What they don't tell you.

We just had our first date as a married couple. We sat next to a couple who had been married for thirty years and were celebrating their marriage. It was so special to share an evening under the almost full moon, next to an out door fire with the most amaszing food prepared by Girl and the Fig. I love being a wife!

Reflecting on the ups and downs of the last 24 hours I have realized that there is no real preparation for what happens to a bride and groom during their wedding. I've read a lot of books that tell you how to prepare for your wedding day. I've download and followed to the tee multiple wedding checklists (and what is not a secret is that I've done this all prior to Timothy popping the question). However, none of these books or websites tell you how tumultuous this day really is. As my husband has said; People don't stop being people just because you are getting married and I would add that the mesh of emotions we experienced were very congruent with how life works. A magical moment isn't as magical with out the contrasting elements. As magical as our wedding was....at the end of the night I felt like I was being tugged in a zillion different directions. I was emotionally exhausted and as much as I didn't want to admit that the night was over, I just wanted to go home....home meaning I wanted to cut all the strings but the ones that tied me to Timothy. I have never felt with such certaintude that I have a home...he is my home.

Gratitude

I sit here in our hotel room the day after our wedding. I have nothing but gratitude and love in my heart. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Everyone who participated in our special day gave more support and love than we can wrap our heads around. A big thank you to Shannon, Shelby and my lovely sister Lara. Because of them I was prepared emotionally and mentally to walk down the aisle. You girls have made my day and all the months of preparation so much fun and so truly special. Thank you to my Mom and Dad. You guys were so present and supportive and fun. I actually got to dance with the Genser family for the first time ever!
Renate it was magic to see you and your family! Aimee, Anne, Alex and Marjorie, thank you for helping set up the reception site and being assistants to our photographers. Mellyn, thank you so much for our flowers and for being such a support to us in our wedding planning. Shannon, I love you so much! Thank you for making my vision a reality and fantasy at the same time! Timothy's family, I am so grateful to know you and love you. I LOVE BEING A BENTON!!!! :)

Sharon, my friend, my mentor my hero. Thank you for being in my life and thank you for keeping me sane and loving me. Thank you for catering our rehearsal dinner. The food was fabulous! Diane, I'm so grateful to you for opening your home to us and our families to kick off the weekend. You are beautiful. I thank you for being in our lives and for allowing us to be present on a day that was very special to you and Karl. Huckleberry Flint you guys rock. Our photographers were so fun and sincere and we now declare you friends!

To Risa and Roy. Thank you for helping us come out of this weekend centered and truly hitched. Your gift to us was perfect!

I know I have many many more to thank. I send my appreciation to you all for now and soon will seek you out individually. But for now I'm going to go enjoy my Husband!!!!!

Much love,

Dana