I dreamt of the day where I could wear a long fancy gown and get all dolled up just as I did for prom… little did I know that day would come a few years later; I would be attending my first marine ball.

I had a couple of friends with boyfriends in the military, the marines, specifically. I’d secretly envy them for having the opportunity of attending the ball. I would always try to find out if the boyfriend’s friends needed dates.

It’s not the marine ball specifically that I had some secret dying desire of wanting to go. It was any occasion I could attend, where I could get dressed up enough for a red carpet. Though, I really did enjoy the thought of the marines in their dress blues, and me standing along side in an elegant red dress.

It all happened when I had my first date with my boyfriend, my marine. At the time, I didn’t know what would happen after that night, but I guess I kind of did. That night, the words just slipped out, “I’m going to the ball with you.” Of course he responded with, “if we’re still talking.” (We were head over heels for each other the moment we made eye contact, shut up. I knew I was going. Whether he liked me or not.)

This was about five months before the ball. Seasons had passed. All summer I sat on the internet all day searching for the perfect dress. Before I knew it, my ticket was booked to sunny California. It was time to go out and get the dress.

I wanted red, as I mentioned earlier. You know, like every other girl wanted, because it matched the dress blues perfectly.

So, I found the perfect dress. It was the perfect price, and I could wear my heels that will no longer be a one night stand from prom. There was many preparations to come. Dress alterations, nail appointments, picking out jewelry… All so exciting, but gut-wrenching at the same time. I’m a perfectionist.

Transporting the dress from the east coast to the west coast was probably the worst, but it all worked out.

Fast forward to the day of the ball, I’m enjoying some cocktails by the pool at a beautiful resort without a care in the world, right next to my other half. (I was also curing my hangover from downing a bottle of wine the night before, not the best idea. But, when in Cali...)

Suddenly, it completely blew over my mind, I forgot red lipstick. Thank god the spa store at the hotel had the perfect shade. Dammit, I forgot bobby pins, too. What the hell was I thinking. I told myself to calm down and proceeded to get ready, two and a half hours before cocktail hour. I decided to take it upon myself to do both my makeup and hair. I went into doing my hair with absolutely no confidence. Twenty minutes in and in complete panic mode, I asked my boyfriend, ”babe, can you please find bobby pins for me?”

I made this poor man, who previously warned me we were basically in the middle of nowhere, to go out and hunt for hairpins. An hour later, and he’s back. Two packs of 40 bobby pins in my hand, when I only needed three. He was my knight in shining armor, but not a happy one. He was clearly pissed. Thankfully I was already in my dress with my makeup perfected. He took a step back and stared. The obstacles he had to endure to get these pins no longer mattered. Phew.

He then gets in his dress blues. Damn, did he look handsome as hell. After the craziness in the hotel room (like a button on his collar ripping), and the rushing around, we really had to sit back for a second, breathe and get ready to take on the awaited night.

I freaked out about my hair at least eight more times that night. Each freak out came another drink. The professional picture opportune came. We did two poses and the photographer showed us a quick glimpse of photo asking if we like it. I said “yeah,” then I looked right to my boyfriend, “I fucking hate it.”

We laughed it off and just continued to enjoy the night. He’s not much of a dancer, but I was okay just staring at how great he looked in his dress blues and making fun of the other marines on the dancefloor. After all, these are the men protecting our country, you’d never think they could pull out some moves.

The ball was also at a casino. With that comes inside smoking and avid gamblers. It wasn’t too pleasing to be around that atmosphere.

The ceremony began, and I literally felt like I was in a cage full of wild animals. All of the marines were chanting “Ooh Rah” and howling like wolves during the speeches from “salty” veterans. It was a very interesting experience to say the least, but heartwarming to see all of the pride they have.

Moving on, would it really be a special occasion without some drama? Couples were arguing all over, and quite a few girls looked pissed. We had a fairshare moment, as well. A few other little dramas occurred, nothing harmful, though.

Everyone was feeling pretty good. These men can drink. I saw why open bar was not a thing at the ball. I found it quite funny how we were constantly getting ID’d at the bar. Most guys there weren’t old enough to buy alcohol, but old enough to serve the country. It was in that moment, where that argument I’ve heard on multiple occasions, I realized how mind-boggling some things are in this world.

I think the best and my most favorite part of the ball was when other marines walked past my boyfriend. They would greet him with, “Good evening, Corporal.” I was really loving it, he was quite embarrassed.

The night was one that’ll last a lifetime. All the mini breakdowns and the running around was worth it. What I came out with from this experience, don’t keep your expectations too high and just enjoy every second. Everything always works out in the end.