Not linking up for TIOT today, but I have some exciting news! And now that I have had the chance to tell most of my immediate family, I am going to share it with you. Let's go back to Philip's four day Easter weekend. We got so much accomplished! Read all about it here. The last day of our weekend adventure, Monday, April 21, 2014, we went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We didn't just look into a couple of wedding venues and packages while we were there...
We eloped!
Now, I know what you're thinking. What about a wedding? What about your friends and families? What about dresses and tuxes, bridesmaids and groomsman? Cake? Dancing? Pictures?
Four years ago that is exactly what I wanted, but when I really started to think about it after Philip proposed, the only thing that I truly wanted now from a traditional wedding was the pictures. The rest of the pomp and circumstance did not matter to me anymore. I knew my mom was going to be disappointed and maybe even a little hurt by our decision. She's dreamt of seeing her only daughter get married for years, but Philip and I needed to do what was best for us. We wanted it to be about us, our relationship and the promise we were making to each other, not if our guests will like the food we're serving or the favors we chose, and if my dress makes me look lumpy or who's going to get drunk first.
I called around to some of the chapels in Eureka Springs, and was eventually referred to a sweet lady who performed ceremonies for couples at the natural springs scattered around the town. I googled some pictures of the springs, and decided on a beautiful spring that turned out to be the perfect spot. I found a cute dress, Philip put on my favorite shirt, and we drove down to Arkansas.
We said our vows under a blue umbrella (my something borrowed) in front of a dogwood tree in full bloom. I cried. The day could not have been more perfect, rain and all. Just after we sealed the deal with rings and a kiss, the rain stopped, and we were able to take a few pictures and wander around the quaint little town enjoying our first moments as man an wife.
I am so proud to call Philip my husband, to wear this ring, and to take his name. I have found so much joy in our marriage and we have enjoyed a happy serenity since that day. I can't say that I "feel married;" nothing and everything has changed. I know that may not make sense, but it's the truth.
Because you can't get married without cake and bubbly, on our way home that evening, we stopped and got some cupcakes and champagne to celebrate. We snuggled up on the couch and watched TV until we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer. Our day turned out to be everything I didn't know I wanted, and so much more.
P.S. If you don't get the Funny Girl reference that is the title of this post, this should clear things up for you.
