Four years ago, I married my best friend.
Standing on a rock in the middle of a creek, white water rushing beneath us, we said our vows before a small audience of close family. The world was suffering from a pandemic, so the wedding was outside and only ten people were allowed to attend. There are six members of the Buice family and four Smiths, so we did not have to struggle with a guest list. Mom and I had fun planning, and it was much less overwhelming than a large wedding may have been. My sisters stood beside me, as they always have. Each had a part in reading psalms, taking pictures, bearing rings, and trying to maintain dry eyes. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the best day of my life. My mom made the cake, my dad performed the service, and Rush’s parents drove for hours on their 50th wedding anniversary to witness the beginning of our marriage. After we pledged to love and keep each other for the rest of our lives, my dad turned to Susan and Walton, who renewed their vows.
There was a small reception, with a dance floor solely for a “first dance” and a “father/daughter.” My husband let me choose the “first dance song.” Not every man is as wonderful as he-for many reasons-and even though I chose a cheesy boy band number, he led me around the dance floor as if it was Classical.
I could not have gotten luckier.
I have acquired incredible in-laws who have always treated me like family. I am honored to have a loving sister in-law, a fun big brother, and have become an aunt to three nieces and a nephew. I have joined a family full of kind and welcoming aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Life does not get better than this.
We celebrate eight years of life together and four years of marriage. The world is full of puzzle pieces that do not fit. It is a beautiful occurrence to find the piece that connects perfectly. During the first week I spent with Rush, I knew I had met my match.
Let the fifth year commence!
–SJB
This brought me such happiness to read.