Finally, Gabby turns over, her bright expression filled with affection and tenderness. “It’s showtime.”
She squeezes me quick, and Mom follows with a gentle press on my shoulders. “I love you,” she says, softly, carrying all the weight of the words she doesn’t often speak aloud. She doesn’t say the words very often, but I know she does. It’s just extra special when she utters those words.
“I love you, too, Mom,” I whisper back.
She quickly heads out the door, too.
“Ready?” Dad asks.
I nod at him. “Ready.”
He offers me his arm, and I take it. We make our way out the door, but instead of turning right, we turn left down the hallway—walking to the door that leads outside.
I’m immediately hit with the warm air that blasts through as we exit out the door. The world sings all around us. I can hear the waves crashing onto the shore, the birds in the air chirping their song, and people’s laughter echoing.
The sun will set soon, leaving just the perfect glow and cooler breeze for dinner later.
There’s a restaurant nearby that we’ll all be gathering at after the ceremony.
As we approach the front door, ready to walk through, I pause, taking it all in, thinking about everything that led tothis moment. At the beginning of this year, I never would’ve thought it would end like this. A year ago, I was praying, waiting, wondering what God was doing.
I didn’t think I’d be finding the man I’d prayed for all along, let alone be gettingmarriedto him.
I think that’s what’s wonderful with God. He surprises us in the best of ways.
Life comes with hardships, yes. But also withgoodsurprises.
Dad looks at me, and I look up at him. He cracks out a small smile just as the doors to this little chapel open up.
We step inside the chapel. It’s cooler than the outside heat, a welcome relief. My heart jumps as I immediately see Nate at the front, waiting. Smiling wide, joy radiant on his face.
I squeeze Dad’s arm, steadying myself. Just a few steps away. My chest is full, fluttering, and… oh, my heart is pounding because I know he’s there. Waiting.
A handful of our closest friends and family are here. Gabby, my parents, my other sisters and brother, John, Maria, and Camila. A small handful of people who happen to have our hearts entirely.
Dad leads me down the aisle, arm tucked inside mine, until he reaches Nate. John steps forward, and Dad gently hands me over.
“You look beautiful,” Nate says as I approach him.
I smile, and he smiles back, perfectly mirroring my own joy.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate Nate & Lizzie,” John begins when a big cheer rings out starting with Gabby and then the rest join in.
I laugh, pure joy spilling from me.
“...Getting married,” John continues, laughing at the chaos of joy erupting.
He continues to lead the wedding ceremony until we reach the part of the vows.
“I believe you two have your own vows?” he asks.
We face each other, and he indicates for me to start on mine first.
“I promise you from this day forward, to love you when it’s easy,” I pause, looking straight into his eyes. “And when it’s hard. In the moments of joy, and in the moments of hardship. To care for your appetite,” everyone laughs. “And for your body. To care for your heart, and your soul. I promise, in the good or bad, to love you. Before God and before man.”
I exhale, emotions swelling. These past few months have been a whirlwind, but every prayer, every hope… it led here.
We’ve been falling in love with the promise of forever already there as a foundation.
