekend the first best friend is getting married. Amy is my oldest friend- we go way back to first grade. And now, she is marrying my husband’s best friend! I am so happy for them and excited about their wedding in Pensacola on the 27th. Not jumping up and down about the 6 a.m. sunrise ceremony, but its going to be awesome. I am so proud of Amy for never settling and for listening to the voice of God in her life. She was swept off her feet by her Prince Charming and I have seen how she and Daniel bring out the best in each other. She has been a model daughter, a loving sister, a loyal worker, and a wonderful best friend. I have zero doubts that she will be all those adjectives and more when it comes to being a wife. Congrats to the Purifoys, may you have many years together and oh, I dunno, about 17 children. Ha!
Next on the list: Natalie and Chassity. Don’t worry, your blogs are coming! J
