People always say that it takes a village to raise a child. But I’m convinced that the saying should be it takes a village to put on a wedding. I can’t even begin to name all the people that will be involved in making our day happen. We are really lucky in the sense that my family has played such a huge part in our wedding. So I want to dedicate this post to 6 amazingly important people, without which our wedding would not be possible.
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| My parents and my brothers at my college graduation |
The first honors obviously go to my parents. They have been so supportive of our relationship from day 1. In fact, they met Mr. A after a week of us dating. They love him like a son and couldn’t be more excited to have him as a part of our family. My parents and I have always been really close. I talk to my Mom at least once a day, either through text, email or phone calls. Their advice throughout this whole process from dating to the wedding has been so amazing. They always find a way to help us see the best in life and provide us such grounded, humble feedback. Besides being there for us, my parents have always been so gracious. Consider that while you are reading this, Mr. A and I are frolicking around Disney World with my parents. I mean who else has parents that invite you to come to Disney World with them. And their graciousness doesn’t stop there, as I’ve mentioned before, they are helping us pay for the wedding. So big thanks go to them for this whole shindig. Thank you Mom and Dad for always being there no matter what I needed and no matter what Mr. A needed. I am so excited to have you there by my side when I marry Mr. A.
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| My aunt and uncle |
My aunt and uncle are like second parents to me. They had one daughter, Nicole, who passed away shortly after she was born. While I could never take her place, I’ve always felt like their adopted daughter. They’ve always treated me like I was their own, helping me through the good, the bad, and the not so cute. For instance, during my senior year of college, I had a major panic attack, including the whole can’t breath bit. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that it happened while I was giving a presentation to my class. My aunt and uncle dropped everything that night to take me out to dinner and to make sure that I was okay. It was a gesture that I will remember for a long time. And really the kind of love that I needed in that moment. So as soon as I became engaged, I wanted to include my aunt in all of the wedding planning process. She came to all my wedding dress appointments, although I’m sure she regrets that now. And they have both been a great sounding board for my concerns and troubles throughout this process. So when I was trying to figure out how to pay for my gown, it was no surprise to me that they stepped in. I am so humbled by their generosity and love. Thanks Karen and Dave! Love you both!
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| My aunts at my graduation |
My aunts and I have always been kindred spirits of sorts. We share the same love of politics and the legislative process (we are dorks, I know). They were responsible for getting me the internship of my dreams at the Maryland General Assembly. It was honestly the best job I’ve had thus far, I miss that job everyday. And since they both work with the General Assembly, they visited me often at my internship. They are great work role models and I’m so happy to have them as mentors. Having been recently married themselves, they have also been able to provide Mr. A and I with some great advice. Last week, I received an email from them regarding my arbor dreams. When they got married, their friends paid for their ceremony flowers as a gift to them. To pay it forward and as a wedding present to Mr. A and I, they offered to pay for our arbor. Really, how sweet is that? I know I’ve said this before, but I was seriously awestruck and humbled by their generosity. So thank you Chele and Laura! We love you both!
Individually, all of these people have contributed so much to our wedding, and not just in a monetary sense. But when I think about their contributions as a whole it really humbles me. When I stand before our family and friends on our wedding day, I will be dressed in a gown that my parents, aunt and uncle purchased under an arbor my aunts graciously gifted to us. There’s something so symbolic and amazing about that. I hands out have the best family around. Their love has deeply touched Mr. A and I. This is what weddings are about. Families coming together to show their love and support. And I love you guys so much!
Has it taken a “village” to make your wedding happen?
Follow our newlywed journey through love, laughter and happily ever after. I'm Mr. Adam's best friend, a wedding fanatic, a health food nut, a yoga fiend, an arts & crafts-ers, a DIY-er, a wannabe world traveller, a pinterest addict and a Jesus lover. I hope you enjoy our wedding/newlywed/travel/food/healthy living/crafting adventures.
You truly do have the best family around, they've taken me in like one of their own and shown me what it means to be part of a family, something I never experienced growing up, and I love you guys for that.
@Shawnah- You just brought a tear to my eye. Love you too! You are a great addition to the family.