Aw, bless your heart! Congratulations to the both of you...you sound very happy with him, and it's refreshing to see a relationship such as yours, particularly at my age. Gives me some hope I'll come across that some day.

I'm not married, which I know is something you prefer in responses, but I grew up in a Christian household myself, and I was imparted with the same values. I hope I can offer you some help.

Anywho, in regards to your situation, based on what you're saying, you're blessed by simple virtue of him being so understanding (not that he would have any reason not to be). Someone's first time is a major life milestone, and it is perfectly normal to be a little afraid or apprehensive the first time. It's a combination of fear of the unknown coupled with the monumental importance usually placed on the event throughout the course of our lives. In short, it's just generally viewed as "a big deal," and some fear is absolutely normal.

You've received great advice during the course of this thread, and I would echo it. Take things slow...there is absolutely no rush. Take things at your pace, and don't be afraid to communicate with him. Just try to relax and take things slow, and things tend to happen as they will.

I'm not a woman, so I cannot comment about what to expect physically the first time, but my understanding is that it's generally not too bad, but arousal is an important factor. Taking things slow, so to speak, will help your comfort both physically and mentally. And please, don't worry about losing your innocence or purity. That is, in my opinion, very, very admirable of you, but do remember, you are with your husband. I don't think, in my own humble opinion, that sharing an expression of love with your husband affects your purity, in a less strict sense of the word, in the slightest. Granted, I don't quite equate virginity with purity, as I think there's a slight yet very substantial difference between the two, but I stand by what I said.

I wish you all of my best, and congratulations once again. I hope I was of some help to you. I wish you a great wedding, a wonderful marriage, and hopefully a very happy honeymoon.

Hugs,
Harley