I stare into Kyler’s eyes and squeeze his hands three times, symbolizing I love you.
Kyler takes the ring from the minister.
“Kyler, as you place this ring on Danielle’s finger, repeat after me. This ring symbolizes my love for you and the commitments we made today.”
Both of us are fighting back the tears as he slides the band on my ring finger in front of my gorgeous engagement ring.
“This ring symbolizes my love for you and the commitments we made today,” he recites.
I repeat the same as I slide the wedding band on Kyler’s finger. My hand is shaking so much; I’m glad I didn’t drop the ring. Wow, that could’ve been embarrassing. I was so nervous I would after our neighbor Alley had told me the story of dropped rings from her wedding.
I completely blank out on the rest of the words the minister says after we exchanged our rings. I have my eyes set on the prize, my husband. Would it be too inappropriate to jump in his arms and kiss him?
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”
My cheeks hurt so much from smiling, my now husband’s smile matching as he approaches. While I expect him to slam his mouth on mine, he slowly takes his time, savoring the taste of my lips. Everything around us stops; it’s as if Kyler and I are the only ones in the world. I wrap my arms around his neck and grip tighter as I feel myself falling backward, realizing he has me in a low dip.
The crowd cheers around us, but all I feel is him. When he finally brings me back up, my head is swimming.
“I love you,” he whispers in my ear before placing a quick kiss on my cheek.
Words can’t even describe the love I feel for this man. It is almost overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
It seems that it has been a long day of waiting—waiting to say I do, waiting to finally see my girl, and then waiting for what seems like a million photos to be taken. I could see the look in Dani’s eyes as each photo was taken that she was plotting where that photo would hang in our house. The grounds of the church make for a beautiful background for some of the shots.
Now, the
fun can finally begin. The wedding reception is taking place in the hall located next to the church.
The familiar sounds of Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” begins to play through the speakers as the DJ prepares to announce the wedding party’s entrance. We wanted to do something fun, and somehow, the girls convinced Dani that this was a must.
Our parents are introduced first by the DJ, followed by the wedding party, and Dani and I will bring up the rear with our grand entrance.
“Mother of the groom, Liz Lawson, and mother of the bride, Kelly Jacobs, escorted by the father of the bride, Adam Jacobs.”
The room roars with cheers as we watch them hand jive their way in the center of the dance floor.
“Bridesmaid Kate Lawson escorted by groomsman Bennett Monroe.”
The crowd cheers as they tango dance their way into the room. When Bennett and Kate get to the center of the dance floor, they bust out a version of what I believe is supposed to be part of the “Thriller” dance but comes off more like Ray Lewis’s dance moves before a football game, but I can’t hold back my laughter when Bennett raises his head and howls.
Really, dude? You can take the boy out of the bayou, but you can’t take the bayou out of the boy.
“Bridesmaid Lauren Lawson escorted by groomsman Hunter St. James.”
Hunter looks very nervous at first, and I can see him searching the crowd for Aria. Emme was getting tired and fussy, so Aria volunteered to hold her. I can tell when he finds her because his shoulders relax. Watching Hunter awkwardly move into the room is quite a sight, but he is at least doing it with a giant smile on his face. I’m so happy to have him, Bennett, and Aria here.
“Matron of honor, Haylee Jacobs, escorted by best man, Zachary Jacobs.”
Laughter erupts as Zach and Haylee take on the guitar solo on air guitar. Our best friends, ladies and gentlemen. It’s hard to hold back laughter though; everyone went a little over the top.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask Dani while waiting for our cue.
“With you? Always.”
I bring our joined hands to my lips and brush a sweet kiss against them. I need to refrain from kissing her how I really want to. There is no need to have a boner walking in front of all these guests, and I have a lifetime to kiss her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time as husband and wife, please welcome Kyler and Danielle Lawson.”