From the outside, our wedding looked perfect. The flowers were beautiful, the music continued late into the evening, and relatives surrounded us with congratulations, but beneath my smile I was completely exhausted and wanted nothing more than to reach the bridal room, remove my heavy dress, and finally have a quiet moment with my husband.
Part 2 — The Hallway at 3 AM
I stood in the hallway of the hotel in bare feet holding my phone and my shoes and wearing the silk robe I had packed for my wedding night.
The corridor was empty. The carpet was thick and patterned and the sconce lighting cast long, warm shadows along the walls. Somewhere below, the last of the reception guests were still laughing. Music drifted up through the floor.
