2 Years Ago

On August 26, 2011 I was:

waking up next to my future sister-in-law

enjoying a slow morning at Mary Jo's with the Jumps and Mom & Dad

getting a manicure and pedicure

checking into The Westin

assisting Kirstie with the flowers (she's a pro)

welcoming friends from out of town

visiting with Mom, bridesmaids, cousins and my aunt in my hotel room

setting up the centerpieces for our reception (and putting the groomsman to work)

wearing my pink dress with one shoulder and ruffles

walking down the aisle with Dad for the first time

rehearsing for our wedding

eating (hardly!) at Maggiano's

smiling big for lots of pictures

listening to sweet toasts from family

laughing and tearing up at my favorite toast from my brother

handing out gifts that I put a lot of thought into to the most important people in our lives

kissing Paul goodnight in the parking lot before he ran off to play whirlyball

having a sleepover with my favorite people at a super nice hotel

going to sleep for the last time as Mariel Unverricht

I can still remember so many moments from that day. I was so excited when I woke up I jumped out of bed to start the day. I felt like I couldn't wait for the moments to happen but also never wanted them to pass! I can picture myself sitting in the chair at the nail salon with the biggest secret, I was getting married tomorrow! I remember the smell of the hotel as I walked in that afternoon. Even now, any time we've walked into a Westin hotel (once or twice) it brings me right back to that weekend. I love how smells can do that! I remember sunlight streaming in the window as I floated around the hotel room doing my hair and getting ready for the rehearsal surrounded by some of my favorite women. I remember goofing off with Paul and his friends as we set up the tables for the reception and I remember hugging my grandma as she walked into the room. And I remember sitting next to Paul at dinner as we had probably 100 times before. It felt familiar and normal, but yet we knew it was different than any other meal we had shared and our lives were about to change forever. I remember giggling in the car with friends after dinner. I was light, and carefree, and peaceful, and giddy all at once! I remember not feeling at all nervous, which surprised me. I always figured I'd be nervous! The day was just full of joy and hope and love. Tomorrow I would marry Paul Schmitt! I would be his!