The Staircase
My morning was relaxed and filled with girl time; laughs, drinks, makeup, hair, gifts for and from my bridemaids, a 2003 music playlist to keep us company… But all of the preparations and perfume puffs were leading up to 2:30pm. Our scheduled “first look”.
I stood at the top of the staircase, hidden from the view below… I could faintly hear them talking; all I could hear were their voices, no specific words. My heart fluttered.
I was making small adjustments to myself as I waited; making sure my dress was positioned properly with the silk laying smoothly, my hair keeping it’s curl, my emerald earrings hanging freely from my hair, dabbing the sweat from my forehead with a hotel towel, turning my engagement ring to the exact center of my finger, rubbing my lips together to be sure my lip stain was even, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves, and fanning the bottom of my gown in an attempt to cool myself off. Everything about me was not picture perfect because it was a very hot day and I was standing on baking concrete slowly melting… I wanted this moment to be perfect - I could feel some anxiety building in my chest. Then I heard him laugh at something our photographers said, and the thought vanished.
It was instantaneously replaced with my Brettson, the love of my life… He was standing at the bottom of the beautiful staircase waiting for me and our first look. The only thought consuming me was my impatience to make my way down the staircase.
I got the go-ahead and took my first step; there were about five steps before the staircase turned into the landing and turned left to descend to the ground. I made it to the first landing and felt a rush of emotion and had to swallow hard to avoid tearing up. He was standing there at the bottom looking amazing.
Something about this man just gets to me, deep in my soul. I love him so much… and I felt so happy and honored to be his… and so incredibly grateful to share this moment together.
I made my way down each step, left after right after left; took some time considering how grand and tall the staircase was, and moreover my 4 ½" heels with a bridal gown to hold.
I said, “Hey baby” when I had only a few stairs left and he replied with a smile I heard and mirrored, “Hey baby” back to me.
I reached the bottom and I felt myself take a deep breath; I lightly touched his back… He asked if he should turn around or if I should walk around to the front of him; we kind of laughed because I automatically replied for him to turn around.
Finally his blue-eyed gaze met mine and it was a timeless moment. I could have stayed frozen in that exact place to relish the emotional pull I felt towards him and the love I have for him.
An amazing smile crossed his face and he automatically kissed me by grabbing the sides of my face and neck and pulling me towards him as he moved towards me… A kiss full of tension and passion and love. We pulled away and complimented each other, and also laughed about how damn hot it was outside. I asked for him to give me a turn so I could get the full 360 view, and it was quite a view…. He looked so handsome and dapper and… happy. I replied with a twirl. I was so happy that he loved my dress and told me things he specifically loved about it. I helped him cuff his shirt and so happy to see the watch I bought him as my wedding gift to him perfectly displayed on his wrist.
We shared our moment, even with the cameras clicking; but it was just him and me… me and him.
I had to fight back tears again - it wasn’t the first time of the day and it wouldn’t be the last.
I will never forget our “first look”… That inexplicable moment when he turned and our eyes met…
It was magic.