In March 2004, I was in a bit of a tailspin.
My marriage was less than two weeks away from my marriage, which I had ordered in December from Macy’s ‘ Manhattan wedding department.
Yes, I know. I had to order a wedding gown with a three-month return before it came to a close. I’d planned to use everything simpler, of the rack. But when I stepped into the sleeveless dessert and the salesperson laced up the bra up while the salesperson laced up the gentle stones on the corset, I swooned. It was excellent, accentuating all my positive and camouflaging all the drawbacks.
I believe in love at first sight, especially when it comes to bridal gowns.
The sales representative gave me the assurance that it would arrive in Florida on occasion for the Great Day.
” I have n’t had a disappointed bride yet”, she said.
As the day drew closer, though, I feared I may be her first.
I was given a pair of friends ‘ outfits to give. Walking down the aisle in a dirty white towel made me feel bad.
Suddenly, on Saturday a week before the marriage, UPS left a box on my porch while I was at Disney World with my daughters. The clothing needed to be hemmed and pressed for seven days.
Thankfully, my great roommate Tonya Adams had worked as a costume designer for a local community theater for many years. She was familiar with meeting deadlines and had the gown prepared in just two weeks.
At the time, the gown play, along with a botched nails and missing flowers to top the cake, seemed tragic, major obstacles thrown out by destiny to mar our special day.
Twenty years later, they’re really amusing tales.
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What I truly value about that day are the people who surrounded us.
My aunt as he officiated our marriage, said some interesting and moving things to me. Even the most devoted Christian of my kinfolks can be found on a dancing floor I can recall. I can recall looking intently at the delight I experienced in that instant while standing solely off the side of the reception hall.
The past two decades have n’t been all sunshine and roses.
We’ve said farewell to parents, relatives, friends and cherished pets. We’ve weathered work pressure, financial stress and wellness scares.
We’ve endured the heart-pounding activities of a Pink Van Tour across the rugged red cliffs of Sedona, whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, and driving on the left side of the road along Ireland’s narrow roads.
Generally, though, our married life has been filled with basic enjoyment and mundane tasks.
Foods with friends, quiet doggy walks, quiet night at home watching Television.
Grocery searching, paying bills, mowing the lawn, doing housework.
Steve and I had great ideas for this step celebration. We discussed a significant excursion and pricey presents.
We ended up having a great meal at a favorite restaurant and spending the weekend hanging out along while laughing and holding hands.
It seems absurd from a distance of 20 years to have stressed over a dress that was once worn and then hidden under the mattress in a closed gift box.
I am now aware that a happy marriage has a lot to do with who stood beside me at the temple and not so much with what I wore or how the pie was decorated.
That costume however has my heart. I’m but appreciative that it arrived on time.
But I adore the person so much more.