Mr. & Mrs. Tolman
It rained so hard that the roads flooded.
My dress was too big, and I’m sure there are a million more photos like the one above where my corset is showing, even before I broke the strap. Who can focus on that when there is so much more to enjoy?
I wish I could sit here and detail every moment that stayed with me: how do you do that when they all did?
I’ll never forget the soft sound of the rain above the altar as the Monsignor prepared communion or seeing Dan wipe a tear at the altar when I walked in.
I’ll always appreciate the moments of stillness I was able to experience at our dinner: sitting at the couple’s table, looking around at the laughter, the smiles, and feeling the love in the room. That is the beginning of a marriage I always dreamed of.
I’ll treasure seeing him dance with his mom, and I’ll always hold close to the toast he made to my family.
We did not wake up sad because “the day” was over. Instead, we went home, walked our dogs, and felt the pure bliss of knowing this was our life. I love that we love the moments in between just as much as the big ones. Our wedding day was the last piece of our strong foundation: now, it’s time to build even more.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, could take away the pure joy I felt in becoming Mrs. Leanne Tolman. On Saturday, I married the love of my life.
This morning, in my daily chat with my brother, he said:
“I’m very proud of you two, mostly you, for doing as you wish and having a fabulous day. It inspired me to do the same.”
It’s scary to be vulnerable enough to be yourself, but I promise you- it’s less frightening than waking up one day and not knowing who you are. Trust me, I would know. The beat of my own drum isn’t perfect, but it’s much better to dance to than the echo of everyone else.
I’m just so grateful that I found a man who not only likes the beat I play, but encourages me to play louder and is willing to complement it in any way he can. I can’t wait to see all the other beautiful things we do together.
If you enjoy my writing, perhaps you’ll consider joining my party in the corner and becoming a free or paid subscriber. Social media can be shut down instantly, but e-mail subscribers are more of a commitment. Just know that if you become a subscriber, I take a screenshot and send it to Dan with the “eyes-welling” emoji because each new “like” is a glimmer of my dreams for the future.
As a gentle reminder, my new journal/book, Seasons: A Collection of Poetry and Journal to Healing, is available. You can go ahead and buy your copy here.