I have no idea how we got to Tillman Chapel on time. We kind of just looked at the clock and freaked out because it was 15 minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start. My cousin Winnie dashed downstairs to get the car and somehow we found ourselves in front of the chapel with five minutes to spare.

In those 5 minutes, I became overwhelmed with emotion. I can’t explain it. I knew that once I walked through those doors, I would never be the same. I totally broke down and cried. Jiwon led us in prayer.

And then I was fine. One minute I was bawling, the next guffawing. I don’t remember what we were laughing about, but I do remember that God lifted away all my fears and anxiety. Once again, it was go time.

While we were outside, guests picked up our wedding programs. Kim had to redo them after my dad “helped.”

Our friends played the hits.

The procession began and the VIPs rolled in. ST’s adorable grandma was holding one of our flags! Back then, my grandma could still walk. She has since injured her hip and stuck in a wheelchair. I’m thankful she was able to walk down the aisle at our ceremony. Good thing Tillman Chapel has a short aisle! My MIL looks like a G while my mom positively sashayed down the aisle.

Our mamas lit the candles.

Then, this song started playing. Please play it. Not only is it a great song, it took me forever to figure out how to embed a music player.

Here I Am

I first heard this song in college. The moment I heard it, I knew I wanted to walk down the aisle to it. Sounds kind of psycho, I know, but I chose this song like 6 years before I even knew ST existed. Luckily, we have some talented friends who performed the song beautifully.

My sweet junior bridesmaids were so beautiful.

Then two of my favorite girls walked in. They put up with hours of wedding babble and anxieties.

Then, my maids of honor – my sisters.

Our ring bearer Chris and nieces Carmina and Liana stole the show. I love how Chris was so serious and careful with our ring bowl. Side note: Our lovely nieces carried pomander balls made of orchids down the aisle. I forgot to tell them that they were just for decoration. Confused, the girls tore orchids off the balls. Too cute.

Finally, it was my turn. There were cameras flashing and music swelling, but all I saw was him and that look on his face. Seriously, my first thought was, “Wow, he looks like James Bond.” I think it was the suit. Seeing ST for the first time was my favorite part of the ceremony.

And the rest…

Well, the rest is history.

After the ceremony, we took pictures for over an hour. It was pretty brutal. My veil was tugged so often I took it off. But I can’t complain – everything was perfect. My only regret was that we’d planned to thank our parents and present our mothers with special bouquets. We completely forgot about our speeches and lost the bouquets. It’s okay – our moms know they’re loved.

Before long, we were whisked away to Grand Central Station and the Love Statue in Midtown West.