It was the happiest day of my life. I didn’t actually crawl into bed until well past midnight on the day that I was to be wed, and awoke just two short hours later. I was sick, feverish and coughing, but all that mattered little. Today was the day that all my life, consciously and unconsciously, I had been preparing for. Today was the day that I would marry the one who was truly my very best friend, and before God and man pledge the rest of my life, all of my love, and all of my heart, to be his forever. A little time alone with God, a quick shower, and thus the day of Our Wedding began.
It didn’t take long for it to become busy. My sister and I ran down to grab something to eat, and by the time we got back, the girls were gathering in the bridal suite to get ready, and it seemed like my phone began to ring and I began to wonder as time went on, if I would manage to be ready in time, or if I, too, would be just another bride late to her wedding ceremony.
But I put on that dress, that beautiful white dress, the most expensive and fancy I’ll ever wear in my life, and I was ready to go to my groom- on time.
There were pictures first, and then the dash from the car to the basement of the little white church in Asotin, and the ceremony began.
I had seen many of my friends marry, and I had the privilege of standing up with three of those girls as they joined their life with the man they loved, and I had tried to soothe nervous jitters, wiped away tears, and watched one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen- the face of a bride as she walks towards her man. I’d laughed and cried through those days. Laughed, because they were the happiest days, and cried because they were the most beautiful, touching moments I’d ever shared, and then I wondered, as I saw the face of a dear friend, glowingly radiant, and caught a little of their happiness and tucked it away in my heart, how could one ever truly describe a day like this?
I was not nervous, and I didn’t cry as I walked down the aisle, but from the time I stepped around that corner and saw the face of my beloved, I heard and saw little else. The music that was playing, the faces of family and friends, the wedding party- I couldn’t tell you anything about them at that moment. All I saw was Scott’s face, and that was all that mattered as a million emotions surged through my heart, and must have been written on my face.
But there we were. Together, joining our lives. It was the beginning of our happily ever after, and it was beautiful.
My brother’s talk was good, and the music was wonderful, once I started hearing it again. The church was full- full of the people we loved, and the decoration was simple, yet perfect for us. The bridesmatrons, my beautiful sisters, looked so pretty, and the groomsmen were handsome the western-ish touches in their outfits. My cousin Steven, and Gretchen’s little Ruth Ann being pulled in the wagon, made an adorable “Wagon Man” and Flower girl, and Suzuki’s “The Happy Farmer” certainly added the right touch to their appearance down the aisle.
Our reception was great too- the amazingly beautiful cake, that song I’ve always loved, “Grow Old Along With Me”, and the story that led to our own little game we started during courtship (SILUM!), and best of all the presentation of the 12 stuffed cows to my parents, the playful fulfillment of a talk Scott and Dad had before our engagement. The expressions and that moment were priceless.
Three months have slipped by since I was a bride, but the happiness remains, and the love that was so deep then, only grows deeper. It gets better every day. I pray that it always will. It’s something that must be a way of life, a choice each day, something that we each must guard as a treasure worth more than life. And, by God’s grace, that beginning of happiness will indeed be just the opening chapter in our Happily Ever After… forever.
P.S. You can see some of the pictures of our day here and here. 
Awww….
Your wedding was beautiful. Congratulations!
I’ve not long some across ylcf and I’m enjoying reading very much. Loved this beautiful post! And inspiring too. Hope you’re settling into married life well. Looking forward to reading more here!
I just looked at your pictures, and your wedding was so beautiful! I have read your writings on YLCF and your blogs for some years now, and I’m so happy for you… and wish you God’s best in your married life!
awww Chantel your writing and describing of the wedding were beautiful musings
)
Your dress was amazing, so modest and so pretty!!
I thought i saw nothing better than the writing itself..until i went to look at the photos. They were marvelous, and so sweet. Your happiness was shown in the photos!! You were such a beautiful and glowing bride
I loved all the photos
I wish you all the best now that you are married!!
May God richly bless you and Scott!
I am also going to a friend’s wedding this Saturday i am so excited for her
)
also if you’d like you can add me on Facebook if you wish, my name on there is Jane Kane Southington CT
if you feel your page is private, i’ll understand!!
and thank you again so much for the privilege of allowing us to see your wedding photos on facebook
thanks so much..your photos were wonderful and exquisite 
I’ll keep you and your husband in my prayers!
Blessings & lots of hugs!
In His Love, Jane.
Praise the Lord for joyous unions! I loved the story and pictures… continue to keep us updated on your life as a couple! Rejoicing with you!
Dearest Chantel, you and Scott are a true godly couple and I am so happy for you. Now your life has truly begun and I wish you all the best. I´ll send you a good old-fashioned letter soon
Chantel,
I hope and pray they have a wonderful time and their marriage will be stronger from this day on!
I just finished looking at all the pictures and what perfect timing too because today is my parents’ 20th anniversary (June 18th). We just saw them off on a short camping trip; just the two of them.
Anyway, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been over 3 months for you and Scott. Time flies!
I’m so happy for you both. It was too bad you were sick but nevertheless, I know you enjoyed that very special day and all was beautiful and continues to grow more beautiful each day.
Just out of curiousity, did you write your own vows?
I think that is so special when a couple does.
Funny how I had never heard that song before: “Grow Old Along With Me” but I’ve since looked it up and love it!
May God continue to Bless you both and may your marriage only grow sweeter as each day passes by.
All my love and *hugs*,
Samantha
Oooh Chantel! Thanks soooo much for your post and the pictures! Thanks also for the good example that you and Scott along with everybody at and associated with YLCF set for young people. It’s a blessing to me!
The pictures were beautiful! I especially loved the one of you walking down the isle, the look on your face was priceless!
Love ya!
Hannah D.
*happy, happy sigh* I just love your story.
*hugs*
In His joy,
Laura
http://only-annegirl.blogspot.com
You sure were a beautiful bride!!
Chantel, thank you for sharing such beautiful memories and pictures! *Hug!* I feel a little bit as if I was able to accept your inviation and attend your wedding, dearie!