Some girls plan their wedding day as a child. That wasn’t me. I spent more time playing house and acting out what it was to be a wife and a mom, than I did pretending to be a bride.

What does that mean? It meant for those helping me coordinate and carry out my biggest dreams, I was a frustrating bride. All I knew was that I wanted it to be beautifully rustic, a smashing together of burlap and lace. And it was. Thanks to Keely and her mom, and Gwen, and my mom and about twenty friends who were willing to help, it was completely perfect. (not to mention Pinterest and its wealth of ideas).

December 30th, 2011 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in front of a barn, J2 and I finally stood before my pastor, Shawn, from Charleston.  He wore his uniform and I wore the perfect ivory dress. Shawn spoke of the seriousness of the marriage covenant. We said our vows and took communion together, surrounded by so many friends just as excited about celebrating our marriage as we were. It was a uniting of families and friends who came from as far as China and Italy.

I joined this incredible family.

Eli and Ellie made it down the aisle as sign bearer and flower girl and Ali Rose and her family came and Eden’s family came.  Not only was it a wedding, but a celebration of Mandie’s and my and the babies’ year in Uganda. After so many people have prayed for us and loved these babies, they got to see them, in the flesh. And of course, Mandie and another friend, Courtney captured the day with their cameras.

I missed Eden Hannah all day, but she was there in spirit.

It was a special day, with special memories. And finally, I became Mrs. J2S, wife to the most excellent man I know.

More to come on honeymoon and life as an Army wife.