In exactly one week, I will finally, finally marry my girlfriend Grace. We’ve been together for two years and have been planning our wedding for half that. When we first started discussing marriage, I was convinced that I wanted a courthouse wedding. Then my girlfriend convinced me otherwise. Now, we’re a week away from a wedding that’s going to be attended by 91 of our closest friends and relations.
The caterer’s been paid. We have a minister. Our dresses fit. So why am I still anxious?
1. My wedding shoe order was cancelled because those cute peep-toe heels with the white lace and bows are permanently out of stock
If you know me personally, you know I don’t wear heels. When I found ones I liked online, I was pumped. Cut to a month and a half later, when I figure out that my order’s been cancelled. Mum wants me to go barefoot. At this point, I might. Hey, it’s my wedding.
2. My best man doesn’t have a lavender tie!
One of the greatest struggles of my wedding planning has been getting the guys in the wedding party dressed. My girlfriend and I decided early on that our colors would be lavender and mint green. We did this knowing that David’s Bridal has lovely iris dresses but not knowing how difficult it is to get a hold of a lavender tie. As of this morning, a week before the wedding, my best man didn’t have a tie. I was a little panicked.
So my girlfriend, my best man and I went tie shopping. Who knew that tie shopping would involve a detour to Pet Smart and dinner at Old Chicago? My best man has a snazzy lavender tie, and I’m so full of cheeseburger and pasta that I’m going to explode. I even got to pet kittens.
3. All I want to do is sleep
Wedding prep is exhausting. Combine that stress with the stress of moving into a new apartment and my girlfriend starting a new job, and even 12 consecutive hours of sleep can’t satisfy me. I’m beat.
I have so much work to do that I can’t exactly take naps. But I can sit on the couch in my underwear and watch "Big Brother," so I do. Life’s a little easier when I’m spying on Paul as he crawls down the tunnel to the secret room. Ya boy’s going to win. I’m sure of it.
4. We don’t have a wedding license yet
Getting a wedding license is easier than ever. In Indiana, you can start the process online so that you don’t have to waste time at the clerk’s office. But it’s still stressful when you’re a week away from your nuptials and you still don’t have your license.
I’ve held off on getting it because we just moved and haven’t had a chance to get our new drivers’ licenses yet. Do we get new driver's licenses to use as a form of identification, or do we just use the ones we have now? On Monday, I'll call the clerk's office and ask them what they recommend. Until then, I'll do my best to relax.
5. What if we’re too busy getting married to enjoy getting married
This week is already stressful. There are glittery mason jars on the entertainment stand and wedding dresses in the closet. My in-laws will be here on Tuesday. There’s so much to do.
What about Grace and me? This celebration is supposed to be about us. For us. Forget the dresses. Forget the glitter. I’m grateful for all the people who love us and accept us, who will witness our wedding, but this isn’t about them. In a week, I’m going to devote myself to Grace. I need to devote the rest of this week to her, too.
If you’re looking for me, I’ll be right here, curled on the couch with my soon-to-be-wife. I’ll be playing with her curls or burying my face in her shoulder while we watch "Big Brother." I’ll take deep breaths and listen to her breathing. I’ll be with her.
