Anniversary Reflections: The Engagement

Eight years ago today, I walked down the aisle and married my best friend. But since I’m fully aware that that phrase sounds too sentimental for me, let me tell you more about that day and all the crazy that led up to it.

 

 

Mr. Bug proposed on February 19, 2005 (I really need to write out how he did that because it was so cool). After the down-on-one-knee moment and my six-tear acceptance, we headed to Perkins to iron out some details. It was late at night and I like Perkins hot chocolate. Don’t judge.

Something important you should know: I grew up watching old movies. I told you a while ago about The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band, and I listed The Way We Were in my favorite movies post here, but I don’t think I’ve told you about another old-time favorite—Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I grew up on this movie. Adam, Benjamin, Caleb, Daniel, Ephraim, Frank and Gideon. If you don’t get that, you NEED to watch this movie.

 

 

In that movie there’s an entire song dedicated to June brides. “OOOOooohhhh, they say if you marry in Juuuuunnne…you will alllwaaays beeee a briiiiiide.” You’re welcome.

 

 

Once Landon knew that I needed wanted to have a June wedding, the big question was whether we wanted to plan a wedding in four months or if we wanted to wait 16 months to get hitched. As two virgin kids with the honey glow in our eyes, we decided on the four month route. ;) So June 24 was the date set, and I was absolutely positive that God would NOT let it rain or be ridiculously hot on my wedding day. He just wouldn’t. Ah, to be 21 and naïve.

The next four months included dress shopping (thank God for floor models!), putting together bouquets (silk flowers save the budget!), wedding registries (no dear, you cannot register for that Star Wars spaceship), and deciding on a location for the big event.

 

Dress shopping. Apparently I was saving all of my cheesy smiles for my wedding day.

 

 

Why yes those ARE giant underpants! Our wedding shower gift from Mr. Bug's parents :)

 

My sisters and I before the wedding shower. I don't know why. I just don't know.

 

I knew I wanted something a little less traditional than a church building, and I found this beautiful bed & breakfast in a little Nebraska town that was perfect. (Note: Their website has music on the home page so don't let that scare you. Sorry!) The wedding would be outside—which would be fine because of my previously mentioned deal with God—and we could have the reception there too. Jackpot!

 

 

 

So there you have it. The lead-up to the big day. I’ll tell you all about that later this week, but I will let you in on one little secret: if you’re planning a wedding and hope everything goes off without a hitch, take a deep breath and get ready for a ride. It ain’t happenin’ sister. But it usually all works out well in the end : )