I give myself to you.

Months of planning and waiting have come to an end.
Tomorrow I marry my best friend.
Nerves jangle the night before.
I wonder what's going on in my loved ones' mind.
Are we as anxious as each other?

A few drinks with friends distract me for a while.
The alcohol only furthers my discomfort and twirling tummy.
A second and third check of what happens at an early hour tomorrow.
Has everything been collected? Are the flowers ready?
Does everyone know what they should be doing?

I wake to a morning with a bright sun, calming me.
Stomach lined with an Irish fry washed down with Mammy's milky tea.
A glass of champagne, strawberry bobbing up and down, juicy and content.
Hair and nails get some tender loving care before the make-up is applied.
Finally the dress - A smile, a twirl and a tear.

Exasperated gasps greet me at the top of the stairs.
Carefully, I step down in shoes not quite broken in.
My father whispers a gentle word of encouragement.
Mother clasps a tissue to wipe away a happy tear.
Bouquet in hand, a car horn beeps in the drive.

The enormity of the event is hitting me and I breathe sharply in the car.
My father senses my disquiet and squeezes my hand.
"You need a drink love - but not a word to your mother," he says with a wink.
A quick nip of brandy in an empty pub.  
I clench his rough hand tightly as we exit Maguire's.

The sun continues to stream down on my arrival.
The gods are with us today as leaves flutter above in a gentle breeze.
The doors are open, awaiting my arrival.
The music starts to begin - and I catch a glimpse of my partner.
I can sense the nerves, twitching unnaturally, facing forward.

Smiles turn in my direction as camera bulbs flash.
One final deep breath and I set off down the narrow aisle.
I relax and let my father take the lead.
In twenty short steps I reach the top.
A relieved smile greets me with bright, happy eyes.