Weddings are not exactly common events in our family. Not because we don’t believe in marriage because collectively we’ve accrued considerable time living “happily ever after.” It’s simply because our extended family is very small with few potential brides and grooms.
But love permeated the air this past spring and two weddings, just three weeks apart, were planned. History in the making! The first wedding was in Virginia where my great-niece and goddaughter, Lindsey, exchanged vows with Anthony Sullivan. Lindsey and her mother, my niece, Lynne, are detailed-oriented people who thrive on list making and checking off completed tasks. Amazing that they and I share any common genetics, but we do. No detail was left undone and we marveled at how everything matched and coordinated so perfectly. Responsible for nothing but getting to various events on time, I delighted in sharing food, drink and conversation with relatives I don’t get to see as often as I would like. Four days of no cooking or doing anything that wasn’t fun is a lifestyle I could easily adopt.
Reality was a tough adjustment on the Monday after, but we still had wedding number two in the wings. Productivity was necessary for a mere 17 days before leaving for Nashville where my son, Michael, was marrying Susanne. Ah, more leisure and family visiting awaited. Again my duties were minimal. Some might say non-existent but I like to believe I contributed something to the weekend’s success.
One morning, while occupying a chair in the far back corner of the dining area at the hotel, I visited with every shift of diners from our group. After 3.5 hours of breakfast and beverages, I felt obligated to vacate the area. We all enjoyed a great time of family togetherness with lots of reminiscing and teasing of the groom.
From the moment I entered the church on Saturday, tears flowed and lasted until the reception. Tears of joy for sure as I flashed through memories of my son’s life, giving thanks for the wonderful woman he was marrying. The ceremony was beautiful and when a songwriter/pianist marries the woman of his dreams, it’s certain the music will be memorable. It was.
For weeks I’ve luxuriated in wedding memories and relived details from both celebrations. I had one more crying jag the day after we returned home. Technology, usually my nemesis, has provided fantastic opportunities to see pictures almost instantly. (It probably would be instant, but not with my antiquated devices.) The weddings were as unique as the individuals who planned them. The commonality was in the love that embraced not just two people, but friends and extended family.
On that first Saturday in May, when we returned to the hotel after Michael and Susanne’s wedding, there were petals on the floor spilled by the flower girls, my granddaughters. A lovely reminder that two people promised to love and honor each other. Not just when it’s exciting or convenient, but even when it’s not. And families increased in numbers, with promises to keep in touch and visit soon.
Because at the end of the day, especially a wedding day, love and respect and joy are what we all aspire to achieve and sharing makes for even more.
Congratulations, Newlyweds and much happiness for all!