I have been a bridesmaid only once – but what an honor. I was just 15. My blonde hair, straight but full of body, gently draped down the middle of my back touching the satin peacock-blue gown. The princess inside of me was thrilled that the bride chose formal-length gowns for us – and oh, those silver shoes. Following the ceremony, I was escorted on the arm of Prince Charming – the groom’s tall, handsome uncle. Enough about me – what about the bride? She wore a borrowed dress, simple but lovely. I remember her sewing a lace trim around the train and adding some sequins to the veil. The A-line skirt was perfect for her petite frame. She had been my life-long mentor – herself, still a teenager – my eldest sister.
Through the years, she taught me how to play jacks, hopscotch, and tether ball. She taught me to read music, play the accordion, sew, bowl, and twirl a baton. Before teaching me to drive, she drove me EVERYWHERE … church, school, work, and parties. Following this special ceremony, on November 26, 1971, things would change. I would move into her larger bedroom and would soon be driving myself. We no longer lived together, but we were still sisters. The groom became the brother I never had – protector, advisor, and helper.
They started their family within a couple years of their young marriage and were blessed with two healthy sons. Now those sons are grown, they are grandparents, and we ask: “Where did the years go?” Sister is still mentoring, encouraging, advising, organizing; is successful in the corporate world; and, better stated in my “Sisters” chapter in Reflections, is “the supreme example of a multitalented woman.”
It seems like only yesterday we were listening to the song “We’ve Only Just Begun” in honor of the formal exchange of vows (what a perfect song). Like all of us, they experienced a few disappointments along the way; but their marriage has stood the test of time. I have to say that theirs is among my hall-of-fame weddings. And I am so blessed to have them in my life.
Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary. WOW!
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.” Mark 10:7-8 (NIV)
I remember the day very well. Looking at the pictures I hate my hair… Congratulations V & T. Love you both !
K
You were right in style. Notice, the other candle lighter, flower girl, and bride had them too! I rather like the ringlets and think they should bring them back. 🙂
The guys have all been talking about their Elvis sideburns and the fact that they even had hair back then! 🙂