When Daniel & I talked about our wedding ceremony we tossed around the idea of writing our own vows. In theory it was a great idea, but when we realized that we were both going to be the biggest blubbering fools in front of everyone, we knew that we’d never get through them. So in place of doing vows in front of everyone, we opted to write each other letters and read them to our fantastic wedding cinematographers, Silver Feather Studios (video coming soon!). That way we’d have the ability to gain composure, but still have those words documented forever. Wise move…or so I thought. SOMEONE took complete advantage of the fact we had to read the other person’s letter out loud. I wont tell you what Daniel made me say, but it wasn’t the nicest thing a husband could do to his future wife on their wedding day…though it did make the first look a lot funnier. The whole time I was walking up to Daniel I had his letter in my head and it eased the pressure of seeing him and being all weepy again…even tho it still happened…it always does.

We planned our day so that when Daniel & I saw each other we’d go right into family formals and then cocktail hour. I know, cocktail hour BEFORE the wedding seems weird, but we didn’t want hangry guests during our sunset wedding ceremony and it allowed Daniel & I to go on a hike with MorningWild Photography and capture some seriously epic wedding formals. Despite my footware, we trekked up the side that mountain and it was totally worth it!

We came back to The Crestwood Inn to find happy guests with full tummies ready to surround us with love as we tied the knot. We had planned to have a recording of some beautiful music as I walked down the isle, but a week or two before our ceremony I saw a Youtube video of Carrie Underwood singing “How Great Thou Art.” I knew immediately I needed to walk down the isle to that song. I didn’t want to add any more pressure to my musically talented friends Ami & Cam, but I finally gave in and asked if they’d be willing to sing and play that song on top of Kari Jobe’s  “Forever” during communion. It was a great and terrible choice, because as soon as I walked down the isle and heard Ami’s gorgeous voice I immediately burst into tears. When I turned the corner and Daniel saw me, he too burst into tears, and it was all over from there. Our friend Cam said “it was like watching a chain reaction! First Mabyn, then Daniel, and then EVERYONE started to cry!” Yes, how incredibly appropriate that EVERYONE was crying with joy along with us.

I don’t remember much of what was said, but I do know that Mike did an amazing job as always. There were so many moments of laughter and tears and we ended our ceremony with everyone gathering around us in prayer. It was such a precious moment to have our marriage surrounded by those who love us, lifting us up to God. I still get chills thinking about it.

Then Mike pronounced us “husband & wife” and I don’t think I could have been happier!

Chapter 3 is coming tomorrow.

XOXOXO,
Mabyn