Call me Mrs.

On the last day of summer, I woke up at about 6 am. My alarm was set for 7:15, when I intended to get up and go for a run along the Delaware River. I lay in bed for 45 minutes, knowing that I needed to be well-rested, and finally got up and dressed in my running gear. The river valley was blanketed with thick fog. I jogged down to the water's edge and could not see across to the other side. Still, it was a good morning for a run. I thought I saw a kingfisher perched near the water, but it flew away before I could get a closer look.

I parked at a picnic area near the trailhead and began my run down the smooth gravel path. I kept the pace slow and easy and just enjoyed the movement. I passed through woods and along the edges of fields. There were river access points and campgrounds and bridges over streams that drained down into the river. The path was hilly, and I didn't want to tire my legs too much, so I turned around after a mile and a half. 

A run was the perfect way to start my wedding day.

When I got back to the room, I had to make the decision about where to hold the reception: outside in the tent I had wanted so much, or inside in a ballroom. My bridesmaids and I watched the weather report and decided that even though the weather would be beautiful for most of the day, I should move the reception inside because it would rain that night. After the decision was made, I spent the rest of the morning in the salon with my bridesmaids getting our hair and makeup done. One-by-one, the  photographer, wedding coordinator, florist, and band arrived. I was a little antsy waiting for my parents to arrive so I could get my dress on. I wanted to be ready and make sure that everything happened smoothly, which it did.

The ceremony was held outside on the banks of the Delaware River. The late summer day was exactly what I had envisioned: calm and green with bright sun beaming through the trees and just the slightest hint of autumn colors creeping into the mountain ridge behind the river. As my dad escorted me across the lawn toward the ceremony site, the sweet and achingly beautiful notes of "First Time Outside", a song from a movie I loved as a child, carried in the air.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAVm4ASJvBM

The ceremony was over so soon. We said our vows, exchanged our rings, and before I knew it, we were walking down the aisle, married! 

The outdoor setting felt very special to me, because I feel that the outdoors draws me out of my little librarian shell and into all kinds of adventures. This is just one more adventure on my journey, and I am so lucky to have such a special traveling companion. Ever on!