FanStory.com - The Brideby eliz100

I stand at the beginning of the path to start my married life. If I step outside myself, I see a beautiful Vera Wang gown; the bodice sparkles with crystals and beads—the princess-style skirt with layers and layers of tulle. One layer in the middle is pink, giving the dress a hint of pink. The flowers are pink tea roses and, my favorite white Gerber daisies. The antique veil was my grandmother's. Part of the veil covers my face, and a pearl-beaded tiara holds it in place. The back of the veil, trimmed in Belgium lace, floats over my dress.

I step back into the bridal finery.

Like Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride, I could turn around and run away. I have a wonderful professional life as a middle school principal and an apartment in an upscale building. Last but not least, my cat, Midnight. Yes, he is all black. Will he get along with Joe’s chocolate lab?

“I am scared. Is he the forever one? So many marriages do not last.”

We wanted to get married outdoors. After looking at many places, we found the perfect setting. My mom hung her rosary beads on the clothes line, praying for good weather on my wedding day.

And God answered her prayers. It is a perfect day, temperature around 70 degrees, with a gentle breeze, San Diego weather.

The sky appears painted by an artist, a sky blue palette with cottony clouds.

Looking down the path to my future husband, I see ten-foot-tall fir trees with tiny white, twinkling lights draped over them.

I take a few deep breaths, resettle my damp hands on my bouquet, and prepare to take a step. I slowly lift my high-heeled shoe and take the first step to the rest of my life.