22nd, I mean the 15th, 12th? how about the 8th? no, the 22nd!!

Weddings are SO confusing. I thought it would be a simple task to somehow choose a date that would fit everyone's schedule, but clearly I was WRONG. What was I thinking??? This date ordeal has turned into way more than I ever bargained for... so lucky for you (the one reading this blog right now) you get to follow me through the confusing journey of my date changes:
ROUND 1: We are getting married on May 22nd, and everyone is clear and good to go.
ROUND 2: I get a text message from my best friend (also my maid of honor) saying that they just got the dates for their softball nationals. Guess when they were... May 22nd!!
ROUND 3: I call my caterer, florist, photographer, and rental supplier (all of whom hold deposits already) and tried to find a date that they all had available. Lucky me, the 15th of May was open! We are getting married on May 15th!
ROUND 4: "My mom can't do the 15th" -Ben (3 weeks later)
ROUND 5: I begin to pull my hair out
ROUND 6: I call the caterer, florist, photographer, and rental supplier to see what dates they ALL have available.. turns out all they have is the 22nd.
ROUND 7: I call my best friend to tell her the news and she doesn't pick up so I have to leave a lengthy voicemail while trying to hold back my tears at the same time telling her that she won't be at my wedding after all.
ROUND 8: We are getting married on the 22nd!

As you can see, this has been a crazy, confusing, very emotional date situation! However, I have finally come to peace with it. May 22nd is the day. The day that I will become Mrs. Monnett. The day that I will officially start my eternal family. And while I am disappointed and upset that there is a good chance my best friend will not be by my side on that day, I know that she will be there in spirit. I love her very much, and am still leaving a spot open in the line up in case she doesn't go to nationals. But at the same time, I'm wishing her luck. I want it to be a happy day for both of us.

... did I mention I'm considering putting a life-sized cardboard cut out of her in the line? Because I am.