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The Ballad of Chris & Susan: God Gave Me You

"God gave me you for the ups and downs. God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way. There are no words here left to say, it's true. God gave me you." - Blake Shelton
October 25, 2008 had finally arrived. All the planning and preparations were done and even if not, it was too late now. There was a definite sense of relief in my heart as we had finally arrived. The day was a little overcast and there was a slight worry we might not get the outdoor photos we wanted, but overall the prospects of the day looked positive.
The groomsmen and I arrived early to the church only to find no one had arrived yet. The person who was to open the church had not arrived, and now we were locked out. As we talked amongst ourselves as to what to do, a vehicle pulled into the parking lot. I asked who it was as my best man shoved me towards some bushes and told me not to look. Susan had arrived and its bad luck apparently for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. So, one of the groomsmen was given the task of walking me around the apartment complex next door to avoid me glimpsing my future wife.
Once Susan was safely in the church, I made my way to the back of the church. I spent the morning playing air hockey with the junior groomsmen while the early photos were being taken.
During our wedding planning, Susan and I asked multiple friends from our church to handle different duties. We were extremely blessed by everyone who helped usher, take photos, handle readings, and kept people and the events flowing. We were and are still thankful for all their help in making the day go smoothly.
The time had come for the wedding. I was waiting for Susan to come to her senses and flee in the other direction. All I will say is that she looked beautiful. She still is and always will be in my eyes. I did get a little teary-eyed because at 37, who knew this day would come. Vows were shared, tears were shed, and songs were sung. With a kiss, we were declared husband and wife. Then, it was on for outdoor photos (the weather had cleared up) and the reception.
For the married couple, the reception is hard work. You don't get a breath as you are moved from one photo op to the next and you need to say hi to everyone. (To anybody we missed at the reception "Hi!") By the way, clanging the glasses is cute the first couple of times, but on the 50th - not so much. As we entered the reception area, we went straight to the dance floor for our first dance. Just the way you are by Billy Joel played as we started our first steps in marriage. We then sat down for dinner.
The first hiccup occurred immediately. The staff at the Diamond Event Center (great place to have a reception, I would highly recommend it) told us that we were already running out of wine. I sent our best man out to get more wine. Funny part of the story is that I believe no more wine was drunk after that moment. The new bottles were returned unopened. (Granted, if worst came to worst I am sure I could have asked Jesus to turn water into wine - but I felt he'd done it before and should just enjoy himself at our reception). The food was awesome and the service at the center was great. I will always recommend the Diamond Event Center. Our DJ, from Academy DJ's, was another hit at the reception. Our DJ allowed us to plan out the music we wanted and when we wanted it. Overall, everything associated with the wedding and reception was wonderful. I had no complaints and wouldn't change a single thing we did.
The evening proceeded as we danced the night away. We were celebrating our love with our closest friends and family and it was magical. I was now married to my best friend and our adventure together was just beginning. The story doesn't end with "I do" - it is an ongoing event. Next, our adventure would take us to Boston and our honeymoon. The adventure continues...
"On my own I'm only half of what I could be. I can't do without you. We are stitched together and what love has tethered, I pray we never undo" - Blake Shelton (look I referenced a country song twice in the same blog)
Susan, you are my gift from God and I pray everyday that I will be the man worthy of that gift. I will spend my remaining days, each day, trying to make you as happy as you have made me.

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