The Best Day of My Life

This past Friday was the best day of my entire life.  Rachel and I awoke in Bethany Beach, Delaware. We were staying at a large mansion (a rental) with friends and family.  I made pancakes, we had a quick rehearsal, and then it was time to separate and start getting ready.

After being cloudy and rainy all morning, the sky parted and the sun started to shine.  I walked to the beach, where our minister Nancy waited at the site, which was already set up.

After processing with my parents, I turned and started to cry.  At the top of the dune stood the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, my bride Rachel.  

Her half-brother John led her to the beach.  After an introduction, I sang "Unchained Melody," then Nancy gave a sermon.  We held a sand ceremony, pouring colored sand while speaking our vows. We'd written them at the same time last Valentine's Day, but hadn't heard each other's vows until the ceremony.  It was wonderful.

We exchanged rings and were pronounced man and wife.  Then we took photos on the beach with our photographers before heading to a reception at Mango's, a restaurant above the beach.  I loved being surrounded by family and friends, thrilling in the delight of the day.

Finally, we returned to the beach house, where we had our first dance, and then spent the evening dancing with our friends.  It was the best day of our lives.  We spent the following day relaxing on the beach.