Marry me....

Absolutely, I will and "I do"...

The violin music danced through the air and carried with it the hearts and minds of all who were there. Some were excited and filled with anticipation, while others were speaking in whispers to one another. A young mother fiddled with her daughter’s hair bow, then ran her hand down the front of that gorgeous blue taffeta dress to straighten the edges of the ruffles so they all lay evenly. A small boy nearby was picking, pinching and overall annoying his big sister in every way he could find. Then I noticed a teenage couple who seemed filled with young puppy love as they reached their hands to each other and joined them, followed by smiles that could light up a room. 

Soon, we were all standing in honor of the beautiful bride who slowly walked in and up the pathway that had been created for this moment. If ever there was a beautiful bride, it was this one. She has the face of an angel, flawless skin and the sweetness of honey. I have been to many weddings over the years, seen many brides in that process. I could see and I could feel that this one loved her groom more than anything.

The father of the groom officiated and he was so nervous that he held the microphone away from his mouth most of the time. I could still hear because I was up close but I was certain that the greatest percentage of those in attendance could not. It was all ok, he was participating in his son’s wedding and I could feel his pride at that moment even through his nerves.

The ceremony was soon over and the bride, her fabulous daughters, and her groom were jubilant and festive. They were now ready to meet, greet and be merry. 

My son and the violinist played music to entertain all who were there. A few even called out requests from time to time. The groom grabbed the hand of his bride and they danced alone, whispering and smiling at each other. I have seen many couples and I must say that this one truly loved and respected one another. Odd as it may sound, I could feel their love all around them and I was close enough that it touched me.

The setting was a wonderful Italian village located in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. If you closed your eyes and when opening them you were unsure where you were, Italy would be a first guess. The wait staff was pleasant and seemed to feel they were part of the wedding party, which added to the amazing atmosphere all around.

When it was time to cut the cake, there were those in the crowd that were goading them to smear the cake in each other’s faces. I am happy to report that neither did. They fed the cake to one another, very politely and sweetly; the way I believe it should be done. I was proud they did not give in to those who wanted otherwise.

The groom, whose name is Matt was the star of the show for me. Before the wedding began, he came through and checked to be certain everything was as planned. He then set up a couple of vases that were fabulous. He placed them on pedestals at the front of the area where the ceremony was to take place. He fussed a little with them, and remained apprehensive about the uneven brick floor where they were perched. Even as the night went on and pictures were being made, I noticed he warned others not to touch them for fear they might fall and he continually reached his hand back to them to see that they remained in place.

His mother took the microphone and read a three page heart-felt story she had written for this moment. I knew she wanted to be a part of the whole thing, it was important to her. I could feel his apprehension, but he made it through. An important thing the mother said was that her son calls her every day to make sure she is ok. That hit home to me and solidified my thoughts of what a great guy he was and is.

I have known both the bride and the groom for years as they have come to my son’s performances many times. Each and every time I have seen them together, he has been very attentive to her needs, very polite to everyone and just an all around fabulous guy. When he looks at and interacts with her two daughters, I can tell he genuinely loves them and honors them.

Of all the weddings I have attended, I feel this is the one that true love was exhibited. I heard no complaining, no nipping at each other over trivial things that did not go perfectly, I only heard the sound of real love. They were mature enough to understand that life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. This will be a happy union for many years, even for a lifetime.