Hi Y'all, I'm Kevan Beth! You may have caught a glimpse of me and my sweetie a few weeks ago (here).
I was lucky enough to have been chosen as TWP's VERY FIRST guest blogger (yipee!!!) and I'm SO excited! I've been asked to share a bit about my life as an engaged gal these last few days before our wedding AND all the details of our big day AND where we are headed after May 10th as newlyweds. So, here goes!
Before I begin, a bit about me. I'm a 27 year old middle child born and bred in Batesville, Arkansas. I went to Millsaps College for my undergraduate degree, but happily returned to Arkansas for medical school. I met some of my dearest friends when I moved back and lived with four of them (all now bridesmaids!) off and on during the last 4 years. I loved my fun and girly single life sooo much! But when I least expected it (yes, just like they say…), I was asked on a date by a friend's son and fellow 'Med School sufferer' and my life changed forever. :)
Steven and I dated a couple of years before he popped the big question. I've always been the kid who finds all her presents before Christmas, so naturally I picked and prodded at Steven and annoyed all my friends who actually DID know what was going on!
We started the day off with breakfast then planned to hike up beautiful Pinnacle Mountain. After our breakfast the sky opened up and produced the biggest downpour you ever saw. I should have gotten the clue since Steven was determined to still go. The rain subsided and suddenly it became THE most perfect day of my life thus far.
Thinking back, I remember practically skipping up the mountain while Steven was struggling to keep up. He later told me he was so nervous that he nearly fainted! So sweet! When we reached the top I was escorted to a clearing and he promptly dropped to one knee. What?!!
Like others have said before, I really have no idea what either of us said to each other. I do remember feeling my heart beat incredibly fast and knowing that I’d remember that moment for the rest of my life! After a few tears and a twenty minute hug, we started the descent down the mountain. I couldn't wait to call my family and closest friends, but each and every telling of the story brought more tears. Steven ended up practically dragging me back down the mountain. When we finally reached the car, he acted as though his work was done and that I had to plan the rest of the day. Of course, we'd go by his parents' house first to show them the ring. . .
When we walked in, low and behold!!! ALL of our closest family and friends were there! I was completely shocked, taken aback and literally speechless! Steven had organized the whole thing, coordinating the food, the guest list and even arranged for my best friend from New Orleans to be there! It truly was the most special feeling and I am still so impressed and grateful for my sweet fiance who planned the most perfect day of my life!
Naturally, it didn't take too long for me to start dreaming up plans and ideas for our wedding; I practically hit the ground running! With several friends in the wedding and fashion industry and a roommate/fellow med-schooler who has also been planning her big day, I have been blessed along the way to not only have all of these amazing sources of help, but tons of excited and supportive friends and family around me!
Once our date was chosen (May 10th- yayy!), our vendors were picked and everything seemed to fall nicely into place, we knew there was still much more to do with medical school ending (hallelujah!) and a potential move on the horizon! We put the majority of wedding weekend details in trusted hands and then spent the next several months interviewing across the country for residency programs. Luckily, there were some wonderful wedding parties and showers mixed in during our time at home that kept us sane! We narrowed down our list of programs together and were thankful and relieved that regardless of where God had in store for us, we'd be taking on this new adventure as newlyweds and new doctors together! On March 21st, our fate was unveiled as we learned that we had (thankfully!) each matched at the University of Texas- Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. We were ecstatic and immediately found a home!
Here we are now, on the home stretch, and looking forward to this next chapter of marriage and continuing our medical studies as residents in Texas! The wedding is in just a few days and we are overjoyed! I look forward to sharing these memories with you and hearing any feedback you may have on surviving and staying stress free!
XOXO,
Kevan Beth