Last weekend, we enjoyed a very fun, family wedding in rural Indiana. Our beautiful niece, Nicole was married to her fiance' of 5 years, Andrew, in a beautiful ceremony held outdoors behind a very elegant barn where later, the reception was held.
I've had several friends tell me how much FUN it is to go to these big, family weddings. It's one of the only times the family is all together - dressed nicely and on their best behavior!
Our family wedding did not disappoint! From 80-something grandparents to 1-year-old grandchildren, the whole clan was present and accounted for! It was especially nice to see all the aunts, uncles and cousins - from as far away as Taipei - brought together again for such a festive event.
My sister- and brother-in-law spared no expense to assure we were well fed, entertained and.... "watered" as the evening's festivities pursued.
The beautiful bride walked down the aisle at precisely 4 pm as the groom sang along with John Legend, crooning his current hit "All of Me". It was a sweet touch and knowing Nicole and Andrew's story, the lyrics were right on. Vows were exchanged as bridesmaids, groomsmen, family and friends looked on with love and pride and before long, the pastor was introducing the new couple!
As the ceremony ended (with thunder bouncing around the evening sky), the family members hustled into a side barn for pictures and the other guests jaunted to the main barn for a cold beverage.
The storm passed quickly, leaving beautiful God-light to dance along the surrounding corn fields. Guests played lawn games and the photographer captured portraits of wedding party, bride and groom and family members lit by the soft glow of the waning sun.
A lovely buffet, followed by the current sweet of choice - cupcakes - was heartily enjoyed by all as the DJ started to crank up the tunes.
Naturally, the bride and groom shared the first dance, then there was a special dance between grandpa and bride that left no eye dry. Following were more special dances, toasts and stories of the couple's meeting and early days together.
As the night progressed, we danced, laughed, discussed, lingered and learned about each others most recent adventures. The music varied from Mac the Knife to Hip Hop tunes I couldn't begin to name and to which the wedding party knew every word! It was such a blast to kick up our heals together - parent and child, uncles and nieces, friends and family, old and young - all as one big, happy clan.
All too soon, the last song played and it was time to round everyone up and head to a nearby hotel for the night.
As Nicole and Andrew move into the future together, I wonder what they will take from this day and evening where they swore to love each other "in sickness and in health, till death parts us."
I'm sure they will think about the months of planning and how quickly the big day flew by. It's likely they will reminisce about a particular dance or speech or pratfall and laugh together over the memory. They will pull out the wedding photos and chat about what's new in the life of each cousin, aunt, uncle and friend.
But, overall, there is no doubt, they will remember the warm feeling of being surrounded by wonderful friends and family who love them with a huge heart and will be there for them in the good times and bad.
For that, I am sure they feel forever blessed.
With sore feet and a happy heart,
Miriam
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