Beautiful. You look beautiful. But me, your soon-to-be husband, and everyone attending the wedding know that you are so much more. You are so strong and somehow, very calm today.
We listen to Bruno Mars as we put on our dresses and do our makeup. The whole thing feels surreal; I almost want to pause the moment and just stay in that dressing room with just us girls. I don't want to let you go, but I know you will be no further from me once we have different last names.
We begin to put the finishing touches. I'm lacing up your dress, Lauren is fiddling with your necklace, and Sylaina is putting her little heels on. I've laced up your dress a million times as practice, but this time feels different. It is different. I know that you're nervous, but you can't help but smile. The time starts to dwindle and reality starts to set in; you're getting married.
We pose for pictures and wait for the rest of the guests to arrive. We say a prayer and ask God to bless the ceremony and all of our loved ones. I'm summoned by the groomsmen to help with boutonnieres, and I'm excited to see how the groom is holding up. He's quiet. I can tell he's nervous about the ceremony going perfectly; he knows that you deserve the perfect ceremony, and he deserves that too.
The ceremony is just minutes away, and all the guests have arrived. I'm helping you down the stairs in your beautiful dress and glittering heels. Finally, as the music starts to play, I have a flashback to when we picked out what music we all wanted to walk down the aisle to, and practiced in the living room.
I'm first down the aisle. I can't help but smile and feel surround by love and joy. Lauren is next; she makes her way down the aisle and joins me at the altar, followed by Sylaina. She looks adorable and drops every single flower petal in her basket.
Last but not least is you. I think of all the times you've told me you loved me, all the times you've stood up for me, and all the times you've told me how proud you are of me. Now it is my time to be proud of you. The music slows down, the whole audience stands and every single pair of eyes is on you. I can't take mine off you. You look stunning, absolutely stunning. You make your way to the altar and hold hands with Hosea. I have never been happier for you than at this moment.
Vows and "I do's" are exchanged and you, finally, are married. I am full of love for you and Hosea, and thank God for bringing you both to the one you belong with.
I love you, I love you, I love you, and I wish you many blessings.
