Husband and wife

Well, I don't even know where to start. I'm amazed that the wedding is finally over, that Ben and I are finally husband and wife. Here we are now, in our little apartment that has been taken over by gift bags and boxes full of the generous gifts people have given us. And we haven't even opened all of the gifts! Half of them are still at my parents', where we will open them after they've returned from California.

The wedding was beautiful, and everyone I talked to seemed to agree. Judging by the comments of countless friends and family members, I really do think that the Holy Spirit was fully present at our wedding. The weather was perfect, the flowers were beautiful, the cake was delicious, everything ran on time, and Ben and I were clearly loved by everyone there. I cried quite a bit, and I think Ben cried even more, especially when he saw me for the first time at 11 am, at our special bridal presentation. It was just the two of us in the worship center, with J.J. Heller's "Tonight" setting the mood. Ben saw me for the first time that day, in my dress, and he about lost it. I married a man with an admirably tender heart.

Ben's brother, Dan, performed the ceremony, and it couldn't have been more perfect. So many people came up to Ben and me at the reception and said what a great job he did - what a great testimony he shared, and how God-honoring his words were. I'm proud to have him as a brother-in-law, and having him officiate our ceremony was totally special.

On Sunday, Ben and I set off to Pine, where we stayed in a friend's cabin. It was beautiful - the perfect place to spend the first few days of our marriage. Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures soon.

Please pray that Ben and I will be productive the next few days. We have a lot to do, between putting me on the apartment lease, putting away our gifts, and getting me generally settled in. It will be a good time though :)