We Get Married: The Processional

Guests arriving to the church were greeted by light piano music and received programs from our stylish ushers.

At precisely 3:00 pm, the ceremony began.

My mother was escorted up the aisle by our friend Nick. J's mother walked with his cousin Evan.

J's sister and Bridesmaid J was next up the aisle.

My sister and Maid of Honor K then walked to the altar.

I doubt that any of our guests noticed, but our processional had some major glitches thanks to the church director. A miscommunication with the minister meant that our moms and the bridesmaids walked up the aisle before J and his groomsmen were waiting at the altar. The director then gave me the cue to begin while J was still walking across the front of the church! This left me waiting awkwardly at the end of the aisle for my carefully chosen music to begin and for my soon-to-be husband to be able to see me approaching.

Definitely not the grand entrance I had envisioned! This small delay gave me the chance for some much needed deep breaths while the music swelled around me. I thought about the happy years of our relationship leading up to this point. The faces of our dear friends and family there to support us. The presence of my father, with me in spirit.

Thankfully, this was the only disappointment of our entire day and everything was just fine once I reached J at the end of the aisle...

In a sweet touch, J walked from the altar to meet me at the end of the aisle. It was such a relief to hold his hand and look into his eyes. All the nerves of the morning fell away as we saw each other for the first time that day.

We joined arms and escorted each other up to the altar, ready to become husband and wife.