Because the Bride Smiled

Today, 2 years ago, I woke up to what would be the longest and most exhausting day of my life to date. I finished November 2, 2013 with not one ounce of anything left in my body. Energy, emotion, thoughts, words, nothing. It was also one of the most wonderful days of my life.

That morning I hit the ground running and many others joined me. We had issues, family and friends came to the rescue, we stole borrowed irons from hotels and ironed table clothes on the floor, we lost wardrobe essentials and figured it out, I didn’t even get to wash my hair. I had planned to go back to the hotel before the wedding and get ready properly. It became clear with all that needed to be done that this was just not going to happen.

It’s what moms do for their daughter’s wedding day. She gives it all. Everyone gave it all. I think back to that one second (only one) that I stopped to breathe it all in and thought how blessed we were to have so many people giving to this day so selflessly. We all gave it all. And it could not have been more worth it. I’m still not sure my daughter even knows what all was going on behind the scenes. As it should be.

Although I remember finishing that day being more tired than I could ever have imagined, more emotionally spent than I ever thought possible, my whole heart smiled. Because the bride smiled.

The groom smiled too, btw.

Happy 2nd anniversary to my beautiful daughter and her handsome groom. You two have loved out these 2 years so well. You’ve worked hard, you’ve played hard, confronted issues and did what needed to be done. I’m so proud of you both! I pray you have countless smiles ahead of you.

I’m praying this over you as you begin another year.

All my love,
Mom (Andrea)

Wedding Prayer, The Book of Common Prayer
Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of 
salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the 
world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, 
and especially upon this man and this woman whom you 
make one flesh in Holy Matrimony.  Amen.

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their 
common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a 
counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion 
in joy.  Amen.

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, 
and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love
and peace with you and one another all the days of their life.  
Amen.

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and 
acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness 
and yours.  Amen.

Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful 
and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, 
forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair.  Amen.

Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of
children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you,
and to serve you.  Amen.

Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they 
may reach out in love and concern for others.  Amen.