It is wonderful when you see love...real love. It is a gift when marriage is about real love. In the case of my dear stepdaughter and my new son-in-law, LOVE was the center focus of their wedding and will continue to spearhead the marriage. As I write this, they are travelling in The Poconos enjoying their honeymoon. I do hope they are having a great time! Their wedding was gorgeous. The theme of the wedding was "Red Roses". On each table at the reception were personalized m&m's housed in the hollow of a plastic car. Each table also held a camera in a paper-covering with red roses. The centerpieces of the table were exquisitely appointed 2 ft glass vases, lit...with a Red Roses bouquet at the top. Everything was elegant. From the moment you stepped into the reception, you were relaxed and comfortable. The dj had great energy and dancing took a center focus, as a major part of PuertoRican culture. I for one thoroughly enjoyed watching all my loved ones dance...they are such great dancers! As awkward as I felt, I spent a bit of time out there with them and even danced with 3 gentlemen myself (she's still got it folks!)
The ceremony itself was serene. Guests quietly reflected while awaiting the arrival of a Bride so beautiful she was heaven-divined. The wedding party was perfect in their red and black and white. Every man, woman and child was in awe as they stood for that Bride...escorted by both Mom and Dad, and greeted by an eager Groom. There was a lot of Love by the Lake that day. The Limo driver, photographer and videographer were all a special part of this day...they operated so smoothly and gently that they never took a moment's focus from the Bride and Groom or the other important elements of the day. Instead they captured tender moments everywhere and enhanced the enjoyment of the day! The Coordinator of the day, Ms. Tracy Hill from Crystal Lake Golf Club, was exceptionally graceful and reassuring! Her waitstaff gave us the utmost care...especially Hailey and Ryan who served in our rehearsal dinner and also on the Wedding day. Hailey served us generously, even standing in the cold with us while we completed the professional photos and giving her jacket to the shiverring flower girl! The level of professionalism shown by each and every vendor was beyond anything I have seen before. It has made such an impact on me!
In preparing for the day, the Bride and her entourage arrived by Limo 2 hours ahead, and were given a special room to prepare themselves. The Groom and his party spent some time in the Pub (mostly just in the doorway), out of sight of the Bride. The Groomsmen and the Bridesmaids each carefully protecting the Groom and Bride from accidentally seeing each other. The Father of the Bride paced nervously with the Ring Bearer and several of the younger Groomsemen entertained us on a nearby piano. All the while, the photographer and videographer captured special moments that would otherwise be forgotten! It was Sunny and warm with a slight breeze all day and into the evening. As the sun disappeared, the temperatures plummetted but we would not notice as the party busily heated-up the dance floor.
The arrival of the Wedding Party to the Reception was met with excitement. The Bride danced with her new Husband and also her Father. Guests buzzed around the head table and showered loving words and hugs and kisses to their favorite people of the day! The food was delicious that night. I myself had an exceptionally wonderful Vegetarian dish, but both the Chicke and Beff looked delicious as well. There were no complaints about the food at our table...nor the service! The Garter/Bouquet-catch proved to be the "show" of the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, calling it a night at a whopping 9pm! The Father-of-the-Bride and I had to usher home a very sleepy Ring-Bearer and Flower Girl.
My favorite part of the entire weekend actually didn't happen until the following day. The Bride and Groom came home! Let me explain...the Bride has been living with us. Their honeymoon was to start on Tuesday and so on Monday, they had arranged for visits and dinners and a little downtime. I am glad to say that their downtime was here at my home. I feel it has been a privilege to serve them and be a part of their special wedding period...however long it lasts! My children SO adore their Sister and their New Brother, that we could not keep them apart. But as is their generously loving nature, they warmly embraced the kids and allowed them to play with them and rest with them and ended up having some very unexpected bonding time! We sadly saw them leave....knowing they are happy and that we are forever changed...by their Love.
~namaste~
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