Wedding Post 3: The ceremony

As I sat waiting for the ear doctor to come in the beautiful foyer of the temple I started to get a little nervous. As sure as I was of the ear doctor's love for me, I don't think there is a single person alive who doesn't have a momentary thought of being left at the alter when their soon to be spouse is later than they are to the ceremony venue.

As the minutes ticked on my formerly ultra-composed self started to worry a bit.

Tick

Tick

Tick

And then, he arrived.

Ahhhhhh

He looked so handsome! Together we went to the recorder and sat hand in hand making sure that all the legalities were taken care of so that they wouldn't get in our way. I didn't know this, but the temple handles all of the mailing and filing for you, so you don't have to do a thing with the state. Very cool.

Well, we parted ways and went to change into our wedding clothes. Because my big wedding dress is off-white (much, much better for this red head), and the temple only allows pure white dresses with full length sleeves, I decided to get a second, all white very plain sheath dress to wear to the actual ceremony. Plus, what girl doesn't like to have two pretty dresses, right?

I sat in a very beautiful room, all dressed up, waiting with my mom. I could not believe the calm I felt. I was so sure, so collected, so confident. I was a little surprised by just how grounded I felt. After being afraid of marriage for so long it was a little shocking to be so certain. But with the ear doctor everything has been different. It has been easy and real. That's how I knew it was right.

The room we got married in was fabulous. It was a perfectly circular room with a small gorgeous alter centered in the middle. The ear doctor and I knelt on either side of the alter completely encircled by 20 of our closest friends and family. Our hands that had held each other so many other times in so many other settings clasped over the alter. This hand hold was different, tender and sincere. As the officiant offered us blessings and advice I looked into the ear doctor's fiercely blue eyes and realized that I was making the best choice possible. Not only was this man the love of my life, but my best friend and a worthly partner to spend my life with.

After the ceremony was completed we stood and greeted each person who was in the room to witness our marriage. Throughout the entire ceremony I didn't feel like crying. I felt warm, calm and at peace. When each of our loved ones left the room and we were able to thank them for being a part of our day I started tearing up with joy.

As I went back to the changing room to put by big off-white dress on I took a few moments to myself to think about my feelings. Honestly, I have never felt so loved and cared for. From my friends, my family, my husband and my Savior.

I changed very quickly into my dress and waited for my new husband to join me in his tux. I must have a talent for changing fast because it always takes me less time to change than it does for him.

Again I was waiting

tick

tick

tick

and then I saw him again, but this time as my new husband. My heart dropped to my stomach and I was floored. How was I so lucky to get this man!

However, there was a slight snag...