The hours and days following the ceremony were a chaotic nightmare from hell that I will also never forget! It's almost unbelievable how quickly everything fell apart, but we can laugh about it now, and it's definitely an experience worth sharing!
I don't want you to think that I'm bitter and hate married life already, because its actually the opposite! This crazy experience has brought Josh and I even closer together, and has further confirmed to us that we truly need each other, and that getting married when we did was perfect timing for us.
Many of you reading this either attended or were invited to attend our wedding reception that was held at the Morton Arboretum. We made our entrance about an hour late, left an hour early, and the only explanation offered was simply "the bride isn't feeling well".
Let me explain further.
The calm before the storm
After our ceremony, we had a small luncheon where we were again surrounded by our families and close friends. We had a lovely meal, and several heartwarming toasts. It was a beautiful celebration. the Luncheon ended around 1pm and pictures were scheduled to begin at 3pm. Josh and I headed to our hotel where we checked in, unpacked our overnight bags, and planned on taking a nap. At this point I felt a little off, and assumed I was just tired from a busy, emotional day.
However, around 2:45 I found myself on the floor of our hotel bathroom, ready to vomit. I couldn't believe I felt so sick, but I was SURE that if I got it out before the reception, I would feel better.
I didn't end up vomiting, so Josh and I stopped at a convenience store to get scope, a toothbrush, and pepto bismol while on our way to take pictures. Just as a precaution.
We arrived late for pictures, and I quickly began a photo shoot with my bridesmaids. I brought a sprite and a trashcan with me, because I knew it wouldn't be smart to ignore the storm brewin' in my belly while wearing a white wedding gown.
While taking pictures, I managed to smile for the camera, but would burst into tears between each shot. Despite my best efforts, after about 5 minutes, I found myself behind bushes, in a very public place, puking into a trashcan in a bridal gown, surrounded by my bridesmaids. I'm sure it was quite a sight to see! But I did feel a little better, so I said "bring on more pictures!", and we managed to squeeze in a few more shots.
This was when I was hit with the most severe case of the stomach flu I have ever had in my entire life. EVER. And on my wedding day!! We called pharmacies, doctors, friends for advice, but nothing eased my symptoms, so I just stayed on the floor and try to keep down any liquids and medicine I could.
I threw up every 10-15 minutes for the next three hours. My hair was a disaster and make up was running down my face. It was an exhausting and disgusting experience, to say the least.
Around 6:45 (45 minutes after guests began arriving), two of my friends helped me fix my hair and make up, I put on my dress, and I went downstairs with my new husband.
Growing up, I wasn't the little girl who dreamed of her wedding day, but before Josh had even put a ring on my finger, I had big plans for our big day. I had been working tirelessly on this wedding for nearly five months.
When I finally made my way downstairs to the reception, I saw the fruits of my labor come together in a beautiful, elegant, celebration. It went off without a hitch. Everything was perfect, but I was so focused on trying not to throw up while maintaining my status as a charming, beautiful bride, I couldn't really enjoy it.
Our short time at the reception was spent visiting with guests, taking more pictures , and two short dances--one with my dad and one with Josh.
We left an hour later without saying goodbye to anyone.
I didn't get to toss my bouquet, I didn't get to dance with my friends to our favorite songs, and I didn't get to drive away in a car decorated with window paint. My once in a life time night slipped through my fingers!
The morning after
Josh and I went to our hotel room and went straight to bed. The next morning, I didn't want to see or talk to anyone because I was embarrassed, angry, and heartbroken. Josh was so supportive and wonderful, and let me have a sad day. Thankfully, I did feel a little bit better, and was looking forward to leaving for our honeymoon in San Francisco on Monday morning. Josh and I were ready for a fresh start.
The double-whammy
Sunday came and went, and when we woke up on Monday morning to leave for the airport, Josh started throwing up. And didn't stop.
With one call and one mean stomach flu, our honeymoon was now canceled.
Lessons learned
This was a completely crazy (and unlucky) way to start our marriage. But with every negative experience, there is always something positive we can learn from it. Here are a few of the positives I have taken from this experience:
1. Saturday night was a disaster, but Friday night was a night to remember!
On Friday night, our two families met for the first time. We had never had all of us in the same room at the same time, and I was so incredibly anxious and nervous. Despite my doubts and anxieties, the night was perfect! Our two families united in an effortless way that I didn't think was possible, it was amazing to watch! We all laughed and chatted over pizza, we watched our nieces and nephews play together, and we talked with much excitement about the celebrations ahead.
I felt so much love from my two families. My parents and siblings were so supportive, and my new in-laws made me feel like I was a part of their family. Had the reception gone according to plan, I may have failed to recognize how important the casual pizza party was, and may have taken the hugs and kind words exchanged for granted. But now I count that night as one of my most cherished wedding memories!
2. We love those we serve, and we serve those we love
Josh and I jumped into the nitty-gritty part of marriage pretty fast, that's for sure. It has been said that "we love those we serve, and we serve those we love", and this statement has never been more applicable or true.
I always remember the look of concern Josh had on his face, and the way he refused to leave my side. He laid down on the floor next to me, in his tuxedo, rubbing my back and promising me that it would be okay. Assuring me that I would feel better. He sat right by the bathroom door while I was sick because I told him I needed him to be with me, and he didn't think twice about it. Not once did he complain about missing the party or the food or the attention. He treated me like a princess. A really sick, kinda gross, princess. And I will never forget it!
When Josh woke up sick on Monday, my heart broke for him because I knew how awful he felt. However, I was so grateful for the opportunity to serve the man I love. Actions speak louder than words, and both of us have now had the opportunity to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.
3. Taking bridals with Josh before the wedding was THE SMARTEST IDEA EVER.
A few weeks before the wedding we took amazing pictures in Chicago with Josh in his tux and me in my gown. Not only did we get to display them at the reception, but it meant I wasn't missing critical picture taking time while I was puking. Phew!
4. Josh and I are married and that's all that matters!!!!
Duh, people! The most important part of the wedding isn't the pictures, or the dancing, or the party! Its the marriage! The most important part is that Josh and I are together! I wouldn't want a million perfect wedding receptions, or even just one perfect wedding reception, if it meant losing Josh. He is my dream come true!
It's all uphill from here
We started our marriage off with a pretty intense trial. Missing out on our wedding celebration and honeymoon could have caused bitterness and contention, but it only brought us closer together. We know that we are in it for the long haul, and we have proved that fact to each other. We can't wait to move past this stomach flu incident so we can avoid real life and have a little bit of a honeymoon.
Our Happy Ending
Don't worry! There is a happy ending update to our tragic tale!
I am putting the finishing touches on this entry from Las Vegas! Last night we both felt okay, and decided that a spontaneous trip to some warm weather is just what we needed to hit the reset button and get this marriage started on the right foot. We got ourselves some last-minute plane tickets, booked a suite at the Monte Carlo, and we are absolutely loving this chance to regroup and recover. After all this bad luck, we're sure to do well in the casinos! We're feelin lucky!
I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. There is never a dull moment!
