who, what, where, Wedding.
Who: Connor Widder and Karissa Nickish
When: The Eleventh of September, 2o21
What: Monogamy
Where: One Eleven East in Hutto, TX (Basically: Austin.)
Four months ago, Connor and I got all dressed up and made it official. Bride and Groom, Man and Wife, to have and to hold, all that stuff. Our wedding day mirrored the entirety of our relationship: perfectly unique, one of a kind, and full of color.
I can’t start writing about my wedding without painting the full picture: I was terrified. The second I knew my parents were separating, I thought about my wedding and how drastically different it would be from what I’d always hoped. I dreaded this day, and all the pain it would drag up, for all parties involved. Despite my initial pleading to elope in the mountains (which is so off-brand because I don’t even like mountains.) I knew a wedding with an aisle and cake and air conditioning was what I always wanted. My parent’s divorce took away so much joy of my life as a young adult and I was determined to not let it steal this day too.
In the end, it was a beautiful day. We were surrounded by flowers, sprinkles, and people who love us, and that’s all I could have hoped for. It was heavenly, heavy, and holy all at the same time.
I didn’t believe in soulmates before I met Connor. Now, I’m not so sure. He is truly the only person I could have done this with. I was terrified to write a new story while still healing from the last chapter. Marriage, while still caught in the aftermath of divorce? I wasn’t sure I could do it. Connor has been so gentle, patient, and eager to understand my heart. I couldn’t be more thankful to have found a partner who loves me, mess and all.
A few years ago, I realized I couldn’t remember the last time my immediate family was in the same room. Because of separation and college and living in different states, and then divorce, I couldn’t picture the last time we were a family, my mom, and dad, and brother and I were all under one roof. The thought haunted me, when was it? Where were we? What room of the house were we in? When was the last time the four of us were together?
My wedding day was a lot of things, mostly new beginnings. It was also the most beautiful ending. I vividly remember during our ceremony, looking out and seeing my dad, mom, and brother. We were all in the same place, for the very last time. And I know I’ll never forget it.
One chapter ends, a new one begins. I am excited to share this new one with you.
