Remembering Our Wedding Day

It was a day much like today, overcast, light sprinkling...one year ago, exactly!

It had snowed the week of our wedding and I remember worrying about what the weather would be like on the actual day- it was very important to me to have outdoor photos so as I left the house for my hair appointment (in the rain) I could feel the stress building. But I could also feel the excitement!

The morning flew by and the rain subsided as I pulled into the barnyard.

All 9 bridesmaids greeted me in the dressing room- Callie, Jocelyn, Rebekah, Kristen, Cristie, Heather, Amy, Alisha, and Kim. I hurried to put on my own make-up AND my Mom's. ;) Slipped on my dress and shoes and the next thing I knew it was time for photos.

Time to greet my future husband...on the grounds of French Creek Manor where we had dined just two days before at our lovely rehearsal dinner. I loved that country home, in fact, I loved the entire look and feel of Lord Hill Farms..old world-ly, timeless. It felt so romantic- perfect for a wedding.

With rain-free photos checked off the list and guests beginning to arrive it was time to hide back in the dressing room and wait for the word "go" But of course, it's never that easy....with our candle lighter, Dina, finishing the last sticks the fire alarm erupted and brought things to a screeching halt. I'll always remember standing in line to go up the stairs when my sister-in-law, Kristen, said "we better hide, in case they need to evacuate". Can you imagine? Fortunately it was a small hiccup, and we were able to continue without much distraction.

My Father and I walked down the aisle, greeted by loving and joy filled faces. The song filling the old barn was Ave Maria- the same song that was played at my Grandmother's funeral. I was holding up well until I saw Katie crying...and then I thought "oh no, she can't cry...I'll start crying"- and so I did. I looked to Callie for relief, but she was crying too...so, I allowed the tears of joy to continue as I held my Father's hand. I heard my Aunt Pam say "just breath" and I tried, believe me, I tried. Eventually I was able to power through and as my Father handed me over to Jeff I knew I was stepping into a new life, in a few moments I would turn and face my family and friends as...Mrs. Gough.

Richard, our amazing Pastor, did a wonderful job. He reminded Jeff and I of how blessed we are to live in this community, to have the support of family and friends, to have our health, to have careers. We are truly unworthy of it all.

And then the moment came..."you may now kiss the bride"- sweet victory!

It has been an amazing year for us filled with many ups and downs...but mostly wonderfully life giving things. New careers, new nephews, a new home. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. I hit the jackpot when I married Jeff and I never would have dreamed it when I met him as a scrawny little kid in hand-me-down plain flannel shirts back in high school.

This year marks the half way point in our relationship. I have known Jeff nearly half of my life. From this year forward I will have known him longer than I will have NOT known him. I think that's pretty great!

Here's to a spectacular 1st year of marriage and a lifetime more. I love you Jeff.