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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Wedding Memories

Someone asked me today, "Was it a traditional wedding?" I had to pause...no, not in the strictest sense of the word. But yes, the ceremony was traditional, yes, yes it was. The music was glorious! Very carefully and lovingly chosen by the bride and groom, there were songs and hymns that meant so much to them. Beautifully performed by dear friends and family, each piece was truly uplifting. The first 4 selections featured here on my blog were a part of their wedding. I do hope you will be able to listen to at least one or two of them. I have been unable to get them out of my head for days now...the first selection was written and performed by a young man who is doing astonishing work on Broadway. Someone To Fall Back On is such a beautiful ballad that it brings tears to my eyes....
Was it traditional? No, not in dress or style. The young couple and the wedding participants are all lovers and students of art, music, fashion, film and theater. Amanda and John chose to have a traditional ceremony with their own personal style stamp. It was great fun, happy and truly a joyous event. The bridesmaids each wore a different bright color...red, orange, Kelly green, blue, yellow. The colors were represented in the flowers the bride carried and again on the cake. They are such a lovely couple and pretty darned good lookin' too eh? The groom's parents are dear friends from our military days. Bill was stationed with Rich at US Transportation Command, Scott AFB in Illinois. Rich has the best sense of humor and never failed to make me laugh myself silly. 8 years ago, while out running, Rich suffered a heart attack. He was medically dead for several horrific minutes. An RN came to his aid and was able to resuscitate him just before the paramedics arrived. Thanks to the wonderful care he received, Rich is with us today. Sadly however, he was left seeing only shadows, unable to walk and suffers
tremors and seizures intermittently. Still, that wonderful smile and that sense of humor remain intact. He is my hero.
The groom's mother, Sandy, is one of God's angels walking on this Earth. I thought she was special before Rich became disabled but now? She is a hero in any one's book. She has loving cared for Rich, as well as for her 3 children, with fierce devotion. I am proud to call this beautiful woman my friend. Someone else of whom I am pretty darned proud...my son Daniel. Dan was one of John's groomsmen. Here he is with Alexandria, the adorable bridesmaid with whom he was paired. She is a bundle of energy and such a bright spirit. Ah...my girl. This was a child who had previously refused to dance at a wedding. You should have seen her at this one! Grace was right in there, dancing her little heart out with all the young people. This is a picture of Grace with Chris, a sweet young man who was so good to our girl and yes, I would say she developed a wee crush on him. Uh huh...those days have begun! It was a wonderful wedding weekend. We were there for the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, the wedding and the reception. Was it traditional? Not in the strictest sense of the word but it was filled with all the things that a wedding should have. Joy. Laughter. Happy tears. Exuberance. Life. Sweet moments to remember always. Much happiness to you John and Amanda. Thank you for making us a part of your special day.

13 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

The music of course, is beautiful...the wedding couple, fantastic...is there anything dearer than the friends we made while in the military? That is why I love Evil Sister so much...we went through hell together while Mac and Frank were off the cost of Lebonan for months at a time...we sustained each other, just as your friends and you sustain each other. Yes, Sandy is a hero in my book, too...would that everyday people (as if she is everyday!) could receive the accolades reserved for ball players and movie stars...I say we give our friends a star on our own walk of fame...great post, Susie...your son, so handsome, your daughter so lovely...you'll have to invest in that stick to keep the boys beat off soon...just fair warning!
Sandi

Cheryl Wray said...

What WONDERFUL pictures!!! And the wedding sounds like it was just perfect. I love wedding where you can really see the personality of the bride and groom shine through it. It sounds like this was definitely one of those.

So sweet of Grace dancing. Looks like she had a great time! (and, yes, you have many years of crushes on boys coming up!)

Kathleen Grace said...

Wonderful photos and a great story. The bride is beautiful and the couple clooks so happy! Many congratulations to them. I remember the first time my girls danced at a wedding, they were about Grace's age, it made my heart sing! Thank you for sharing the joy:>)

PAT said...

The music is wonderful the wedding sounds fabulous. I loved all the photos and the story. Absolutely beautiful!

Pat

Cherdecor said...

Beautiful wedding! I loved how you framed all the pictures. Grace is growing up! Again, beautiful pics!

Meggie said...

Sounds like a perfectly personal wedding...very specially planned by the bride and groom. Grace looks so cute dancing with Chris.

Andi said...

I do belive this may be one of my favorite posts dear Sue. I love weddings...traditional or non-traditional. They represent love stories and the beginning of new wonderful adventures.

Fabulous pictures of your handsome son...and your divine Miss Grace is a fashion diva for sure in her polka dots...love her dress!!!

Lisa Pogue said...

I love "nontraditional" style weddings. There's nothing like them, very personal and full of character. It sounds like a wonderful weekend was had by you and your family. Thanks for sharing.

Lallee said...

I enjoyed seeing the wedding and hearing their music choices. It sounds like it was all well thought out. Loved seeing Grace dancing.

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

What a cool wedding! I love the use of bright and happy colors. Seems like it was more "smilin' fun" that "stuffy formal". Bravo!

Kari

Justabeachkat said...

Just gorgeous!...your photos, the couple, the flowers, the cake, the music and your handsome son!

Hugs!
Kat

Pamela said...

aren't those big celebrations fun.. where everyone gets out and dances and enjoys one another.

It doesn't get any better than that.

FHL said...

Sounds like a beautiful day! Your story of Rich and Sandy brought tears to my eyes. Praise God for miracles and wonderful lasting friendships :o)