the ceremony

It was time.

Natalie, Rhett, Dad, and I were all lined up at the door. When I figured we were ready to begin, I told Natalie it was time to go. She walked out the door closely followed by Rhett.

The music changed.

Just imagine Roy Todd's composition "The Day Has Come" playing in the background while looking at the pictures. You can find a sample here (it's the 4th song down).

When the music started, my dad and I, arm in arm, walked out the door into the sunlight and onto the boardwalk. I couldn't take my eyes off of the man I was just about to marry.

I felt very at peace, my nerves non-existent.
Surreal yet so real.

Bishop Swihart said his opening words, then Burns started with his vows.
He cried and he made me cry with his beautiful promises and words.

I said mine next. I was pretty composed for a bit of it, then I couldn't handle it anymore and I let my emotions take over.

I'm not sure where Burns put his vows, but when we find the paper or watch the video I'll post both our vows.

Kobe is the best. I'm so happy he ran out of the house when he did.

Bishop wrapped everything up with a few words, Burns said, "I do", I said, "I do", and we sealed it with a kiss. Kobe wanted in on the action and jumped up on our legs. Perfect timing.

We had a lot of pressure on us in that moment. This was our first public kiss ever. That means 4.5 years of keeping affection private, so we had to make it good. We even practiced for this moment in front of the mirror! I hope we didn't let anyone down.

I love this one:

 After the kiss we walked back down the boardwalk with bubbles floating everywhere.

We walked over to where Heninger's and Comfort's yards meet. There we did quite a bit of hugging and thanking people for sharing their time with us on our special day.

Dad's special socks.

Mom and Kyler Hudson were our witnesses.

I don't think the ceremony could have gone any better. I feel so happy whenever I look at these pictures and I'm reminded of all the joy and bliss I felt that day.

When everyone else eventually made it to the Comfort's backyard, we joined them for a wonderful lunch.