I Do

Just a few days from today marks our first wedding anniversary. December 13th, 2008.

We both, separately, spent the night before and morning of completely alone. We kept it smallish - 3 attendants on each side, made up of pure family. I wore feathers instead of a veil and carried red roses. My makeup artist said she "could probably do my hair, too" so she got the job and an awful one she did. I loved it.

We had red velvet cupcakes instead of cake and a band that inspired our most reserved friends and relatives to dance all night. No bouquet toss, no garter, no announced entrance. I loved it.

Our first dance was to "Love is here to stay." The husband drank too much and I didn't drink enough. The bustle hook on my dress failed and the bottom of it was torn and stained. I loved it.

Just like our wedding day, everything this year didn't happen as planned. Every day wasn't easy and without challenges. But at the end of each day, we sat down at the table together and found a way to laugh.

In years to come, we pray that our table will grow and the laughter will be louder. In my dreams, it's deafening.

But today, it's quite nice just looking across the table at the husband. I love it. I do.