What's the difference?

As the big day rapidly approaches, I'm reminded of the age-old question: "Are you getting cold feet yet?"

Sure, a wedding is a big deal and a big responsibility, but with the support of so many loved ones helping me through this ceremonious occasion ... what is there to be nervous about?

I've always wondered why men become so high-strung and edgy before their wedding day. Are they unsure? Are they having second thoughts?

Maybe it just hasn't hit me yet. But, then again, I believe it has, and I now scoff at those who were truly unsure. How in the world can one possibly have doubts? Why would you even propose if you weren't absolutely certain that it was the right thing to do and that she truly is "the one?"

Maybe I'm just lucky. But, honestly, I like to believe it's not a matter of luck.

In fact, I've never been so sure of anything in my life.

Tomorrow I get married and, at the age of 30, I almost feel like I'm "passed due." I know there is no rush, nor has there ever been, but I feel like I've been ready for this for a long time. And the only anxiety I feel at this moment is simply that I can hardly wait -- like a kid on Christmas Eve.

Growing up, I watched closely as my aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents sat happily as they also closely watched their children. I knew deep within myself that, someday, I would follow suit and eventually become the next generation.

However, as I progressed through my 20s, I ultimately began to realize that time was passing me by and that I had passed the point at which they had all become "hitched."

It began to bother me, and as I watched my friends and each of my cousins tie the knot, I wondered when I too would have a ring on my finger and join that next generation.

Those fears and doubts were completely abolished, though, when I met my soon-to-be wife Sara Wilson ... or, I mean, Sara "Thomas." Whoops, I think I'm getting ahead of myself!

Digress, Nick, digress.

Through our experiences together, I came to the conclusion that it's simply a matter of finding the right partner with which to spend the rest of our lives. I've come to the conclusion that love is real, not fictional, and the one who completes your thoughts, hopes and dreams is truly the right person. Moreover, I think it's difficult to define love at all. You just feel it. You know it; you come to know that, without this person, your own soul would not be intact.

Man isn't supposed to walk through this life alone. In fact, I believe it's in our genetic makeup to share our experiences with another and thus expand the love and excitement of each epic adventure.

Do I think there is someone out there for each of us? To be brutally honest -- no. I believe that, in this crazy world, we have to find the right partner and put a stamp on it before it's too late; I believe we have to make it official before something happens; I believe we have to unite as a dynamic duo in order to ensure total fulfillment; and I believe that if we don't make an attempt to take that leap of faith, to jump into the Great Unknown, to be willing to step out of our shells and to expand our comfort zones -- the opportunity to experience life to the fullest will ultimately pass us by.

With so much taking place in recent weeks to prepare for the big day, it's become quite clear that I'm not going through this alone. And I don't mean just my soon-to-be wife -- I mean my current and future family members, as well.

Unique, rustic-looking tables have been constructed; tents of gargantuan proportions have been raised; flowers and other floral arrangements have been meticulously planned and put together; wonderful dishes of entrées, snacks and desserts have been rustled up; tables, chairs and decorations have been placed; and dozens of friends and family have been invited.

Do I credit myself with any of this? Can I possibly claim ownership to such generosity?

No.

Through such gracious individuals, I feel wrapped in a warm embrace that has wiped away any fears or doubts that are typically experienced by most men.

In fact, it's with such warmth that I can confidently claim that my feet are still the correct temperature.

I love you, Sara Thomas, and I can't wait until the moment when I get to utter the most important words I'll ever say ...

"I do."