Weddingbee Blog

Growing up, I didn’t think too much about my wedding besides always having a current list of who would be my bridesmaids if I were to get married.

THEN

Speaking of high school, I was pretty “involved.” I played the violin in orchestra and danced in my high school’s drill team (the South’s version of a dance team) which meant LOTS of rehearsals and a packed schedule. I did well in school and enjoyed my extra-curricular activities.

Personal Photo - Officer Dance Camp

But, I had a secret side that not many knew about.

My long-time high school boyfriend went to school on the other side of town, so I had two separate groups of friends. I had my friends from the dance team that I hung out with during the week. Then, on the weekends, I’d go across town to party. I wasn’t all that crazy, but I did get too drunk to drive home once and my parents had to come get me. The next morning I had to join my drill team and march in the town Christmas parade with my very first (and last) hangover.

Personal Photo - Football Game

My relationship with my boyfriend of the time was your typical drama-fest high school story. He didn’t really want to be in a relationship and treated me like so. I was in love for the first time and clung to him for three years. My self-esteem and self-worth were so low that the concept of being alone scared me so much that I stayed in a relationship long after I should have. He’ll always have a small piece of my heart, but I am very thankful I found the strength to finally move on. I learned a lot about relationships during that time.

Personal Photo - Senior Prom

Mainly, love isn’t all you need. There needs to be respect, compassion, and thoughtfulness as well. I also learned afterwards that being single is where a lot of the magic happens. You get to figure out what makes you, and only you, happy.

Personal Photo - Senior Picture

Personal Photo - Senior Picture

NOW

Well, now I’m all growned’ up! I got a college degree and am celebrating my two year anniversary at my job today. Oh and, you know, I’m getting MARRIED. My days are no longer spent practicing my violin and learning new dance routines. My free time is spent at home with my loving fiancé and our two insanely entertaining animals. I still struggle with self-esteem issues, but I have definitely come a LONG way from where I was back then. Life was good then, but it’s even better now. I have a lot more peace and am a lot less cynical about the world.

I’m glad I was open to new love and wound up falling for Mr. High Wire. I’m pretty sure my high school self would be proud of who I’ve chosen to marry.

So where are my fellow orch’ dorks at? Anyone else don the sparkly drill team uniform?

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This is an ongoing series on Weddingbee. To see other bees’ posts please go here!