I like Country music. I admit it. Much to Dylan’s chagrin, twangy ballads are often known to be heard coming from the speakers of my car. Over the past two weeks, I couldn’t help but think about Brad Paisley’s song, “It Did”. Take a listen here.

Now,  we are at the stage of life that probably only meets his second verse as I just put on that white dress, and our family shed lots of loving tears. What caught me about this song during this wonderful blur of two weeks, is that, I thought, ‘it couldn’t get better than this’. I am afraid to label wedding week and wedding day as the best of my life. Remember my previous post about my aversion to “the best years of my life”? If I label that day, or that week, as the best, where will we go from there.

Regardless of labels, these days were wonderful. When Dylan and I picked a wedding date, for the second time, my dad gave a toast and he said, ” to many great days.” We had at least 14 really great days. I felt surrounded by love, shed a few tears, and am so confident in my choice to walk down the aisle.

Sharing a dance with your dad as he spins you around in your wedding dress is beautiful. Looking out on a church full of people who came to support you is beautiful. Having your mom kiss your forehead as you put on a bridal gown, that’s beautiful. Holding flowers and watching months of planning come together is beautiful.

I know everybody always loves their own weddings, but really, it was the best party I’ve ever been to. Think dance party, with vanilla lattes, pasta, candy, cannoli, the man I love, my friends and family there too. It doesn’t get better than that.

And then it did. We went for a week to Napa Valley and Sausalito outside of San Francisco and got to leisurely taste our way through some beautiful country side. I’ve never seen so many vines, so many grapes, so much wine. Personally, I’m not a huge drinker, and actually, I’m a little bit allergic to wine. Two days in Napa quickly changes an attitude, however, and I could become a casual afternoon ‘taster’ if I didn’t have to work every day. We got to spoil ourselves on winery tours, and a few delicious splurge meals, and learned how to navigate GPS systems in unknown areas. Dylan and I actually communicate pretty well when driving around in places we’ve never been before. First relationship test as a married couple- check. I was amazed at the production of one small little valley, and the stories of courage and bravery that made Napa into what it is today. Did you know that region wasn’t even really famous until 1972? Now its happiness rankings beat out Disneyland’s.

The process of wine making is beautiful. Rest is beautiful. A break, a much needed break, is immensely beautiful. Fresh perspective and sun shine and new beginnings and celebration are beautiful. And knowing that there are many good days to come, and that our shaky little new married legs will strengthen with the support of one another, and the ones we love, is beautiful. It’s going to get better than this, but what a wonderful beginning. Below are some more pictures from the trip.