Hi, I'm Mrs. Hillis...

So. I promised myself I wouldn't post here until it was official. Finally, the day has arrived. As of last Saturday, I am now Mrs. Charlotte Hillis.

Everyone kept telling me I was the calmest bride they had ever seen. So many people kept saying, "wait, the breakdown will come." Well, it never really did. Our wedding day was so wonderful, so happy and full of love, friends and family--there was no reason to be nervous or anxious.

My bridesmaids were my best friends Jane and Wendy, and my first cousin (practically sister) Tammy. They looked beautiful in dark purple gowns with shrug jackets over them, carrying wildflower bouquets. The groomsmen were Greg's dad, his nephew Dustin, and my cousin (practically brother) Eddie. They looked so handsome in black suits with white shirts and lavender ties. My (step)son looked beautiful in his little black suit, purple shirt and matching tie. And my Greg was the most handsome man in the world in his suit and lavender tie.

The wedding party walked down the aisle to "Feels Like Home" by Raul Malo. I watched from the wings as the couples went before me, then my sweet little boy. My little Mama (so pretty in soft blue) held my arm and whispered "take a deep breath, baby," as we stepped to the end of the aisle. Raul Malo was singing my exact thoughts as I walked slowly down the aisle:

"If you knew how much this moment means to me
and how long I've waited for your touch
If you knew how happy you are making me
I've never loved anyone so much...
Feels like home to me
Feels like home to me
Feels like I'm all the way back
Where I come from...
Feels like home to me
Feels like home to me
Feels like I'm all the way back where I belong."

The moment I started walking I saw Greg's face smiling at the end of the aisle. He looked so happy--just glowing with happiness and love. I glanced around the church, and every face was smiling at me. I have never felt so happy, so thrilled, yet so at peace with where I was and what was happening. Everyone I loved was there, and so many of my dearest friends, also.

Kevin conducted the ceremony perfectly, with grace, charm, humor, dignity, and reverence. His calm manner and strength kept me from crying (well, until the end anyway), and his gentle direction made everything go so smoothly.

I had the best bridesmaids in the entire world. Jane has been my rock and my strength, my sounding board, my confidante, my cheerleader, and my right arm. I could have done NONE of this without her. I love her more than I can say.

Wendy was my protector, my assistant, my defender, and my "panic button" for the day before and of the wedding. I never realize just how much I miss her until I see her again. We've been best friends for over twenty years, and whenever we get together, time seems to have never passed. We fall right into a rhythm that only true friends have.

Tammy was (and is) the sister I never had. We've always loved each other and been close, but this made us even closer, I think. She was so wonderful about helping me plan everything, made me laugh when I needed it, encouraged me when I needed it, and kept me in the right perspective when I needed it.

Whew...this is a lot after only one cup of coffee. I'll post more later, and hopefully some photos soon.

Until then...

Much Love,
Mrs. Hillis