Day 5: Favorite Memory

Day 5

My favorite memory

Tom and I got married last September in Washington. The weather in September is all over the board, so it was a toss up whether we'd see sunshine or rain on our big day. As the day came around, the rain seemed like it would hold out for awhile. There were a few clouds in the sky, even a light sprinkle that morning, but it had pretty much cleared up that afternoon. As nature would have it, about 30 minutes before the ceremony was planned, it started to drizzle.

Of course Tom and I weren't supposed to see each other before the wedding, so we were trying to make decisions using a go-between. Luckily I told Tom the day before that I was going to get married outside NO-MATTER-WHAT. I didn't care if everyone was cuddled under the awning and I was standing in the pouring rain with just Tom, but my dream was an outdoor wedding, so an outdoor wedding I would have.

Tom's uncle was amazing that day, he ran around to 5-6 dollar stores in the area and cleared out their umbrella inventory. I think we ended up with 70+ umbrellas total; green, burgundy, black, and blue. The daring guests still sat on the soaking wet chairs outside, the same chairs our amazing family frantically wiped off with towels right before the ceremony. Groups also huddled under the awning to stay dry. There were little groups of families and friends all over, both standing and sitting. It was so relaxed and you could feel the love and strong bonds in the area. My dad and I walked down the aisle, chatting about the rain and Ellory, trying to keep my mind off tripping. We shared one bright blue umbrella that was Julisa's, I had decided last minute that I wanted the blue one, so she traded me. (Ah, sister-envy, it's always ongoing...) I walked down the muddy aisle with my dad, and he handed me off to Tom. Tom had his own green umbrella, my dad took the blue one back to where my mom was sitting and we went on with the ceremony.

Now my favorite part....

So here we are, trying to focus all our attention on each other, saying our vows, and not passing out. It's pouring rain at this point, so no one can hear us, but who cares, right? We're trying to hold hands, but this umbrella is just getting in the way. I kept scooting it towards Brad, our Officiant, and good friend because he didn't have an umbrella. Finally, Tom looked up at me, after fiddling with the umbrella one last time, and while looking into my eyes he tossed the umbrella aside. I laughed in relief and complete happiness. The three of us were completely soaked, but it was one of the most favorite moments of my life. Thankfully my sister-in-law is a stylist and I was 'good as new' a short 15 minutes later with a whole new do!