As we get older, there are childhood dreams that we tend to leave behind and the reasons are probably different for each person; maybe we feel our childhood dreams should not be adult realities, or maybe it is simply because our dreams have changed. Either reason, it is my true belief that dreams are not meant to be forgotten, left behind, or ignored. They are meant to be lived, and lived to the fullest. I know this because that is exactly what I have been blessed with being able to do.
My dream has come true and it is a living reality for me each day. As of 22 September 2012, I am married to my soul mate, my confidant, and most of all, my best friend. Our wedding day couldn't have been any better. All of our family and friends were there (some looking down from above and some sending love and happiness from a thousand miles away) to share in our day and make it the best day of our lives.
The day started with breakfast with my Dad. I couldn't imagine starting this very special day with anyone else. Dad, as I'm sure all you "Daddy's girls" know and understand, holds a special place in my heart that can never be replaced. I will always be his little girl, and will always love him "to the moon and back." We had a wonderful time, talking about the day and how it was going to be difficult for both of us. We both got a couple good cries out of the way early, so that helped lighten the emotions, as we held each others hearts in our hands. Dad is always good at giving the right advice at the right time. He didn't disappoint on this day as he gave me some more fatherly wisdom to carry with me as a married woman.
Then it was time for my Mom, my niece Bailey, and I to meet my best friends and spend the day getting beautiful. Before this, my Mom and I did what we do best......we chatted like the best friends that we are. I couldn't have made it through this special day without her by my side. She always keeps me grounded, honest, and gasping for air as we both laugh ourselves to tears. I have learned what it means to be a loving wife from my Mom, and on this day, it was one more thing that her and I would have in common.
With beauty radiating out of all of us girls, especially Bailey - she was so beautiful, it was time to walk over to the venue and get dressed. Up until the time I stepped into my dress, my nerves were as calm as could be. The minute I put that dress on, it was all I could to to keep my tears in check.......my dream was becoming a reality.
After we all got dressed there were pictures taken and few drinks had to calm nerves (mine of course) and then it was time. I was waiting by myself in the "holding" room as everyone else lined up to start the ceremony and in walked Dad in his tux looking as handsome as ever. He was so proud, and I was just as proud to wrap my arm around his. (This was really it.)
Dad walked me down the passageway to the entrance of the ceremony. He squeezed my hand before bringing me around for Britt and all to see and said "I love you." Dad turned me to the crowd and all I saw was my handsome groom, standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me. He seemed like he was ten feet tall and just shined. He was surrounded by the setting sun's glow and the most beautiful flowers that God had laid his hands on. Everyone and everything else in the room was a blur as Dad and I stood for a few moments at the other end of the aisle. Then Dad whispered into my ear "want to do a little two-step down the aisle?" I turned to him and said with a great big smile "absolutely." That was just like Dad - always wearing his heart on his sleeve, and always expressing his love for me in his own way no matter who is around or what the occasion. Standing at the opposite end of the aisle from Britt, it seemed like it went on forever; however, as Dad grabbed my hand and two-stepped me down the aisle, it was like I was a little girl dancing with my Dad and I wish it would've lasted a little bit longer.
Before I knew it, Britt and I were announced "husband and wife." As we turned around, my heart was flooded with the amount of love and joy that filled the room from all of our family and friends. Britt and I then had a few moments to catch our breath and spend with our immediate family before pictures. My brother touched me the most as he hugged me and told me how happy he was for us both. It meant more that I can express to have my brother there with me on this day. He was and is a true gentleman who has grown into a fine young man. I couldn't have been more proud of him that day as he showed me how much he loved me.
After pictures it was time to eat, drink, and be marry and that is just what we did. As Britt and I walked into the reception, being announced as "Mr. and Mrs. Scott" I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Every detail that I imagined and dreamed of was glowing in front of me. Our wedding planner (Tanya Frazier of Graceful Designs) was a blessing 20 times over. She took each vision that I had and turned them into reality to be seen and enjoyed by all. The reception was amazing and absolutely perfect!
We danced the night away and enjoyed drinks and laughs with family and friends that we don't get the opportunity to see as often as we would like. It was such a blessing to have everyone there. We had friends and family come from Rhode Island, Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Alabama, Washington, and Idaho. The time went by so fast, we wish we had more time to visit and catch up with everyone.
My dreams came true on Saturday, 22 September 2012, and now my dreams are filled with the reality that I have been blessed to live each and every day.
On Monday, we left for our honeymoon. We spent six days and five nights in Antigua at the Sandals Grand Antigua Resort. It was amazing! We had our own private butlers (yes that is plural) with service at our fingertips twenty-four hours a day. They would pamper us with breakfast in the morning, bring us lunch on the beach, stock a cooler full of our choice drinks and keep it full while we were at the beach, ensure dinner reservations where set-up where ever we wanted, and ensured any need of ours was met. We were so spoiled and we loved every minute of it. :)
Here are a few pictures from the honeymoon (we will share wedding pictures with everyone when they come in).
Our Honeymoon Villa......
.....which included a private plunge pool and hot tub.
This is the view over our fence to the beach.
Part of the resort, taken from the reception floor. This was our first view of the resort when we arrived.
.....and the beautiful beach. We only made it to three of the 365 beaches that the island has to offer. This is the beach we spent most of our time at, which we could see from our villa.
Next are a some photos that were taken by the photographers of Sandals. A few are candid, but most are from a sunset photo shoot that we did on our last evening there.
