Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Bells are Ringing...






Full disclosure: as I began writing this blog the other night, I went looking for the small camera I took along--my husband's camera, actually. GONE. I looked high and low--I cannot find it. Bereft!

But, our son took marvelous photos--all those you see here are from him.
------------------------------




Well, wedding day has come and gone.


Despite all our fervent hopes for good weather, Saturday dawned cloudy and drizzly. All day--off and on rain, gusts of wind, and in general a warm muggy tropical feeling. Most strange for late October in central PA.

Daughter and I began the day somewhat early--off to get hair done, and then make up done. Out of the ordinary special treatment--but for a most special day.
We headed to the church early--not much else to do with the rain. Along with my daughter-in-law, I had the immense pleasure of helping my daughter. Her dress had some 20 or 30 small buttons down the back, with little crochet loops. She patiently stood and waited, while daughter-in-law and I struggled to close them all.


Then, the big moment arrived. Music for the trip down the aisle--The Prince of Denmark March. Father of the bride, and mother of the bride accompanied her.


I have never liked the idea of "giving away" the woman--only the woman. The couple together are giving themselves to each other, and we the family members--both of the bride and the groom--are sharing this time and supporting them. So, that is how our daughter and her partner had structured the service.

The intervening moments between dressing and worship service had been filled with lots of photo taking. LOTS of photos.


After the service, we rode several blocks to the Civic Club--a lovely old building along the Susquehanna River. The father of the bride had, many months ago, arranged for a small bus to transport people from the church to the reception. At the time, it seemed most appropriate for more senior members who might need help traveling. But, with the uncooperative weather, the mini-bus turned out to be just the thing.



We had a grand time at the reception--the wedding couple entered the grand ballroom to Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line"--such a great choice of a song. Their dance song was Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares for Me." For my husband and me, our daughter had picked Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years."





Ah, music--sometimes it says all that needs to be said.

We had multiple toasts, a scrumptious meal, the traditional cake cutting.



Just before the reception began, the rain stopped--and the low hanging clouds draped a gauzy fog over the river. A breathtaking sight. So, even though a clear fall day would have been gorgeous, a beautiful evening along the river was an acceptable substitute.




So, now they are well and truly married. The wedding couple returned the next day, after a wedding brunch they hosted, to London.












Sigh...
That is a sigh of relief--all the planning worked out. Our daughter looked lovely, the groom was handsome. The music was perfection. The flowers fantastic.
Also a sigh of bittersweet awareness--our daughter is our younger child, no one else at home to make a major life step.

17 comments:

Beverly said...

How lovely! I'm impressed that you got photos posted so soon. I do hope that the camera shows up! Maybe someone will have found it and figure out that it belongs to you.

The mini-bus was a wonderful idea, and it did, indeed, serve a wonderful purpose. That's great.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful day. I love the fact that both you and your husband accompanied her down the aisle.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Your retelling of the day brought tears to my eyes. Your daughter is so lovely and you Donna- you looked gorgeous! I immagine it must stir many emotions to see the youngest marry and move off on their own path.

Congratulations to you all.

Peruby said...

Looks like it was everything a wedding was meant to be. What a lovely memory.

Jayne said...

What a beautiful day Donna... full of memories and happiness. So glad everything (with the exception of the weather) went so well. :c)

Anvilcloud said...

Looks like a great wedding.

Ginger said...

Beautiful! Thanks for posting the pictures here!

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I certainly looked like a lovely wedding. Your daughter certainly is a beautiful looking woman, very elegant in her wedding dress.

I am glad your careful planning worked out.

I remember at my son's wedding I got quite weepy. There is a personal sense of loss at the same time a happiness for your child moving on to the next stage in life. I guess that is what they mean by "bittersweet".

When I officiate at a wedding I seldom use the traditional words for the "Give Away". It is speaks of women as chattel. I usually use "Who presents this woman to the man of her choice."
There are several different replies by the presenter. "I do." "Hermotherand I do." "I do on behalf of her family and friends." Modern couples who still want to honour their father (an mother) by having them particiate seem to like this.

NCmountainwoman said...

What a lovely bride and groom! And what lovely parents! I love the song they selected for your dance with your husband. My son chose, "Stand By Me" for our mother/son dance. I do remember ths sigh of relief when all was said and done.

CONGRATULATIONS ALL AROUND!!!

RuthieJ said...

Oh Donna, it was beautiful! I love your gold and black suit -- so elegant and your hubby looks so handsome in his tux. Looks like you had a truly memorable day in spite of the weather. Thanks for sharing it with us.

warriormom said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the photos and the retelling.

possumlady said...

That first photo of you and your husband is truly special. I, too, love your outfit! The music seems like it was expertly picked.

(Isn't it good luck to rain on your wedding day?)

Thanks for the photos and I'm crossing my fingers that your camera finds its way back to you.

jeanmac said...

How very beautiful. I just loved seeing your pictures. Your daughter's gown is so beautiful.
Many years of happiness wished for them - and you and hubby!Love Jean

Anonymous said...

What a lovely mother and daughter you are, too. Thanks for sharing this special day. Hopefully the missing camera will turn up soon too...

LauraHinNJ said...

Thank you for sharing pics... so nice to see a laughing bride!

Climenheise said...

It was indeed a good wedding. Even more than you we're depending on other people's pictures; but for the memories of the day we have our own, which are wonderful. We wish the bride and groom long life and joy unconfined!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh...I do love weddings...this looked like a gorgeous one too...you and your daughter look beautiful...congratulations to all...thanks for sharing.

Marilyn

Valerie said...

The pictures record a beautiful day. Everyone looks so lovely and happy. What wonderful memories they will have.