William Eugene Souder

ABOUT THIS WEDDING

"Pure excitement with a bit of nervousness. I was honored to be asked by my nephew to marry him and his fiancée. The wedding was taking place two days after his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. It was already going to be a family affair so why not make it even bigger with a wedding. That is exactly what happened. We, the family, were already ecstatic that Aidan was graduating from the USAFA and we were even more excited, if you can be, about the upcoming nuptials. The “ask” came via a FaceTime phone call with my sister-in-law and Sarah happen to be present also. I received a beckon from my husband to come into the office. Once I entered the room and did some chit chat with my sister-in-law and Sarah. Sarah announced that she had a question. She then asked me if I would marry her and Aidan. I was so excited, to be considered for such an honor, that I cried tears of joy. Of course, what an honor to be asked let alone to be asked by family. Fast forward, after numerous texts, messages, and phone calls the wedding was coming together. I wrote script after script, memorized, practiced, and even did an audio recording to listen to as I traveled from Ft Lauderdale, FL to Colorado Springs, CO. We got to the first family function celebrating Aidan’s graduation, it was so much fun to see all of our family to congratulate. This is the first time that we all got to chat in person. We talked about the “things” and then we got to chat about the upcoming nuptials. Different things were mentioned, and I begin to think… “OMG! I need to make some changes to my script for the wedding.” I begin rewriting to include some tid bits that were mentioned in passing. Major freak out has begun. Rehearsal day! It was easy. I got to be in charge, which I love. Telling people what to do, how to stand, when to look at me, when to look away, and what to expect. It was only a three time walk through, everyone was thrilled to be together and to honor our lovely couple. Wedding Day…fantastic weather, the skies were blue, the air was warm, and the venue was absolutely gorgeous. Traffic jam in Denver, people were late, and panic began. We are now postponed. Luckily it was only for 10 minutes. Everyone that was expected has now arrived. Now the ceremony is beginning. Here comes the groom walking his mother down the aisle. He stands next to me big eyed, I have him look at me so I can tell him when his bride is ready to walk toward the beginning of their forever. Here comes the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Looking perfect and executing the walk and stand like pros. Now here comes the bride, I node to Aiden that it is time for him to see Sarah for the first time in her wedding gown. He is smiling and tears are running down his face. Sarah is beaming with joy and her father walks her down the aisle to be presented in marriage. I do my welcome to the family and friends and ask “who gives this woman to be married to this man” with my shaky voice. My head is rushing with get it together Bill! You cannot cry, you must be stoic. All I remember is those two sweet faces look at me as I spoke of love, commitment, and forever. Then bam it was over they were kissing and I was presenting them as husband and wife to the crowd. I loved every minute of it. I loved talking to the bride and groom on such an intimate level about what to expect, how to treat each other, and how to maintain their love for each other. I am looking forward to my next wedding to officiate. I was even soliciting couples at the reception. "

William Eugene Souder