Growing up, I was never one of those girls who dreamed about her wedding. I didn’t dress up my Barbies in glittery gowns or write my name next to my latest crush in a diary that I hid under my bed.
I didn’t even have a diary—or Barbies, actually.
It’s not that I didn’t want to get married. I just couldn’t picture being a bride. There was just so much tulle and glitter…and white. I couldn’t imagine myself being the center of such a spectacle.
Getting married in Vegas would have actually been a perfect solution…if I’d been sober. If I’m being honest, I was a little nervous at first about the idea of having a second wedding. But with my mother in charge, I should have known I had nothing to worry about.
She’s kept the wedding small and intimate, just like we wanted. Everything from the flowers to the cake is simple and understated, and there isn’t a speck of tulle or glitter in sight.
Hollis and I decided to do the traditional thing and spend last night apart. It felt kind of silly, since this is really more of a vow renewal than an actual wedding, but he wanted to.
He wants to do all the wedding things.
It’s kind of adorable, actually.
Sitting at the desk in my old bedroom, I put the finishing touches on my makeup. I had a stylist come in and help with my hair, but I like doing my own makeup.
Plus, it gives me something to do. My sister was here earlier and hung out with me while the stylist did my hair. She even brought me lunch and a glass of wine from the kitchen.
But eventually, she had to go help with the setup in the tent, and I was left wondering if this is why brides have bridesmaids? To keep them occupied leading up to the ceremony?
Because the hours just seem to drag.
The door creaks open, and I turn to see my mom enter. She’s changed since the last time I saw her. She’s now wearing a gorgeous blue floral wrap dress and espadrilles. She stops the moment she sees me, placing a palm over her head. “Oh, Presley,” she says, her eyes already wet with tears. “You look so beautiful.”
I stand and do a turn. “Do you like my hair?”
I had the stylist create beachy waves, pinning pieces back with baby roses. She nods, dabbing at her eyes. “It’s perfect. And you were right about the dress. It’s stunning.”
My mom was a bit surprised, shall we say, when I told her I bought my wedding dress online. I think she had hoped for that mother-daughter moment where I’d findthe dressand we’d both cry happy tears. I didn’t exactly mean to take that away from her, but the second I saw this beachy beauty online, I knew my search was over.
The mermaid style enhances my slim frame, creating the illusion of an hourglass shape, and the plunging neckline is both sexy and sophisticated. The delicate modern ivory lace screams beach wedding, and the small train gives me just enough bride vibes without making me feel like a pageant princess.
“Is it almost time?” I ask, walking over to the window in my room that overlooks the beach. I peek through the blinds where the tent has been set up for the reception. Beyond, toward the water, a cluster of chairs has been arranged, and guests have begun to gather and take their seats. The ceremony itself is small, reserved for close family and friends. The reception, however, will be slightly larger, with some extended family and my parents’ friends attending.
“Almost,” my mom replies. “But I was sent to give you this.” She hands me a small box and a card.
I look down and immediately recognize Hollis’s slanted handwriting. He told me no gifts. I look up at her with an incredulous expression. “He literally said no gifts!”
“Don’t shoot the messenger,” she says, patting my arm. “But if you want to open it before we head down, you’d better do it now.”
“Yeah,” I answer as I take a seat on the corner of my bed, being mindful of my train. “Okay.”
I slide my index finger under the sealed flap and tear open the envelope. Inside, there’s no card—just a plain piece of paper folded in half.
Pres,
I know I said no gifts, but that’s only because I don’t need any. You already gave me the greatest gift by marrying me.
Plus, I am the king of grand gestures. How could I not get you something? Don’t worry—it’s not a car.
I laugh out loud, trying hard not to mess up my makeup.
I remember you once saying that you love moonstones. Did you know they symbolize new beginnings, protection, and love?
I smile to myself. Yes, I did know that. They also represent femininity and good fortune. It’s why I like them so much. Well, that and they’re pretty.
I don’t know if I believe in stones having special powers, but I like the idea that when you wear these, you know I gave you something that symbolizes not only our wedding day—a new beginning—but also the love and protection I give with it.
