Carly & Kyle’s Country Club Wedding

The lights were low and candles glowed on the table in front of them, contrasting against the white marble and burgundy curtains. The church was packed with their closest friends and family, the long wooden pews creaking as everyone took their seats. As the priest stepped forward and cleared his throat, Kyle reached over and took Carly’s hand, catching glances of her while his words were read out loud, words he had written for everyone to hear how much she means to him. She wiped tears while listening to his vows, and the girls lined in the seats next to her did the same. And basically every other girl in the room…their parents smiled in the front pew, so incredibly elated that these two had found each other, and that their forever baby was marrying the one they had prayed for since they were little. As happy as the soon-to-be-married couple was, I truly think their parents were equally matched in their joy. This was my first wedding after my maternity leave, and it was the first time I realized the pure bliss parents (and grandparents) must feel when their daughter or son has found their soulmate. It’s their dream come true, so bittersweet as the years flew by so fast without any warning. Having a daughter has made me see how much of a blessing a wonderful son-in-law can be, and I hope my little girl finds just that. Just like Carly and Kyle.

It seems like it wasn’t too long ago that we took their sunny engagement photos at the Royal Palms, and I hadn’t told anyone I was pregnant yet! It just blows my mind how quickly time passes, and I can’t tell that to my couples enough! Take in this exciting season because it is so fleeting, and you will blink and your wedding day was five years ago, then ten, then twenty. But one thing you will never forget is how you felt getting dressed before seeing each other for the first time that day, and the deep breaths you took before the doors opened at your ceremony. How your hands shook as you carefully slid each other’s rings on, and how hard you laughed at your best man’s speech. And I can’t believe I get to share this experience with my couples! Carly and Kyle, I’m so incredibly happy for you (and jealous of the Thailand honeymoon)! Be sure to hold on to this day and never take for granted the fact that you two found each other. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Seeger, cheers to many more years to come!