It's funny how life can differ so much

from year to year.

Last year, on this day, I didn't have time to do my hair or makeup. I pulled my hair into a wet bun after I woke up and showered [and skipped my German and Writing Capstone classes], and I drove all over town. I picked up my bridal photos, gifts for my friends who weren't bridesmaids but were special to me anyway, something for my parents, and something for his.

I swapped out some chipped glasses and visited our vacant apartment--neither of us lived there yet. I tried on my pre-wedding dress [or the dress I wore before the ceremony] for my mom and sister.

I went to the mansion and helped set up the blue candles in the candle holders, decided how long the ribbons should be on which my brother hung lanterns. We pressed tablecloths and decided on the mood lighting and where the band would sit, as well as where the cake would go and the photos of us and the photos of me. We picked the table guests would place gifts, and my brothers hung globe lights on the porch roof.

I was elated that one of my very best friends drove to my home after a long flight that night and we watched Enchanted after visiting my sweet, messy little apartment with my oldest sister. I saw all the things his family brought over in our family room: the lamps his grandma gave to us [she's an interior designer], the bedding, the desk which is now mine... lots of sweet, little things.

I went to bed that night with my friend sleeping on a make-shift bed on the floor. I read my scriptures, said my prayers, drank a tall glass of water, applied chapstick and lotioned my hands [my nightly routine]. I remember thinking, "I'm getting married in the morning."

And marry I did. I do not regret it one bit. I know I'm young, but I don't care. It was the biggest and best decision I've ever made.