3.5 Lydia Larson, "The Best Day of my Life"

8 AM on June 8th, 2019, dawned like every other day, but instead of a sleepy dog and cold toes on the bathroom floor, I woke up to a house full of my best friends and a heart rate out of this world: today was my wedding day. I was getting married TODAY! In a flurry and frenzy, the morning passed with cinnamon rolls, prayers and the hyper intensity of wanting everything to be perfect.
9, 10, 11, 12, 1... all ticked past as we curled hair, plumped lashes and worked out the muscles in my spasming back.

2, 3... arrived in the blink of an eye and I was stepping into the most wonderful dress, blush pink over laid by ivory with lace trimming and a sparkly belt. I sipped on my sparkly shoes pinned my hairpiece and twirled in the mirror like the princess I had always dreamed of being. I found my flowers, the most beautiful sunflowers and roses to complete my ensemble. I was ready.

"Alright ladies, let's go get my groom!"

3:30... as I rounded the corner of the barn, holding my a note for my love, my heart swelled with the anticipation of months of planning and the joy of our whole lives dancing before us. I stopped and waited for Cody to turn around, to see me, his vision in white, and I cried (for the fifth time that day) knowing that the best was yet to come. I'll never forget the look on his face, the smile, the love, the look of forever, as he pulled me close and the whole world of table settings, hairspray overanxious family members fell away and it was just Cody and I.

4:30... we gathered behind the barn and prayed that everything would go smoothly. I smiled as my best friends and family filtered down the aisle to the Lord of the Rings Shire music.  I laughed as eight little kids walked down the aisle, dragging our little dog behind.

5... my arms felt stiff and my legs weak as my mom and dad lead me down to the best decision of my life. I took Cody's hand and walked the few steps to our pastor, where we laughed and sang and praised God for this day and our lives. As I pulled out the vows hiding in my bodice, I felt the world fall away again and there was just Cody, the microphone and the best words I've ever said...

"I love you with every beat of my heart and I never wish to be parted from you, from this day forth, as long as we both shall live."

5:30... I was a wife, Cody's wife and I knew I would never be the same. We were better together and the I knew the best was yet to come.