The year was 1996

13 years ago at this very minute I was walking down the aisle in a white gown meeting my groom at the alter. I can remember the day like it was yesterday, the weather was in the 70's and the sun was shining bright. My mom was a single mom so my wedding was done on a budget. We used artificial flowers and made the bouquets ourselves, my dress was only $500.00 and the cake was not over the top. Wherever she could save money she did. Looking back I loved my wedding and would not have changed a thing.

I woke up early with butterflies in my stomach, this was the day I was to be married. My bridesmaids were off at the salon getting their hair done, meanwhile I was at home getting everything ready to take to the church. Later in the day I would realize I left behind the petticoat for underneath my dress.

Once at the church my bridesmaids showed up with their hair done and we all started to get dressed and beautified. I had many visitors peeking their heads in to say "hi" and give hugs of congratulations. Now from the beginning I always said "No wedding ever starts on time" and sure enough when I went to put my dress on, my petticoat was not there. I remembered exactly where I left it at home, having the wonderful family I was marrying into, they graciously rushed to my mom's house to retrieve the petticoat. Needless to say the priest was not happy about the delay, but I was not about to walk down the aisle with a non- puffy dress. Once the petticoat was retrieved I walked down the aisle 30 minutes late.

One hour later we were finally husband and wife. Looking back on our 13 years of marriage I realize I love my husband more now than I did 13 years ago. We have had our share of ups and downs but it has made us stronger. We have made so many wonderful memories in the past 13 years and I look forward to making more memories in the next 13 years.