14 dog years of wedded bliss

Steve's in Edmonton, Canada, riding around on a fire truck and doing science. I went out with my happy hour buddies for our standard Tuesday night Board Meeting. So we both had wonderful days on our anniversary.

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Two years ago today:

* Steve and I stood together in front of 40 friends and family members in a tiny historic chapel I chose because it looked like the church in Rocky Horror.

* My daddy, after walking me down the aisle, lifted my veil, kissed my cheek, then put the veil back down. The video shows me whispering, "Daddy, Daddy, put the veil back up." The video also shows me taking my place at the altar, making eye contact with my friend who does my hair, then furiously brushing down with my free hand the bangs that had been left standing straight up after the veil incident.

* I professed my undying affection through the lyrics of Journey.

* My sister made me cry.

* Steve's groomsperson made me and my sister cry even harder by reading Cure lyrics during her testimonial.

* I freaked out and handed off my bouquet before I was supposed to. Not to my best woman/sister, but to my bridesperson Greg, who shrugged, sniffed the flowers cutely, and held them until I walked out.

* I couldn't get the ring on Steve's finger, and as I struggled, the officiant said, "It is for keeps." That line killed.

* At the reception, held at my favorite rocker dive bar, Steve and I slow danced together for the first time to the song I always dreamed of dancing to at my wedding reception. And we laughed the whole time.

* Rexy signed my marriage certificate.

* Between the reception and the after-party, my friend Ray brought me back to the house to change. "Honey," I told him, "I know you've never undressed a girl, but I need you to help me get out of this dress." He unhooked and unzipped me and I closed the door to modestly change into a tee shirt and shorts for the party. I came out and couldn't find him. "Ray? Ray?" Ray had high-tailed it out to the store to get things for the after-party at his and Rex's house. He didn't realize he was supposed to take me with him. I started calling my friends and my new husband (who'd gone back to his hotel room from the night before to check out and change) to come get me, but all their cell phones were still turned off for the ceremony. I didn't have a lick of cash for a taxi. So the bride sat sadly on her front porch drinking a Bud Light for an hour before the groom got to the party and realized she wasn't there.

* I turned the story into a column for the Raleigh News and Observer.

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I wouldn't change a thing. Happy anniversary, Mr. Sweetypants.