Becoming Mrs. Nichols During COVID-19

We were three weeks away.

Three weeks away from the moment I had been dreaming about since I recall having memories. Three weeks away from all the planning, all the payments, all the processes to actually happen. Three weeks away from walking down the aisle of a beautifully constructed chapel (where he first told me he loved me all those years ago) found at our alma mater.

We were three weeks away from being surrounded by those we love as we would become Mr. and Mrs. Dakota Nichols.

And then, everything changed. Every plan. Every person. Every process. Gone.

Our alma mater closed, taking our venue of choice with it. Our second and third venue options were eventually required to follow ever-changing government regulations. Our list of attendees was forced to rapidly decrease from over 300 loved ones to 50, and again from 50 to 10 due to valid health concerns and stay-at-home orders.

How could this be happening? This is the one day it's "acceptable" to be selfish and believe it's all about you, right?

I fought with that mentality often throughout those three weeks. Before the madness began, I believed I had my priorities in check, that I cared more about the lasting marriage than the temporary wedding. But when the wedding was taken away, I was quickly faced with the question: WAS HE ENOUGH?

Was loving my future husband in the eyes of God alone enough for me? Did I care more about the details of the day than the devotion of my life?

Through choosing to believe Christ's truths, shedding many tears, sharing motivational moments with my fiancé and being surrounded by the greatest support system of friends and family, I was able to answer that question with a resounding "YES!" Dakota was the man God had chosen for me and March 28, 2020 was the day He had given us. We would become one, no matter how picture-perfect it may be.

Once God broke down my walls, we were both ready to choose each other above any expectations, emotions, dreams and feelings we once believed essential.

It was five days before our wedding day that we released all control, and for the first time experienced an indescribable, joy-filled peace. We had no idea what Saturday would look like or who may be able to attend, but we rested in the truth that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose," -Romans 8:28

We laughed even more than normal on the days that followed our surrender, and those days will forever be remembered as sweet.

The big day finally came. I woke up and had a peaceful morning with my favorite ladies. Dakota woke up and went to work building a handmade arbor with his fellas. By this time we were on our fifth venue option - our best friend's backyard which skirts the shore of Lake Taneycomo in Branson.

Beforehand, we planned to make the day the best it could be, but had found some peace in knowing we could hold our "dream" wedding ceremony someday in the future. This backyard and this small amount of people surely couldn't live up to our dreams, right? But then, the door swung and I saw him. I KNEW he was enough.

Sparing all the details of the day, it ended up far exceeding any and all plans we had made. That backyard ended up being the most beautiful place on earth. The few people who were able to attend where the ones that needed to be there with us in that moment. We healthily utilized technology and involved all other guests in our day through live streaming. We now have no desire of creating a second wedding ceremony, because nothing could top the way God showed up in those moments (although, we'd love to throw a big celebration with our original guest list when the time is right).

It truly was the best day of my entire life, and funny enough, it was as far away from my plans as possible.

I know I'm not the only bride who has been or will be affected by the Coronavirus. It wasn't labeled a global pandemic for nothing - literally every person in the world has been and is being affected in some way. When you look at the grand scale, it becomes much easier to take yourself out of the equation. Although I'm not the only bride, I have to share how God showed up. I can't keep His faithfulness to myself.

I write all this not to come across as holy, as perfect or as having it all together. On the contrary, I write this to remind myself that it is foolish to put my hope in tomorrow, when God is the one who holds tomorrow. My hope belongs in Him and Him alone! I also want to remember that He makes beautiful things out of the dust, and that honoring Him should come above any other desire. Finally, I want to remember that I get to experience many amazing things in this life, but the things of this world should not be from where my joy is derived. I need Him. You need Him. Our world needs Him to have any chance at lasting joy.

Oh also, I married the most incredible, God-honoring man in the world. He is selfless, servant-hearted, creative, kind and hilarious. I am honored to be yours, Dakota.

A lot can change in three weeks, but God never changes. For His consistency, handiwork and love, I am eternally grateful.

-Mrs. Bekah Nichols