What is it about a wedding that draws out our emotions? Our family wedding was probably nothing special in the eyes of an outsider. Just another family going through the motions that our culture has adopted. But for us, it was a tender time of reflection. We had tears, we had laughter, we had reflection on the past along with regrets, we had gratitude for the present and great hope for the future.
The night before there was no rehearsal dinner and all that business. This was a simple wedding. Jon and Chrissy had their own tasks to take care of and they had to meet with the pastor one last time to finalize the ceremony. Then the hall had to be decorated. By the time we got there to do it, it was 9:00! How hard could it be, I thought. Chrissy had several boxes of things to hang and put out on the tables. Arielle, Stacia and I started to work on the tables. Jon got a ladder and began hanging streamers. It proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Then there were paper lanterns to attach to the ceiling and Jon had to move the big ladder to a new spot for each one. We finished up about midnight, all of us exhausted.
On Saturday morning, a few hours before the ceremony, our house was a happenin' place! My son Dominic and his fiancee were house guests, coming from out-of-state for the wedding. They always bring a special joy on their arrival anyway. No special occasion is necessary for that. But this day our house became the hair and nail salon and preparation place for the bride to get ready to meet her groom.
Nail polish remover and nail polish fumes filled the air. Our kitchen counter was loaded with bobby pins, combs, brushes, artificial flowers and hair spray. Snacks and meals were hastily microwaved. We all cleaned ourselves up and made up and waited...for the bride. She was supposed to be getting her make-up done at a store in the mall. Where was she? We were all busy getting ready, but I was starting to worry. Finally I called the store and asked if she was still there. No one ever heard of her! What??? I was still on the phone when Chrissy arrived.
Marissa hastily got her seated and began work on her hair. We only had about an hour until the ceremony! The rest of us made our final preparations and we got Lana, the flower girl, ready. I was nervously watching the clock. Chrissy still had to get dressed! We rushed her into Arielle's bedroom so she could get into her dress. Marissa attached the veil to her beautiful hair. We ran out the door, the bride climbing into our minivan. I see the comedy in it now, but did not at the moment. The rings! The shoes! Did we have everything?
We dropped Chrissy and Lana off at a side door and went inside the church. All eyes turned around to us. We were late. Damien in his blue shirt greeted us. My handsome son was perfect in his role. Gretchen looked so elegant and professional, ready to take pictures. Dominic looked like a real videographer. We were going to pull this off!
Little Lana came in wearing a lovely wreath of red roses in her blonde hair. Usually so shy, she tossed her petals and smiled at all the people. Then Chrissy came down the aisle with her dad. Her big moment! All of us married women immediately think back on our own weddings, when we took this trip down the aisle. Chrissy was stunning in her strapless gown. Jon waited for her, his blue eyes glowing, his face serious and determined. My son who has been through so much. I was touched hearing his vows. He is such an honest, sincere man. He means every word.
The ceremony is over and we all go outside. All eyes are on the new married couple. Lana has already removed her rose wreath and she is dancing around. Bubbles fill the air, cameras flash from the crowd. Now to more practical matters. The food. Helen leaves to pick it up. I request our family photo be taken first so we can leave to set up. Off to the reception.
More later...
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