The smile on his face was filled with love, anticipation, and joy. Walking down the aisle toward him, I knew I was walking toward my future. My mom was crying, my dad was holding back tears, and I was doing everything possible to hold myself together. I was so excited to start my future with Joe. So excited dance all of our dances together, grow in Jesus together, and build a family together. I just needed to make it down the aisle without tripping (ha!).
Most people probably wake up on their wedding day excited beyond belief. Since my anxiety often rules the roost, excited was not my first reaction. I couldn't believe it was here! Our wedding day... 8 months of planning, creating, designing, perfecting. All culminating in this one day. I had no doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Joe, but wedding day jitters had me bad. I got up with my maid of honor, Mallory, and we started in on hair and makeup before we left for the venue. Once we arrived, we picked up right where we left off. One of my bridesmaids, Karyn, was such a doll. She helped me make sure my hair and makeup was perfect. All my girls worked on their hair and makeup, and helped me get ready in any way they could. When I put on my dress, I felt... incredible. It was real. I was a BRIDE! I looked like a bride. I felt like a bride. And at the end of the day, I would be Mrs. Beach.
I think one of the most common pieces of advice I received before our wedding was to let it be. Enjoy the day, and don't stress about all the details. The planning was done, and most brides spend too much time on the details that they never really truly enjoy their day. I tried so hard to heed this advice. At times, I failed. But there are so many things that are cherished memories. Things I hope to never forget. Things like:
- Whispering "Go, go, Power Rangers!" to Joe while we did our sand ceremony.
- High-fiving in the chapel entry after we walked down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs.
- Making funny faces at the camera during our photos.
- My dad telling Joe that there were no "givebacks, returns, or exchanges" during his speech at our reception. (We still reference this to this day!)
- Wiping away my dad's tear while we danced at the reception.
- Sitting on my mom's lap, talking with family, after most of our guests had left.
- Dancing with my grandpa.
- Watching my friends and family have a ball on the dance floor.
- Seeing my new niece catch my bouquet in the bouquet toss.
Getting married was incredible. But I knew the journey was just beginning. Life is a roller coaster. Relationships are hard. But man, is it worth it. Growing with Joe has been incredible. I was talking with a member of our church today and we got to talking about marriage. She and her husband have been together for 57 years. What an incredible testimony. Joe and I will be married four years in November. It simultaneously feels like no time at all, and like I've known him my whole life. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
Check out some of our favorite captured memories from our wedding day, taken by the most talented Melanie Vespestad:
