Last weekend was spent celebrating the marriage of the daughter of a close friend. It was an incredibly joyful time, and the first wedding I have attended as a friend of the parents of the bride! What a change of perspective. It was a few hours into the reception before it sunk in that this was not the wedding of one of my peers, but rather, the wedding of one of the next generation.
Looking at the bride and groom and their friends taking over the dance floor, I realized I was one of the old people and it was time to get out of the way! Now, when did that happen? My husband and I were honored to be included in the festivities and it was extra special as it also happened to be the anniversary of what we call “our big wedding.” In 2001, we were legally married in a small ceremony but then followed it up with a renewal of vows in front of 180 of our closest family and friends the following June. That was a time to remember, and a night filled with music.
The Seven Hills Middle School band entertained guests before the ceremony and played the wedding march. Following our exchange of vows and renewed commitment to one another, our good friend’s band had people out of their seats, dancing on our back deck, until local law enforcement arrived to remind of us the 10:00 pm noise ordinance. It was a party, a great wedding, and the continuation of a happy marriage.
Weddings. It can and should be an unforgettable experience, as two people commit their lives to one another. The time.
