178.

178.

I can hardly believe that four weeks have gone by since our engagement. I worried that this moment would fly by and I’d find myself standing at the reception wondering where the time went. I guess I have been lucky thus far in being so busy with the holidays that I have been able to enjoy every moment of it at a steady pace. It’s such an incredible feeling to stand in front of a man and know that you will call him your husband. I can remember frolicking around my bedroom when I was younger pretending to get married. I would wear one of my mom’s old white evening gowns and carry wild flowers out of the back yard. I had this image of what my future groom would look like but could never picture the actualization of that dream coming true.

All the events that you go through during high school and college changes you in so many ways that there is no way possible I would have been able to plan where I am now. These days when I wake up in the morning it’s hard not to smile. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life. I remember back in March when Casey and I began talking about an engagement seriously; my initial reaction was that I wasn’t ready. Could I be a wife? Could I handle the chores of a home and a family? I’m not finished with school, can I handle both? These questions worried me for months. My first action was to read.. read any informational book I could get my hands on. Then I went to talk to a counselor. I wanted an “outsiders” opinion on my readiness. Next, I talked to friends; both married and single. During this time, Casey and I both prayed. We prayed that if God didn’t want us to get married now or ever that he’d make it evident in our lives. Next thing I knew, 5 months later we were looking at rings.

After all my research, I’d discovered that every marriage is different. Some people wait until their careers are developed and successful, some wait until they’ve reached an “appropriate” age, some get married after only a few months of dating and some wait until they can have their “perfect” wedding. I finally understood that it wasn’t about what everyone else said as long as Casey and I felt it in our hearts and knew that God would be pleased with our decision. We consulted our pastor and a few mentors and made the decision that this was what we wanted and it would be our next step. I placed my “pre-engagement” books on my shelf and held Casey’s hand as we both whole-heartedly moved forward. We visited several jewelry stores and found many beautiful possibilities. I personally, didn’t care whether or not I knew what the ring looked like or how Casey proposed as long as it was personal and representative to both of us. You’d think after so many months of preparation that there was no way I’d be surprised when he asked me but I was. I use to daydream about what kind of reaction I would have. Would I cry? Would I say “yes”, “sure”, or “of course”? Truth be told, I think I did all of the above.

So here we are. Four weeks into a seven month engagement and we both are ecstatic. We booked our beautiful location (I never dreamed that it would be so perfect), we’ve picked colors, seen a florist, spoken to a musician, and picked our menu. Next up, the attire! I plan on going with a natural, southern look but as many brides have told me the minute you step into the dressing room all your “plans” change. So we’ll just have to see. My goal is to have my dress, the girl’s dresses, the flower girl’s dress, and the flowers done by late January/mid February!

P.S. I’d love any advice on this wedding bliss*