[Written by Drew]

“I turned over at 7:30 in the morning and realized our wedding day was actually this very day. I had dreams, then nightmares, then more dreams about this particular morning for months. But, in ten short hours I would actually be married to my best friend in the whole world.

Images from the night before occupied my mind over breakfast with my eight best friends around a table. I couldn’t forget our rehearsal, the love of our family and friends, and the song sang to me from my bride to be that reminded me I don’t deserve any of this. But, I was sure going to enjoy it.

We threw on some clothes, headed for lunch with my dad and grandparents, and took a final stroll through Greenville before we were off to get ready. No matter the years that pass, I’ll never forget the love we felt that weekend. I woke up before anyone else that morning, and in those quiet moments, with a cup of coffee, the image that sticks is the smiles on each of my groomsmen’s faces as they came into the kitchen and we recognized what the day was without saying actual words. I’ll remember the kindness from our loved ones the night before, the beautiful note that Megan wrote to me, the persistence of her bridesmaids, and the people who cared for us all the way to the altar.

May 20th was the fastest day of my entire life. I blinked and I was in my suit. I blinked again and I was in a car with my best friends on the way to the church. In a swirl of emotions, the one that won out every time was the anticipation of seeing my bride in white. We arrived at the church, went to our room to wait on the call for pictures, and soon after it was actually time. I got the call to make my way to the bridal sweet, and an excitement poured over me with the realization that very soon I would be wedded to my favorite person in the whole world. I got to hear her voice one last time, touch her hand, pray, crack a joke, and cry. All I had, given the door between us, was my imagination, and it took me back to the same place I had gone so many times in the past week. Except this time I only had to wait a few more minutes to actually see it through.

I hugged my dad in a room behind the stage, exchanged a few quiet words, and followed my pastor into a room full of so many people who loved us for so long. Family, friends, and family-to-be met my smile on the front steps of the stage as we all awaited what we knew came next. I hugged my groomsmen as they filed down the aisle, nodded at her bridesmaids who I’d come to love so much, watched my dad follow my sister’s path to front of the church, and moved to the aisle to watch my bride meet me at the altar.

I wish I had words for the moments after the front doors opened to reveal Megan, but every time I try, I realize any attempt would only cheapen it. So, from here I’ll let the pictures speak for the beauty of that day. Words mean a lot to me, but everyday I’m shown pictures can capture just where words run out. I’m thankful for everyone who helped capture this day, more than you can know. I’m thankful that I don’t have to try to recreate any of it into words, but I have the most beautiful bride to remember with every day, and these images that have captured forever. Thank you, to everyone who made this day the best of our lives, and to those who have loved us so well.”