Frank and Amanda's Wedding in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

After making sure that I had everything, off to the hotel I went! But, I had to stop by the park to drop off the table and sand vessels for our sand ceremony!

At this time, I looked...at this place I was about to get married to my fiance of a year, boyfriend of 4, best friend of 5. Everything was green, the sun was shining, all was quiet, not one person in that place but me. It was one of the most serene and blessed parts of my day.

It was short-lived before my phone was being blown up because everyone wanted to know why I wasn't at the hotel yet, and to "hurry up" because I needed to get ready. This was a theme, it seemed. Everything was hurried. So, I was running late...big deal.

I got to the hotel and started getting ready. My nerves were on edge and it did help to have a drink (or 2) while getting ready. It was a beautiful hotel. It felt like such a fairytale...I really couldn't even understand or believe that it was MY wedding day that everyone was doting over and rushing to get ready for. Once we were all ready, we headed out. While driving to the ceremony, is when I realized...I DIDN'T HAVE MY HUSBAND'S WEDDING RING! I FORGOT IT AT HOME!

The Uber had to take a detour and luckily, I didn't live far from the hotel. I was able to grab the ring and we made it there before many guests did. So...all the 'rushing' was really for nothing. I mean, they can't start the wedding without the bride and her party, right? haha

We had decided not to stay together the night before and also to do our photos after the wedding so that we didn't see eachother beforehand.

It was emotional, the day. But, the first real crying I did was when my dad saw me for the first time. My dad and I are very close. And in recent years, he had battled health issues. After all the years that I had waited for this day, I had watched my dad grow older and feared that my dream of walking down the aisle with him may never happen. So, this moment was very emotional. I felt "all grown up" and I think that it was at this moment my dad realized it too...

We had some laughs, we shared some tears...before I knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin.

I was nervous and felt almost like I was walking on air when walking down the aisle. My husband was in tears but I felt like I couldn't see anyone but him. I was very nervous.

The vows were beautiful, the ceremony went along without a hitch. My dad is a wonderful man who always wants to be silly and make people laugh, so of course he brought a pair of googly eyes to my ceremony! It truly broke the ice for everyone...(Thank you dad). My husband looked amazing. All of the groomsmen were so handsome. My girls looked beautiful...The day was truly beautiful. The music was perfect.

The words we shared as vows...that was almost a slow motion time during the ceremony. Every word that I said, I realized the seriousness of what I was saying and what I was legally binding in to. Not that I doubted it for a minute. I am old enough to PICK the RIGHT one after so many years....What I am saying is that in that moment...the words we exchanged had a completely different meaning in my heart and soul than if I had ever heard them at someone elses wedding before. It was as if a change took place right then and there. And then we were married in all of like 20 minutes!

After the ceremony, we took pictures, which I hate about as much as shopping (true story). Everyone wanted a picture and I was over it. I just wanted to sit down, visit with people and enjoy a beer! But, I was unable to. The limo then showed up to take us to our ceremony and we were off!

No one had created a playlist so there was some time spent on that in the limo, which I wish I would have had someone designated to do that beforehand.

We didn't go to any bars. We stopped at the gas station for anything anyone needed before the reception and that was it.

The reception was beautiful, but people that RSVP'd as coming, did not show up. So, it was very empty in certain areas. If I would have had an accurate count, I would have ordered food differently and decorated differently. That was the most discouraging part of my day. Many people that said that they would be there, didn't come. That was a game changer for me ;)

The dance was fun! We played some traditional games! We ate well! We drank well! We were surrounded by those that truly matter to us and for THAT I am forever thankful and aware.

It was all like a fairytale and over in the blink of an eye. Now, I am Mrs. Lucadamo and married. Don't believe what they say.

Marriage is NOT "just a piece of paper". In fact, I didn't get a paper! Except for one that we signed and have yet to go to the court house to get a copy of the license.

Marriage is so much more. The change in the love and relationship starts with the engagement and brininging your friends into your relationship. Through the choices you have to make as a couple when getting ready for the wedding up until the vows you say that change your soul. The change is internal and has nothing to do with a 'piece of paper'. Happy wedding bliss!