–Jenn

–Jenn

Hyatt Lost Pines

Most of all I remember…. (tm2009)

“The overwhelming joy and peace I felt the moment I woke up the morning of our wedding.  The weather forecast was terrible, but the most unbelievable feeling of ease took over…I was about to marry my best friend…a man who I loved with all my heart.  My sister and I were sharing a room and I remember us looking at each other, not saying a word, but understanding what we were each thinking, “I cannot believe it is finally here!”

I went on a long walk with a few of my girlfriends, and we reminisced about the rehearsal dinner and Peter’s unbelievable speech.  The rehearsal dinner was so special and my mother-in law, who I believe is the best mother-in law on the planet, made it perfect for Peter and I.  Each moment that day I feel more and more in love with him.  People say there is something magical about marriage…that moment…on our walk…I realized it was true.

I remember laughing A LOT that day with my friends and family.  I remember my sister and new sister-in-laws telling funny stories about my childhood and Peter’s childhood.  My wedding party got their hair and makeup done in our room, and I remember thinking…I have the most beautiful friends…inside and out.  The feeling was overwhelming.  My mom came into our room, and I cried for the first time that day as she hugged me and told me what I meant to her.

I remember watching the rain poor down, wondering what we were going to do for this outdoor wedding…worrying how everyone was going to under the tent…praying the rain would subside after the ceremony so people could get to the reception without hassle.  God truly made this day the most perfect day of my life…whether my original plans were carried out or not…He had his own plan.

I remember seeing my dad for the first time.  Until Peter, he was the man in my life…one whose shoulder I cried on…one who picked me up every time I feel…a father, a best friend.  I remember looking at him and crying tears of joy hoping the mascara would not run down my face.  I remember him whispering in my ear, “we were a good team.”  We stood in the lobby, about to walk down the aisle…both so nervous…both so thankful…both trying to hold back crocodile tears.

I remember walking down the aisle and seeing Peter’s handsome face for the first time that day.  I remember thinking, “I am the luckiest girl in the world.”  I remember this feeling of love and joy…one that I had never felt….one that lingers and grows stronger each day of our marriage.  As I walked, I kept my eyes on Peter, who was smiling and crying.  I remember the smile on my Dad’s face as he handed me over to Peter…the only man on the planet my father would be confident handing me over to, and the only man on the planet I felt was suitable to take the role as, “man in my life.”  Then, the rain stopped.  The ceremony was so special.  My cousin was the minister, and his words were so sweet.  Peter and I were so giddy…crying and laughing all in the same breath.  I remember being pronounced man and wife and turning to walk down the aisle…for the first time noticing all of our friends and family who chose to stand and witness our marriage.  What a sweet sight?  I remember seeing my mother’s face light up.  I looked to my right and she was beaming.  She has the most beautiful smile of any woman I know, I believe her heart is seen through her eyes.

I remember walking into the reception after spending a few quiet moments with my new husband.  Peter and I were holding hands as we entered the ballroom, and we were shocked to say the least.  So many friends and family gathered to celebrate our love for each other.  We felt so blessed.  Shortly after that moment, I remember feeling like all of those people disappeared as Peter and I shared our first dance.  It felt as if we were the only people in the room and again I had this overwhelming gratitude because I was married to the most amazing man I know.  I felt safe… I felt loved…I felt beautiful, and I knew for the rest of my life he would make me feel this way.

I remember dancing the night away.  Feelings of joy and love never left my heart.  I remember watching my 90 year old grandmother dance with every man in the room and friends smiling and laughing.  I remember dancing to, “All the Single Ladies,” with my father-in-law.  We were laughing so hard.  I remember hugging the necks of new and old friends…of family I had not seen in years.  More and more I began to realize how each person affected my life.  I remember a friend getting on stage with the band and singing, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”  The whole evening Peter and I kept saying to each other, “We have the most unbelievable people in our lives.”  For the rest of our lives we will remain undoubtedly thankful for the people God has brought and continues to bring into our lives.

I remember leaving the reception.  Peter and I hugged our parents, who were all beaming with joy.  I remember giving my sister the biggest hug…then Peter grabbed my hand and we walked quickly through a tunnel of sparklers.  We laughed, people shouted words of wisdom to us, and we were off…Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pincoffs.  What a glorious weekend?  Marriage truly is a blessing from above, a mystery only God can understand.  I am so thankful for the blessing of marriage…for the beauty my husband brings to my life.”

–Jacky