Darielle
I wake up early to snow covered sidewalks and sunshine. A Saturday to spend at home, to move slowly and rest. A day with planned nothingness, a first shared day home together as husband and wife, a day with no goals except reminiscing from our destination wedding two weeks ago, and maybe some unpacking. The wedding to-do lists have already been completed and forgotten about. A new sense of mental clarity is setting in, and also a feeling of “what next?”
I make coffee and receive pictures from friends, find a seat on the couch and quickly dive into moments that I realize are starting to already feel far in the distant past. I smile while reliving these moments, and feel the sunshine through the window on my face. I worry that the photographer’s pictures won’t meet my expectations, and appreciate the two month delay in receiving them to stretch out this post-wedding period, before it feels complete and final.
We go for a walk around Washington Square park. Finally I am wearing the snow boots I purchased two years ago. Philly looks so lovely in the snow. We are happy to call this place home. We get hot chocolates at Wawa and also some chili for someone underprivileged who is waiting outside. We continue our walk and crunch around in the snow contemplating life feeling grateful. At home, our cats wait for us to return.
I want to soak up every moment of this post-wedding haze. I’m intentionally trying to move slowly, and take it all in. My approach during much of the wedding planning process was similar, and a stark change of pace compared to my previous lifestyle. The entire experience has been an incredible learning opportunity. Many hours focused on just a few. Being present is the most important thing. Moving slowly feels good.
We were lucky to keep our loved ones captive for a long weekend in a tropical paradise. It still wasn’t enough time to tell everyone how much I loved them. Time passed so quickly, especially during moments when I felt overwhelmed and stuck in a child-like state of awe - moments I looked around and saw the joy and beauty I was surrounded by. Moments I can’t forget.
I’m not ready to move onto “the next thing.” I want this period of my life to last a little longer. Everyone is supposed to be nice to you during your wedding.
An evening with my favorite things lies ahead - cats on the couch, Chinese food delivery, and the Law and Order season premier. And tonight my new husband will join me.
Darielle has now lived in Philadelphia longer than anywhere else, except her hometown. She loves the Philly mascots more than the sports. She only pretends to be an adult. She is a cat lover and adventure seeker. Find her sipping on a glass of wine or a warm cup of tea and enjoying the city vibes.
