Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Getting married is totally better than making out with your dad

I could make a list of things that getting married is better than. Getting married is better than going to work, that's for sure. It's better than sleeping. It's better than that time I made out with your dad. It's even better than going to the beach. In fact, the list of things that getting married is better than is so long that I thought it might be easier to think about things that getting married is not better than. And there are no such things. Getting married is the best.

The night before the wedding I was a bundle of electricity. I imagine I felt like a six-year-old would feel like on Christmas Eve if you told her that not only was Santa on his way at that moment, but he was bringing that pony that she always wanted AND a subscription to the Wine of the Month Club AND he was going to stick around and let her ride on his sleigh. THAT'S how excited I was. I think I spent more time lying in bed, staring at the dark ceiling and wondering if I was asleep than actually sleeping.

The next morning I was out of bed like a shot and off to get my hairs did with my mom. Only then, riding home together with our hair looking perfect and my veil on my head did the enormity of what was about to take place really take hold. And then I puked.

I'm kidding, I didn't really puke. But I did come close.

And that's when things got crazy. And it didn't stop. The Motown was on the stereo and the make up was done and pretty soon the house was filled with giddy bridesmaids and clicking heels and flashing cameras. When the photographer arrived, we all pushed into my childhood bedroom to watch my mom button up the back of my dress and my friends help put on my shoes.

By the time we were out on my parents' front lawn taking pictures, I was shaking like a fever. And as we watched the last few people file into the church from the limo windows, I wasn't sure if my legs would hold me. Because HOLY SHIT, YA'LL IT WAS TIME TO GET MARRIED.

This is the part where I almost puked. Again.

But my legs did hold. And as one by one my stunning bridesmaids walked down that aisle in their beautiful orange dresses, I started to feel better. And then it was my turn. My dad took my arm in his and as we started to walk down that very long aisle and I saw B standing there waiting for me at the end, I felt on top of the world. Because HOLY SHIT, YA'LL IT WAS TIME TO GET MARRIED.

Every single moment of the ceremony was beautiful. From the flowers to the sermon and most especially the singers, it was perfect. And also, HOLY SHIT, YA'LL I GOT MARRIED.

After a round of pictures at Philadelphia's famed Love Park and even more at Penn's Landing, the reception was ready to begin. And oh what a party it was. The band was awesome. (I've heard) the food was delicious. And the dance floor was packed from the moment Billy and I finished our first dance to the moment the band finally left the stage at the end of the night. There were dance circles and conga lines, tunnels and spin the bottle. Perfect, perfect, perfect, everything imaginable was absolutely perfect. And blah blah blah are you tired of hearing about how PERFECT my wedding was? Because it was perfect.


Have you ever had one of those nights when everything was going at warp speed but regular pace at the same time? At 9 p.m., you could have told me it was 2 a.m. or 2 p.m. and either one would have made sense to me. And even though I spent almost the entire night on the dance floor, there was so much going on at the same time, I still feel like I need to interview every single person who was there to see what happened.

It was like I was living it and watching it at the same time. And I was so happy and excited and relieved that I spent the entire night smiling and laughing and hugging and dancing that I barely know who I smiled at, laughed with, hugged, or danced with. It was like being on drugs. I'd imagine. Cause, you know, I would have no idea. But I bet they'd be really, really strong drugs that make you euphorically happy but slightly confused and lacking all sense of time so you're utterly surprised when it's 2 a.m. and you suddenly realize that good GAH your feet are on FIRE and why are all of these people calling you "Mrs.?"

And when it was all over -- after the party it's the after party, after the party it's the hotel lobby --when B and I finally made it to the hotel's incredible bridal suite, I couldn't believe it.

It was over.

I stood in front of the full length mirror for a good 15 minutes before I could even begin to take my dress off. My beautiful, perfect dress that I will never get to wear again. And all those people who told me about post-wedding day depression? They clearly have no idea what they're talking about because I don't see what's so wrong with knowing that you will never feel so beautiful ever again for the rest of your life. Or have as much fun. Or be surrounded by every single person you love. Because psh, I get to go to work now. And fill in spreadsheets. And write case studies. I mean, c'mon.

So who needs a strong drink? It's noon somewhere, right?

12 comments:

Bridget said...

we're strongly considering divorce, just so we can get married again..

Hilary said...

I think I know just how you feel. I can't believe it's over already. Best day ever and it's true that it goes by so fast, so strangely. I was shaking, too. I couldn't believe how nervous I was- nervous and excited - I definitely could have puked at any moment. Glad neither of us did! So when's the move to MA??

Heather Nicole said...

I know!!! I've been married for three years and I still think about how I want to get married again =)

yellaphant said...

Here's what we'll do, ladies. Let's throw a party for all of us grieving ex-brides where we get to walk around in our dresses eating fancy finger foods and get waste-faced on champagne. Who's in?

Saoirse Photo said...

So happy for you!!! Weddings are a lot of fun- and your own should obviously be the best!

Mine was a lot of fun too... and i nearly cried when trying on the dress at the fitting with my hair up and the veil on....

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Even with all your talk, I still don't want to get married right now or in the next few years even. But, I'm glad you loved it! You looked gorgeous!

RuthWells said...

So happy for you -- sounds like perfection!

Deidre said...

Oh, Bridget! I am so happy for you two! Sounds like an awesome day.

And I see NOTHING wrong with just wearing your wedding dress around :)

birdykins said...

Oh wow your dress was absolutely gorgeous. GORGEOUS. You should wear that every day. I don't think there would be anything wrong with that at all.

Julia Rocchi said...

Do what my parents did and throw another wedding reception on your 25th anniversary. It was black tie optional, we had music, everyone came -- it was amazing.

And hell, keep your dress until then and make it a personal goal to still fit in it. Because a dress that incredible should not be worn just once! :)

kerryanne said...

Months behind- but good lord woman- you were an absolutely GORGEOUS bride! Congratulations!!!

kadler said...

Congrats!! You look gorgeous, and I'm glad it was fun. I also think that divorce is totally a great idea if it means another wedding.

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