One week ago from today, Mitchell and I were jointed together as husband and wife in front of our family and friends. We were blessed to have such a lovely day to cherish forever, but it wasn’t without some bumps (but not the normal wedding bumps – those were somehow meaningless and at the back of my mind). A few days before the wedding, my dad was rushed to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. They discovered he had a blockage in his small intestine. Then the day before the wedding, the doctors decided they needed to operate, but were hoping they could do it mainly with just lasers. However, after they began the operation, they discovered they would have to make at least a small incision. The doctors told us he would most likely be able to come home the day of the wedding. We were all so relieved and happy he was going to be okay.

Then came the day of the wedding. Things were hectic but running smoothly. We had a morning rehearsal and did some decorating and then I was off to get my hair and make-up done. Things had been going back and forth between whether or not my dad would be released all day. Then my mom called me about 2:00pm to tell me that dad had not been released and that he would not be released at all that day. I was devastated and my heart broke. I wanted more than anything in the moment to have my dad walk be the one to walk me down the aisle. Shortly thereafter, the doctors decided to let him go to just the ceremony and then he would have to go right back to the hospital. Prayers are answered. My dad did indeed make it and in his pale and pain-ridden state, he walked me lovingly down the aisle and gave me away.

The ceremony was performed by my bishop. He explained covenants, gave us some advice, and then we exchanged vows and rings. It was an amazing moment in both of our lives and we are both so happy to be together!! The rest of the night was spent taking pictures, greeting guests, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet, and dancing. We were exhausted, but happy by the end of the night. Then it was off to Seattle to the Salish Lodge and Spa. We spent six days there relaxing and site-seeing. Now we are back to reality and trying to figure out how to live life as husband and wife. Yeah!!

So the lesson is – don’t sweat the small stuff and remember what is really important. I have seen way too many brides cry over flowers, jewelry, and dresses. Well, after crying over my dad, I have a whole new perspective of what weddings are all about.