The Days Leading Up to Our Wedding: A Surreal Countdown

As I look back on the days leading up to our wedding, it’s still surreal how quickly everything came together. July 20th, 2024—our wedding day—felt like it was rushing toward me, faster than I could’ve imagined. Those final days almost didn’t feel real. It was as if I was floating through a dream, with each moment more unbelievable than the last.

A few days before the wedding, I said goodbye to a chapter of my life that meant so much to me—the last day at my previous job. But in a whirlwind of timing (stressful and beautiful all at once!), that very same day was also the day I picked up my wedding dress. Talk about cutting it close, right? Between tears of farewell and the excitement of walking out with the dress, it felt like I was balancing on the edge of two worlds.

The day of my final fitting was extra special because I invited two of my closest friends to come with me. Their presence was a huge deal for me. Both of these women had walked through so much of life with me, and having them there to share in such an intimate moment made it even more meaningful. They hadn’t seen the dress before—no one had. I had kept it a complete secret, not wanting to spoil the surprise for anyone until the moment I stepped out for the fitting.

One of my friends even joked about hiding in the bushes at my wedding if she didn’t get to see the dress before the big day! We laughed about it for weeks, but I knew deep down that she meant it—her excitement for me was that strong, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

When the moment came, I took a deep breath and stepped out in my gown. There was a stillness in the air as I walked into the room, and then I saw their faces. The looks of awe, joy, and just pure emotion were priceless. My heart skipped a beat, and it was at that very moment I knew without a doubt—this was the perfect dress. I had trusted my gut, and it had led me right. Their reactions told me everything I needed to hear. The dress was more than just fabric and beads; it felt like me—like it was made for this moment in my life.

Having those two friends by my side during the final fitting was a gift. They’ve seen me through so much, and here they were, sharing in one of the most personal parts of my wedding journey. It wasn’t just about the dress; it was about having them there to witness a piece of my heart. Their love and support meant the world to me, and in those final days before the wedding, it felt like we were stitching together memories I would hold forever.

But that day wasn’t just about the dress. It was also the day I said goodbye to the kiddos and coworkers I had grown so close to over the years. It was an emotional rollercoaster—hugging, laughing, shedding a few tears, and soaking in the bittersweet reality of leaving behind something I loved to move toward something equally beautiful. After all the farewells, I packed up and headed to my new home, the home I was about to share with my soon-to-be husband.

Life has a funny way of blending endings and new beginnings, doesn’t it? In just a few short days, I found myself standing between the past and the future, feeling the weight and beauty of both. Yet, even in the chaos, I knew God’s timing was perfect, guiding me through it all. Every step was part of His plan, bringing together people, moments, and memories I’ll forever hold dear.

The countdown to the wedding was officially on, and in those final moments, I could feel the love and joy surrounding me, from my friends, my family, and from the life I was stepping into. The whirlwind of those days reminded me that sometimes, it’s the rush of life that makes the most precious memories.

Love, Chelsea