WE MADE IT!! As Rob and I sit here in Greece, we stare out on the Aegean Sea and reminisce on last weekend. We are unbelievably grateful to each and every person who helped us get to Aug 19 and especially the ones that will support us as we move beyond the wedding day. I hesitate to start naming people for I'm certain that I will forget someone, but there are just some people that I cannot help but call out for the incredible level of support they gave to us and the help they volunteered in making our wedding day happen. For those whose names I may forget (what do they say in church?), charge it to my head and not my heart.
First to our parents.
Of course they did they whole parent thing. You know, allowing and even helping us to survive until maturity (are we mature?) then continuing to support us after that despite what we probably did to them during that time. But, they did so much more than that. They gave us unbelievable support throughout our entire dating process. They provided wisdom and advice to help keep us on the right track. And then, as if that were not enough, they contributed to the wedding day itself. For all of this, and so much more, we are undeniably grateful.
Pastor Turner.
You have been incredibly supportive to me since I was a little girl. You took me in and treated me like one of your own children (for better & for worse lol). You were there for us for our wedding even when life tried to give you a reason not to be. You were determined, and I couldn't imagine the day without you. You helped keep me calm in the middle of the craziness of the day. You even helped us write our vows. We're definitely going to need a copy of that though. What all did we say?We appreciate you for more than just the wedding day. we appreciate you for just being you.
My Maid and Matron of Honor.
You two were incredible. You listened whenever I had complaints throughout the whole process, you offered to beat people up for me, then you gave me the correct advice. To Jessica I mirror your sentiments exactly and it is so nice to have a sister. You exceeded my expectations of you this past weekend and though the whole planning process. You were always there and thinking of things before I ever would (or just solving problems before I knew they were problems). Thank you so incredibly much! To Karisma I just don't even have words. You have been there for me for 17 (17?!) years. We have been through so much together. You are the best of best friends (no matter what I say about you moving away). Even when I "got busy" or "got other things in my life" you have always been right there for me no matter what. There are not proper words to show my gratitude, I will just settle for thank you.
To my bridesmaids Murl and Ebony.
Each of you has been nothing but supportive pf me at different points of my life, but in the same way. Growing up, Murl you were my sister. We did everything together and we even did the "dress alike everywhere we go" thing together. You love for me and you beautiful character as a woman shone through this entire wedding planning process. I am forever grateful for your love and sister-ship. Ebony, you have been there for me since we met. We linked up incredibly fast and that bond has never broken. Your family is my family. Your parents are basically my parents. You have been my help through so much and our bond has grown even closer. Thank you so much for being there for me on my special day and expect many phone calls moving forward.
To Tish, Tasha, and Andrea.
Words really can't express our level of gratitude for the three of you. The wedding day absolutely would not have happened without you and it DEFINITELY would not have looked as good. You guys made us look way more awesome than we are and you have continued to be incredible friends to us through the whole journey. You provided amazing advice, helped to steer us in the right directions, gave us encouragement, and have always just been there. We still can't believe everything you did and how great everything looked. Our parents wanted us to tell you that they also extend their gratefulness. You guys are way too awesome!!
To Anthony, Brian, Jaali, Mike, Stephen, and Tamika.
Impeccable. Simply impeccable. We are so grateful for each of you, your friendship, and your support. Each of you have been a brother, a sister, and a friend to both of us. You helped bring us together and made sure we stayed together. Thank you so much for your unwavering love and support.
To Ana Florence.
You have literally been my wedding sounding block since the day I got engaged. You made sure I stayed on track with my wedding planning, even when it meant kicking me out of other events. You helped with EVERYTHING. You listened to each and every one of my complaints and made me feel better in the end. Thank you for being my local Maryland sister.
To Pastor Jenkins and First Lady.
You both have been very supportive of us since the beginning. We are very appreciative of the support you have given us through the whole process. Never in the spotlight, but always right behind the scenes. Rob and I know more than anyone that most of the work happens behind the scenes. We are forever grateful for everything you have done for us as a couple and for the wedding. Thank you.
For each person named and everyone else we want to thank, "thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. I didn't have the words to type that would have been good enough to show my real level of gratitude. Just know that we are more than grateful for everything that everyone has done for us. We know that we did not make it to the altar on our own, but it was through God's grace and with your support.
