Fried Green Tomatoes are Good for the Soul

We got married at the church Matt grew up in, and where his dad served as choir director. Conveniently, it is mere blocks from one of my favorite meat and threes in town. The Searson's would go here frequently after church and little Matthew loved to see the trains. It made perfect sense that this would be where our Rehearsal Dinner would be held - we wanted something casual, and the sentiment was gravy on the mashed potatoes.

Matt's mom did a wonderful job on dressing up our room just right for the occasion.

There is something to be said about having the people that are closest to you all in a room together. It really was such a rare, special time. In between bites of chicken fingers, I tried to soak it all in.

And then Matt's dad got up to speak. Which coincided with when the tears began for me. He spoke of Matt's persistence, his rare ability to forgive and forget and how if he was a betting man, he would put his money on us hands down. Matt's sister spoke of his pure heart, how he doesn't rush to judge anyone, and how he has taken care of her from near and far her whole life - and reminded me what a treat I am getting.


Evidence of my ugly-try-not-to-cry-face.

His friends had some great stories, and welcomed me in to the group. It did my heart good to hear all these things I know to be true about my groom repeated by everyone else that loves him too. After all we have been through as a couple, having our families and friends recognize how far we have come and support us is something I will never forget and always treasure.

By the end of the evening, my stomach and heart were full and I didn't think I could cry another tear.

Which of course, come Saturday, I proved myself wrong.