My Wedding Day

After tossing and turning for what seems to be hours, I glance at the clock. 5:45am. I grab my cell phone and click the button to check the time. 5:45. I thought maybe the hotel clock was wrong; it couldn't be that early! I swear, I slept for hours! I look over at Monica, sound asleep by my side. She's snoring softly. Sighing and pulling the covers over my face, I try to turn off my brain and get a few more hours--I know I'll need it later.

"Knock knock!" I am woken up by a constant rapping at the door. Housekeeping? What are they doing here so early? Stumbling through the room, I realize I am wearing nothing but a tank top and boy shorts. Unfazed, I throw open the door and cringe as the bright sun hits my face.

"Carrie!," Sarah exclaims. "Did you just wake up?" I mumble a response. Sarah will not take that for an answer. She throws bags upon bags on the floor and plugs in a toaster. "You've got to eat," she tells me. I understand her concern, but all I want to do is climb back into--oh crap! I noticed the clock. It's 9am! "Oh no, this can't be happening," I think to myself. I was supposed to be up, showered, and freaking out by now!

Clumsily, I run to the bathroom and turn on the shower. Grabbing the showercap from the cute little box, I pin up my hair and tuck the loose ends into it. I jump in the shower and lather up quickly, because I know my hair stylist will be there in less than half an hour. Shaving as fast and carefully as possible, I still manage to knick my kneecap. Blood drips into the white tub, but I don't pay much attention. I have things to do! I jump out of the shower and grab the hotel-white towel from the rack, and pause for a moment. It hit me.

Throwing on the big pink fluffy robe I brought with me, I run into the living room of the hotel suite and sit down on the couch. Sarah has toasted me a bagel, and now she's putting some cream cheese on both halves. I'm not hungry, but I accept the food. If I don't eat something, I'm sure to pass out while walking down the aisle, if not sooner. Another knock at the door. This time it's both Araceli and Jennifer, with Jasmine close behind. The room is filling with excited chatter, and I excape to put some real clothes on. Another knock on the door--"oh my," I think to myself, "this is really happening!"

Araceli pokes her head into the bedroom and smiles at me. She's sick, but she's there for me. She tells me the stylist is here (which happens to be her cousin), and asks if I'm ready. I am.

Sitting in front of the vanity, watching Celia do my hair, my phone begins to go crazy. Text messages wishing me luck, phone calls asking questions, kept my phone making noises the entire time my hair was being strategically pinned in a gorgeous updo. I sip the mimosa Sarah has handed to me. As Celia puts the finishing touches on my head, I smile. I look like a princess! Well, a princess without makeup. Next I head to the bathroom, which is bustling with my bridesmaids all getting ready, to begin the long, tedious task of doing my makeup. I have the step by step instructions that have been written out for me by the makeup consultant at Sephora, and I do exactly what they say. The entire time, I sip my mimosa, and it makes me more at ease. I look around and take in all the action around me. I'm surrounded by my best friends, and they are all taking time to make themselves pretty for me.

There we go, my makeup is complete. Time for a Red Bull! I sit down to relax for a moment, and decide to text my almost-husband. "Are you ready for this?," I type. "Of course, silly," he responds almost immediately. Then I jump up. The flowers! I fly into the living room of the suite and am stopped immediately by Sarah. She tells me not to worry and gives me a hug. I love this girl--she has done so much to help me prepare for this day, and now it's here.

"Carrie, it's almost 12:30, get in here so we can dress you!," I hear Araceli call from the bedroom. My dress! It's hanging on the door, looking so pretty. I slowly undress, making sure my "something blue" cheekies are in place. My maid of honor and sister, Jasmine, begins to lace up the back of the gorgeous white dress. A tear wells in my eye, and I wish it away. Of course, it slides slowly down my cheek. Everything is in slow motion, just as I imagined. Sarah steps in to assist Jasmine with the dress. Finally, it is complete. I slip on my white flip flops--no heels for this girl--and grab the bottle of champagne for one last sip. Maybe two more sips... or three. I am ready. Stepping out of the room, I see the limo waiting for me, the chauffeur standing with the door open. Feeling even more like a princess, I glide to the car door and carefully sit inside. Cameras are flashing from all directions, and my hands begin to shake. Taking a deep breath, I allow the door to close, and I look out the window. This is the day I've been waiting for my whole life, and now it's here. I am happier than a kid in a candy shop.

Married Life...

I get asked almost every day... "how's married life?" So here it is in a nutshell... it's great. Not too much different than the way it was before, but it's truely the best thing that I ever did! I still get giggly and giddy when I refer to him as my "husband," it's such a fun word! Never thought I could be so happy, but here I am. We are still the same people we were before, just happier and more in love than ever! We still like to go out and have a good time, but nights spent alone on the couch watching a movie with a glass--err, make that a bottle--of wine are just as nice. My heart still flutters when he kisses me, and he always knows how to make my day. I have the best husband ever!

He's My Everything...