It's been a while- here's Sheryl's wedding!

So yeah, I have been MIA for a while for several reasons. The main reason of course is school. That research paper is keeping me so busy. I had finally finished the literature review (18 pages) but then died cause it was so stressful. I have never done that before and APA can kiss it. But then I had to jump right into the methods portion (15 pages) where you lay out exactly how you would perform this research project. I'm still working on that as well as a group project which is due the week of thanksgiving (coming way too fast).

But the most exciting news that is now 3 weeks old is that my very best friend got married..she is now Mrs. Cowan and such an exciting thing. The wedding was incredible and with so many fun people, lots of pictures. Any time I hear the song "No Air" I lose it because at the moment of the big music buildup the doors flew open and out came the bride. I was already crying but that's when it turned to a blubber. Standing right next to her handing her the rings, holding her bouquet, fluffing her dress..I was so lucky to be there sharing that moment. I was lost in the moment realizing how much they truly love each other. I already knew, but Shannon is kind of the macho man type never showing his true feelings but his eyes started to water when she was walking down the aisle and seeing the emotion in his eyes, it was incredible. We even got "I love you" when we left which meant the world to me because I love him so much too. He is such an incredible guy and so made for Sheryl whom I love as a sister so it was so important that I love that guy too :)

I had to do a speech and I was sooo nervous that I apparently repeated myself and of course I started to cry so you could kind of make out what I was saying. We had lots of dancing and got to hang out with her adorable cousins Tristan and Logan that were such a blast to be with. They live in Las Vegas so it kind of sucks that they will probably not remember us the next time he sees us. At least we have the memories. And seeing my sister and how much Sheryl means to her always makes me so happy. And sharing moments with her parents that were practically my parent growing up.. they were by no means a replacement for my parents who I love, but I spent so much time with her parents they became part of my family as well. I had a little moment on the dance floor with them blubbering and bursting into tears with them. I've done that a lot around them. They've been there for me a lot over the last several years. Also getting to know Shannon's mom was so great too. She is such a sweet lady and so loving towards Sheryl. I have so many friends that are married and hate their in-laws. I was blessed with great in-laws and I am so glad she got blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law. Right before we started the ceremony, Carrie turned around and we were like uh-oh. So I asked her if she wanted a hug or if that would make things worse and she just nodded her head and reached out her arms and I just squeezed her and told her how lucky she is to have Shannon and how lucky Sheryl is to have her and she shook her head and said how lucky Sheryl was to have us (me and the other bridesmaids) and I just thought that was so sweet of her to say.

Part of me is still so sad that this is all over because we all boned so much over the last 6 months even with people we don't see all that much like Heather, Paige, Tracy, Steph ... and now i"m back in Long Beach missing them so much. I want to have a Sheryl wedding reunion so we can keep our friendships strong. I mean, Paige I haven't seen in like 4 or 5 years and it was so fun to hang out with her for the bachelorette party and at the wedding
But above all, I am so thrilled to have watched Sheryl and see the smile on her face and knowing how happy she was and how perfect this day was for her. It was truly an unreal feeling, one that could only be matched the day my sister Danielle walks down the aisle (which may be soon since she caught the bouquetlol). My feelings cannot be put into words. It was just such an exciting day. Oh and how can i forget, Sheryl's grandpa was having some major health issues and they didn't think he would survive and he DID and he WAS AT THE WEDDING! God's gift to Sheryl on her wedding day!

i thought i would add a little pic of me and my hubby- the photographer for the night :)
Oh and also, I have a ton more pics on my myspace page if you are a friend and want to go see them :)