I think most couples who have been engaged can agree that there can be a lot of nerves and anxiety leading up to the wedding day (and even on the wedding day sometimes). I was worried that I would feel nervous and anxious on my wedding day and it was something I really hoped I didn't feel on that special day. I really just wanted to enjoy that day without reservation and I prayed that I would feel peace and know that I was making the right decision for my life.
When I woke up the morning on March 24, 2012 it actually amazed me how peaceful and happy I felt. I felt as though my Heavenly Father understood how much I needed a reassurance that I was making the right decision and happily gave me a special feeling of peace and joy that day. I felt so calm and reassured that I no longer worried about wanting to back out of anything at the last second. I got to just enjoy the morning with my mom and sisters when they came over to help me get ready. Though it was a simple gesture I thought it was adorable that Brandon texted me to say how happy he was that we were getting married. I don't know why but that thoughtfulness made me feel even more excited. I knew I was getting one amazing guy!
Once I was ready I dressed up in "Sunday best" for the temple. For those who don't know much about weddings in LDS temples the bride and groom enter wearing what we would typically wear on a Sunday (dress or skirt and blouse for a girl and suit and tie for a guy) and then once we are inside we go to our separate dressing rooms and the bride puts on her wedding gown and the groom wears white pants and a white shirt and white tie. My mom was there to help me get ready and to zip and fasten my dress which made the moment really special. I know this may sound silly but I have never felt so much like a princess as I did in that moment in the Bride's dressing room with my mom.
After Brandon and I each exited the dressing rooms we got to wait in the Celestial room together while the guests arrive. I remembered the feeling of peace and joy that I had felt that morning return, only the feelings were even stronger.
Soon Brandon and I knelt across from each other for the ceremony and I could feel the magnitude of that moment. I also knew so strongly that I was marrying the right person in the right place and I felt the spirit (the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit as some might call it) so strongly! Its a moment that really no words can adequately describe. It was amazing and I was overjoyed! After the ceremony Brandon and I returned to our separate dressing rooms and I double checked my makeup and hair with assistance from my mom. Everything seemed to be in place and I was ready to go out and greet everyone waiting outside. However, due to the fact that I had several nieces and nephews who would quickly get bored in the waiting room of the temple we had to wait for them to be picked up by their parents so that everyone could be there once we came out.
When we exited the temple all our friends and family who were standing outside cheered loudly and Brandon and I couldn't help but smile and cheer with them. We were so happy to finally be husband and wife!
The rest of the day was a rush from pictures, to the luncheon, and then group pictures before the reception. It seems more like a blur of memories now, but forever it will be the greatest day of my life!
Here is a video explaining why we wear religious garments under our clothing and other symbolic clothing in the temples.
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