9 Years Ago Today

9 years ago today I got up early and went to get my hair styled with my friend, Kreisa. It was an updo, the kind with pinned curls and I had a white sequined tiara. Then Donnie's cousin, Brenda did my make-up at the church as all of the other girls were arriving.
At the same time, my fiance was in a hotel room with a bunch of guys after a long night of little sleep. He just couldn't sleep... only about 45 minutes the whole night. I never knew that until later... I couldn't tell that day.
I remember funny little moments like my aunts checking my blood sugar while I was in my pretty, white dress... my sisters helping to hold my dress up while I went to the bathroom... scuffing our shoes out on the pavement in the 100+ degree heat... the ring bearer not wanting to be in pictures because he was shy and when our coordinator asked him to give me a kiss which warmed him up to being in some shots.
The moments that I will never forget start when Donnie and I had a few minutes alone before pictures. It was just the two of us. When I saw him, I know I had the biggest smile on my face and that smile wasn't hard to keep on all day long. I didn't even have sore smile muscles after all of the pictures. When I walked down the aisle with my dad, I had a feeling I haven't had since. It was a little sadness mingled with anticipation and wonder. Looking out at ALL of the faces as we stood together on the platform is a snapshot that both of us keep in our memories. People we loved being there was the most important part of our wedding plan. We knew our marriage was would be impacted by people, not flowers, food, or decorations.
The wedding day was splendid and full of memories, but our marriage was the significant thing that started that day. Today I want to say thank you to Donnie. The man in my life that is strong, dedicated to God, his family and people. I appreciate the thoughful gestures and consistency in my life. I love you!