Reflections from a Bride-to-be

In less than 8 hours, I will no longer be a single woman. I will be married to my sweetheart. I will be Katie Clark!

I can't believe this day has finally come. Marrying Forrest exceeds all my dreams and expectations for the type of person I would marry. I didn't realize that I was deserving of so much love, of such a wonderful companion.

We met almost 1 year ago. January 2nd, 2009. When I first saw him, I honestly had no idea that he would eventually become the most important person in my life. However, soon after that first meeting, I found him to be quite charming and endearing. Before we even started dating, I knew that I wanted to be with him. I realized that he was different from any other guy. When he asked me to be his girlfriend, after I got in my car, I cried. Part of me knew that this was the start of something that could possibly last forever. The other day, a good friend asked me if I felt like I have known him forever, like he's always been in my life. And the answer is yes. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him, and I'm so happy I don't have to know. We're going to be together forever.

I'll admit, there were times where I didn't know where our relationship was going. I was frustrated, because, well, going to BYU where people get married after 2 weeks can get a person that way. However, I know, without any doubt, that the Lord guided and directed our courtship, and it went the way it was supposed to, according to His timing. 9 months might not seem like that long (or to the BYU-Mormon culture, it might seem too long), but it was perfect for us. I feel like we know each other very well, and are very well prepared to start our marriage and eternity together. He's my best friend. I never knew I could feel so much love for a person, and I know that will only continue to grow.

The past few weeks have been crazy, but totally worth it. Everything has come together so nicely, and I'm so grateful for all the help of everyone, especially my wonderful mother who worked so hard to make sure everything worked out according to what we wanted.

Yesterday was amazing. I was able to take out my Endowments at the Denver Temple. Beautiful experience. I've never felt the Spirit so strongly. I can't wait to go back. It was such a special experience to be there with almost all my family. My parents were there, all of my immediate siblings, and most of my siblings spouses, as well as Forrest's mom and his oldest sister, Meredith. There were a couple of times I couldn't hold back my tears. Being there with Forrest made it even more amazing, and I was able to see him in another sort of light, which confirmed my decision that us getting married is pleasing unto the Lord. I can't think of a better way to start a marriage. To anyone who hasn't made it to the Temple yet, prepare yourself, and do it. There is nothing more important that you can do, and I'm sure I will believe that even more and more as the years go on.

We had a wonderful wedding dinner at Olive Garden last night. It was great to be there with my family. The food was great, and we all had a good time. I got a little contemplative (not sad, as Forrest was convinced I was), just about how everything really is about to change, and when my dad said something, I just lost it, but it was wonderful. Forrest leaned over and was like "It's just like a rollercoaster ride..It'll be fast and crazy, sometimes crazy. But thank you for letting me ride it with you" (note that is not a direct quote. It's all I can piece together at 6 AM).

I can't wait. I love Forrest so much. And I'm so happy I get to be with him for eternity.

As Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, "The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority." I'm sure marriage won't be easy, but I know it will be so worth it and we will make it, because we are getting married in the right place, by the right authority. And, to the right person :)