As the bridal party gathered in the stairs leading up to the club’s outdoor deck, I was kind of sad that I wouldn’t get to see everyone walking down the aisle. (I can’t wait for the pictures!) My heart was racing that I was about to be in front of all these people and again, the surreal aspect of this being my wedding struck me.

After the bridesmaids and groomsmen took their places, the flower girls stole the show. They had some flower petals to throw, but I heard they only threw one, single petal. So cute!

When it was our turn, I took my Dad’s arm and he said, “You ready, Brookester?” (his nickname for me). We rounded the corner and headed towards the aisle. It was a beautiful set up. The sun was just right, the bridal party looked gorgeous, and the waves in the background were soothing.

When we reached the aisle, everyone stood up. I had totally forgotten about that part! Good thing my dad had done this before. He knew that we had to pause for a second or two before walking up to Rob. All I wanted to do was say hello and catch up with the friends and family who had just arrived and I hadn’t seen in years or months (Seriously, years. Remember Vietnam?). I am pretty sure I was whispering hi’s and you-made-it’s as my dad and I walked down the aisle.

My dad remembered his line when we reached the pastor, and suddenly the ceremony was off! Here is how it went down:

1. Readings – My 93 year-old grandmother had written a sweet, thoughtful poem for Rob and I. We surprised her with it by having my oldest friend read it aloud. Amanda did a fantastic job and my grandmother’s look of shock and honor was priceless. Rob’s godfather read a bible verse, Romans 12:9-13, and included a little speech before reading it out.

2. Vows – About a month before the wedding, my mom emailed out postcards to the guests asking them to send us marriage advice. As we were flooded with cards, emails, and heartfelt notes, Rob and I decided to combine all the advice into our own vows. I had led my mom to believe that we were just doing the traditional vows, so it was a surprise for everyone.

The best part about the vows was everyone could pick out their contribution to our promises of love and faith. It was a really special part of the ceremony for me. When I looked back at bridesmaids, they were all in tears. Kate, I believe, even said, “Thanks a lot, Brooke,” since she wasn’t prepared to cry!

Rob and his Mom, More flower girl cuteness.

3. Exchange of Rings – Rob’s ring was a sie 14 1/2. It fit when we bought it, but since he was so warm, I had trouble getting it on. I even exclaimed, “oh no!” as I struggled to push it over his knuckle. Hopefully that wasn’t misconstrued by the audience as an oh-no-I-am-marrying-him moment.

4. Becoming Husband and Wife – The last part of the ceremony, the pastor had Rob and I join hands and he put one of his hands over ours for a final prayer. I was shaking so hard (nerves, joy, excitement, all the things) that all I could think was, “I really hope he doesn’t notice. And if does, I hope he doesn’t call me out.” Rob said he could feel me vibrating, so I am sure our pastor could as well.

We kissed, we were pronounced, and we were married! We retreated down the aisle to the piano version of Journey’s, Don’t Stop Believing. 

Our ceremony was really special and meaningful to me. Not just because it was our marriage, but because of how we included as many of our guests in it as we could. I may be biased, but I thought it was a wonderful ceremony.

Other Wedding Posts:

• Wedding Sneak Peak
• Wedding Preparations and Pre-Party
• Friday Rehearsal Dinner Backyard BBQ
• Getting Ready
• First Look
• Reception Memories
• Two Week Mini-Moon

RQ: What was the best and worst ceremony you have ever been to? Yours is included!

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.