graduation... and beyond.: September 2013

It doesn't seem all that long ago that I was posting about my great friends, Levi and Amanda getting engaged... (Engaged!!) She was posting about it too! (20 and Engaged)

Well... they are no longer engaged... THEY ARE MARRIED!

I was beyond honored when Amanda asked me to be a bridesmaid. It was the most precious way of asking ever!! But it just seemed so far away!! This was at the beginning of my sophomore year, and if I was impatient, I can't imagine how Levi and Amanda felt!

Of course, I said YES!

Levi and Amanda chose September 14, 2013 because that's when they started dating 6 years ago, and after dress shopping, dress trying on, and months of hearing her ideas and visions (and loving every one of them!), August 2013 had rolled into town. And this meant only a little over a month to go.

We had a wonderful time at her bridal shower in August! That was the first time a lot of the bridesmaids had met each other and it really was starting to feel real to all of us.... it was (finally!) happening!


Bridal Shower Maids!

And then suddenly, the Bachelorette party was here! It was a night full of surprises for Amanda as we went to dinner at HuHot, scavenger hunting at Krispy Kreme, and dancing at Club Rodeo! But we were still two weeks out... Hurry up, wedding!

Bachelorette Party!

The weekend before the wedding, I invited Amanda to Lawrence since Levi would be at his bachelor's party and it was the first KU game of the season! It would be a good break, right? Well, it was hot. Really hot. And we were both afraid of getting sunburnt while waiting for the game to start! It turned out ok though, because we just sat their with towels over our faces and nothing got burnt!

KU Game!

I woke up the next Friday morning so excited... I was leaving for Emporia that night!! The rehearsal was that night as well as the bridal party sleepover! The rehearsal went off without a hitch and that night, we all hung out at Amanda's and told stories! It was a blast, but we were so ready for that next day!

After showering, making the center pieces, running errands, and getting ready, it was time for pictures! This meant we were SO CLOSE! A friend of Amanda and I'd from high school took pictures and she did a fabulous job! We passed the time by singing pitch perfect songs, drinking mimosas, and doing whatever Amanda needed (I got to play messenger quite a bit!).

The next we know... it's 4:47.. only a few minutes to go! We line up, whisper a few words to Amanda, and then... the music started. Amanda had the brilliance to not play Here Comes the Bride, so this piece choked everyone up the moment it started.

"A Thousand Years- The Piano Guys"

If you know me, you know I was tearing up. I have known and loved these two for many years and I just could not contain my excitement and joy... but then I looked over at Levi.

Friends, this is how I know true love exists.

He was anxiously waiting for Amanda to come in because they had not seen each other all day (only talked, blind folded) and he was shaking. Smiling, shaking, griping his hands, READY.

And then, there she was.... And there were tears rolling down his face.

After that, there were few dry eyes in the house. Amanda's sister Kayla was crying, the best man was sniffling, Ashley and I were tearing and I couldn't see Amanda's face, but I believe she was too.

I know how much these two love each other, and I know how long they've waited for this.

It was a short and sweet ceremony. Again, Amanda had the brilliance to choose a song she loved for the first walk as Mr. and Mrs. Miller! I loved all her choices for songs, and this was no different.

"Marry Me- Train"

More. Tears.

After more pictures, and a quick "Congrats!", it was dinner time. All the 'maids realized how hungry we were after we saw the chocolate fountain and pasta Levi and Amanda chose. The Maid of Honor and Best Man toasts were hilarious and heart-warming (and a little long, Brian!!) but they were absolutely perfect coming from the two who gave them.

Time to dance! Amanda and Levi's first dance was to Brad Paisely's "Then", (perfect), Levi and his Mom danced to "I Love You This Big" (perfect), and Amanda and her dad... well they didn't do a traditional Father-Daughter dance. It started out that way, and turned into a medley of fun dances, and everyone loved it! It was (perfect.)

It was a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple. I love you both to the moon and back, and I hope you had a wonderful day. <3>

#haveagoodtimeonyourhoneymooncruise!