Remembering My Wedding Day

JUNE 7, 2003

Yesterday, Rick and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. The whole day was a dream come true and I could go on and on and on about every detail of it and things leading up to it but for the sake of time I will just share a few memories from the BEST day of my life.

- The night before, a few of my bridesmaids and my sister had slept over - everyone crammed into my little room! When we woke up at 7:00am, the weather was rainy and cloudy - not exactly what I was hoping for my wedding day. We ate breakfast and were getting ready to go to the hair salon. I remember looking out my bedroom window and seeing a limo backing into our driveway. I hadn't ordered a limo because I was trying to cut costs so of course I yell "What is that doing here?! I'm not paying for that!" My sweet sister came over and gave me a hug and said "Surprise!" Once I realized what was going on and pulled myself back together we were all ready to go! (Thanks again to my sister Kim for that sweet surprise!)

- I was getting my hair and makeup done at the hair salon. The lady did a great job on my hair -it was exactly what I had wanted. But the makeup...eesh!! Rick had told me previously not to have too much makeup on because we both now I don't really wear a lot anyways and I didn't want to not look like "me"! Well, she did her thing and then handed me a mirror to check it out. What did I do? I burst into tears! lol It was more makeup than I was used to and I felt like a clown. It didn't look bad, it just wasn't me. So, there I sat in the salon with my hair done and my veil on and my makeup running as I cried. I bet it was quite a site! Thankfully, there was another lady there who helped reassure me that she would redo it and make it perfect for me, and she did. I still feel bad for that other lady, I'm sure I overreacted but it was my wedding day, so cut me some slack!

- When the wedding was just about to begin, I peeked out through the window in the door and I could see the flower girl and all my bridesmaids and groomsmen together waiting to walk down. It was so cool to see everything come together. I remember standing there with my Dad in the stairwell thinking about how perfect that moment was.

- The bridal party was walking down to one of my favorite songs "When You Say Nothing At All" by Allison Kraus. My friend Sarah Wood from high school played "Canon in D" while I walked down the aisle. Rick's best friend Roy Battle had written, composed and performed a song for us called "For the Rest of My Life". Once Rick and I were accounced as husband and wife, we walked down to "Destiny" by Jim Brickman.

- Our Vows: I Julie (Rick), take Rick (Julie) to be my lawfully wedded husband (wife). I promise to keep the commitment I make here today before God and all these witnesses. For rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, until we are all called home."

- The day had turned out to be gorgeous - clear skies and sun, perfect for pictures!

- Rick and I danced to our song "This I Promise You" by Nsync. It feels like just yesterday that we were there on the dance floor with everyone watching us. My Dad and I were next and we danced to "In My Arms" by Mark Willis - I still cry everytime I hear this song. I think its such a beautiful song. Rick and his Mom danced to "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men.

- It was also Rick's brother Bryan's birthday (he was turning 23 and now he is 30!! haha, sorry Bryan!) We had a cake for him and had everyone sing Happy Birthday to him.

There is so much more I could say about this most wonderful day but I think I'll stop for now. I am so thankful to God for the man He blessed me with. Rick is the man of my dreams, he is my prince charming, he's my best friend. I love that he always tells me I'm beautiful. I love him because he is a hard worker and a provider for our family. I love him because he is a great father to our children, I love listening to and watching him play with them. I love that he puts me and our family first. Most importantly, I love that he loves God. I'm so thankful for a man who will stand for God and that we can serve in the youth group as Jr. High leaders at our church together.

Before we even started dating, I was called on in my youth group to read a verse. The verses were Psalm 37:4-5 "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He will give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." In front of the whole youth group I was asked what I wanted in a man and I gave my answers. If I wanted that kind of man, I needed to trust God to give Him to me. A few years later, the same youth pastor married me and my husband. Thank you God for answering my prayers and giving my the desires of my heart and SO much more!

Happy Anniversary Rick, I LOVE YOU!!!