And It All Starts Falling Into Place

I firmly believe that if something is right, it somehow just works out and everything, all of the little (and big) details start falling into place. This doesn't mean that no effort or preparation is made, just that those obstacles and hurdles are either easily overcome or practically move out of the way. This has been especially apparent in my relationship with Matt in general and our decision to get married, more specifically. There were a few different aspects that, at first, seemed almost insurmountable and ominous. But as we really started to dig our heels in and try to work through them, it seemed as if we were silly to worry in the first place.

Those initial obstacles included, but were not limited to: getting an internship in the D.C. area; deciding when to get married (after I graduate, before I graduate and if so, how long before); if we were to get married before I graduate, how would I finish school; how we would meet the families; finding a dress; where to have the reception; the reactions of those close to us if we were decide to get married in April instead of July. There are many others, but I think the idea is pretty clear. All of those, save one, have worked out better, I think, than either of us expected. It has really strengthened my faith that the Lord is really in control and His hand is guiding our lives.

When Matt first asked me to do my internship in Virginia, it was really so we could spend the summer getting to know each other and finally being in the same place. It's comical how soon that plan flew out the window once we met each other. Then the plan was to spend the summer engaged and getting to know each other. That plan also got nixed. Finally we decided the summer would be far more fun and it would be wise of us to consider getting married before the summer and then spending it being married and getting to know each other as a married couple. But I digress, that information will be more pertinent later. I knew that the only way that this would really work out long term was if I did my internship out in Virginia or in D.C. No pressure... I have to say that I wasn't nearly as concerned about getting an internship as Matt was. He would frequently bring it up, anxious and worried about what we would do and what would happen if I wasn't able to find one. My concern was more that I wouldn't be able to find a paying internship and I had no idea how I would be able to afford living on the east coast otherwise. Ultimately, I knew that somehow it would work out and that if this was supposed to happen, it would. I never felt overly worried or anxious because deep inside, I knew that a way would be provided.

That way was provided. I started looking for design firms in the area and creating a spreadsheet with all of the information I would need in order to contact them. When I got home for Christmas break, I emailed all of them explaining who I was and my purpose in writing them. Almost immediately I began hearing back from them to my delight. Some wanted to know more information about me, others wanted to talk on the phone. There was one in particular which was located like five minutes from Matt's house that really appealed to me. She emailed me asking for me to call her, which I did, but she didn't answer so I left a voice mail. I decided that I would wait until after Christmas (the phone call took place on like the 23rd) to contact her again. It actually turned out to be for the best because by that point, I knew that Matt and I would be married before I started, where we would be living, and that I would be able to take an internship without it being absolutely imperative that it be a paying one. We talked yesterday over the phone and she was thrilled to have me, she was totally willing to commit to having me as an intern. If we had discussed the internship before that, I wouldn't have known if I could accept it due to the financial restrictions. It was definitely a tender mercy that I experienced. The firm is called Sanctuary on Church and you can check out their website here. I am really looking forward to working with Hillary, she seems great and I know that there will be so much to learn from her.

Place Setting Put Together by Hillary and Employee

Deciding when to get married and factoring in the opinions of others was probably the biggest challenge we saw. It's a lengthy story on why we decided on April instead of July but it was a decision that we both thought and prayed about. Many factors went into determining that it was the best choice for us as a couple and I know that because we had done our homework, we made the right decision. We are both people pleasers and were worried that it may come across as rushed or pushy to move up the wedding but it turned out that our preparation paid off in the end and we have a loving support group behind us as we embark on this next phase of our lives, grateful to do so together. And at 11 AM on April 30, 2011, that journey will begin here:

I would talk about the dress in this post, but since Matt reads the blog, I will make a separate post for that so that I can show pictures and hopefully he won't cheat and look. But he's pretty superstitious so I'm not too concerned. Here is a sneak preview, though, which he has seen because it's not really telling of what the dress will end up looking like. 

My dress will have a bolero jacket for modesty and the color is Ivory, not the Coffee color that this one is and we are also having a ruched sash added to better define the waistline. I also don't imagine myself in exactly that kind of a pose, either.

We also decided to do the reception at the Pheromone Art Gallery in downtown Salem where I worked this summer. When I talked to Chris Marley, the artist and owner, he was thrilled and loved the idea of us having it there, he even offered the makings for Italian Sodas. Can you say, "score?" So we have a free venue and the beginnings of delicious beverages! I will take it.

The interior of the gallery, complete with me behind the desk

I guess the only thing that hasn't been nailed down yet is the school thing. Hopefully the school won't take the technology away from the department so that the capability to video conference into my classes remains. The head of the department really wants to continue to be able to make this option available to more students but that choice remains in the hands of the powers that be. Since the Man upstairs is basically in charge of the decision, prayers and supplications are welcome, even encouraged. I know that since everything else has come together so perfectly, that will, too.

Matt jokes about how I'm on a lucky streak, and I know that lucky streak started when he came into my life. I know, I know, it's getting sappy now. But honestly, I feel like I've been incredibly blessed and that it's a combination of the fact that this is right and that Matt and I have lived righteously and always tried to do what is right. I would do any part of my life over again if it meant that Matt would be the reward. I feel like my efforts are out of proportion with the blessing of receiving Matt in my life, but I'm not complaining. I'm sure one day the universe will notice that there's a little too much good fortune aimed at me, but I'm not going to rush that realization. Life is good. I have learned that we have so much more than we don't have. Sounds confusing, I know, but think about it, it's the truth.