I'm sitting in a coffee shop, content to be in out of the English rain with the love of my life and finding my words entirely inadequate when it comes to putting yesterday, May the 29th 2011,into words.
It may come as a shock to most to see that David and I got married yesterday, especially when wedding invitations to our wedding in August start appearing in your mailboxes and inboxes, but our story has always surprised us.
Dating a foreigner is sexy. They come with the accent, that 'other worldly' mystique, and an excuse for holidays abroad. The long distance and visas that are sneakily sewn into the pockets of international relationships are not however.
A month ago, we found out that we were not going to be able to marry legally in the United States without paying several thousand dollars and waiting another 6-9 months. I was in England visiting for David's sister's wedding when we learned this and after a few tears (on my part), numerous cups of tea(mainly on David's part), countless phone calls and emails, David,Mum & Dad Tatum, and I figured out a way for us to legally get married here in England and still be able for him to travel over for our 'real' wedding in Alaska without deportation.
Once again we stop and look over our journey together thus far and it is marked throughout with God's love and faithfulness. We are exceptionally blessed.
On the last Sunday in May, 2011, joined by our dearest little English family, we got legally married in the Sheriff of Nottingham's office. From beginning to end it was the perfect day. The day was such a gift to David and I in every way, especially since most of the family who was with us yesterday will not be able to join us at our wedding in August. God really does think of every special little detail!
Today is my last day in Nottingham before I fly back home to finish planning and working towards our big day! We love the uniqueness of our journey and all the special memories we are making, and what girl wouldn't want to have two weddings, but most of all we are SO excited for August, to marry in front of all our friends and family and really start our life together as husband and wife!
