Wedding Bliss....And More!

Hi all! 

I FINALLY have some time to rest before the next big thing in my life; my THIRD cross country road trip! I'm planning on leaving Oregon to head back to North Carolina next week, maybe Monday or Tuesday. I feel so torn because on one hand I don't want to leave Oregon where my parents, friends and family are but - I'm REALLY looking forward to going back to North Carolina where my HUSBAND is. 

Can you believe it? Husband. I'm married. I'm a wife. I feel honored, overjoyed, excited for this new adventure in our newly joined life and most of all, darn it, I plan on being the best wife for him :)

This past couple of weeks has been one of the craziest, most fun I've ever had, ever. I had my bridal shower and bachelorette party...

 

 

Feel free to visit the link for all the pictures of my bridal shower and bachelorette party :)

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369155829878490.1073741838.100003522271099&type=1&l=49358b9976

Then, the week of the wedding....wow. So much planning, preparing, endless coffees, lunches and feeling so excited to see everything come together. 

Despite a couple (pretty huge) set backs we made it through and made it to the wedding in one piece, and feeling amazing.

It was such an incredible feeling looking out the window in my wedding dress, with my best friend and maid of honor by my side at all the people who came to our wedding just for us, to witness the phenomenal love Riley and I have had for each other for 14 years. And knowing that we were finally going to commit in marriage in front of everyone who meant the most to us. 

Simply indescribable.

Then the music started, indicating it was time for my dad to walk me down the aisle. Everyone heard March of the Bride as we slowly came up the rock stepping stones. All I could do was smile. I think I saw maybe 2 or 3 faces, which made me tear up a little, knowing that again, all these smiling faces were here for us.

Once we arrived to the front, my dad and Riley shook hands, my dad hugged me and went and sat down. As I looked up at Riley through my veil I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold in the tears of joy that were coming. I thought; finally, I'm marrying the man of my dreams, my best friend. The one I've waited for for 14 years. Thinking, it was worth it.

After our pastor said his part, and even teared up a little himself (which made me cry even more)...we said our own vows:

I looked up at Riley and said;

"You've always been the one I compared all the others to. You are still the one who gives me butterflies and makes me laugh. You never stop showing me how much you love me. You've seen me at my worst and helped me become my best. 

You are my One; I guess you could say you had me at hello, 14 years ago.

I promise to always clean the cat box and make lunches for work. I promise to always be faithful, loyal and do my best at being a loving, trusting and happy wife. 

I promise to use the Love of God, even if it's hard to.

You have my whole heart for my whole life. You are my rock and my best friend, I will love you forever, and I am proud and honored to be your wife.

I love you."

Then he said his vows to me and that's where I lost it. I thought, this is really happening, we're getting married, to be husband and wife. I am so happy.

After the ceremony we walked down the aisle, as a newly married couple, feeling so intoxicated with love. 

Then we had such a fun reception. There was food to feed 1000 (it seemed like) and even MORE cake. toasts and blessings, smore's, dancing, twinkly lights and chinese lanterns. At the end we topped off this wonderful night with karaoke and sparklers.

All in all, it was a near perfect night. Romantic, alot of reminiscing, hugging, crying and feeling like 10 million dollars in our wedding outfits. 

So now, Riley has gone back to North Carolina and I will stay here in Oregon for another week or so then drive back to North Carolina - just my Mazda and kitty, Navi'. 

I want to say a tremendous thank you to those who came through during those awful hiccups there were in the wedding planning, without the love and support of everyone who helped, it wouldn't have happened so perfectly.

Thank You.

Actual wedding photographs coming soon!