Wedding Daze

I can't wait to marry my dear Robert.  Wedding planning though, ugh!!!  Sometimes God will send angels in the form of friends to whisk you away from everything and say, "C'mon, let's go to this local bridal expo."  Didn't know I would have so much fun. For me, though, it wasn't all the beautiful flowers, jewelry and table decors that made me feel excited.  It was friends.  Without them, it would have been crowds and vendors competing for my business.  With them, it was possibilities, moments shared and laughter.

Left to right:  Diane, me and Nicole

My friend, Diane, and I talked more about it afterwards.  I had taken off my dress and put on my t-shirt and comfy pajama bottoms, all snuggly on the sofa.  I shared with her what I'm looking forward to.  I look forward to the organic way that this wedding unfolds.  The authenticity of it all.  What came immediately to mind was my sister's idea of having a tree with lights only on it.  Rather than having ornaments, I'd provide parchment paper with ribbon where guests could get up at any moment during the ceremony and write inspired thoughts and blessings on the paper, then tie them to the tree.  Later, we could read what people wrote and revel in the power of their words. 

A ceremony as unique as we are, that's what makes me joyful.  Not the traditional vows, but a commitment nonetheless, that resonates with the two of us. 

Honestly, all the bling-bling is good and I'm no different than the next bride.  If someone wanted to give me a limo ride or pay for my wedding cake, I wouldn't refuse it.  If I won an elegant reception package at a bridal expo or event, I would send invitations and enjoy all that came with it.  I'm all about celebrating; notwithstanding, at this age and stage of my life, I know that all of that is just frosting.  The cake is the marriage.  It's the substance. The level of our commitment to a life together is what's most important.  It is what happens when everybody has returned to their homes and we're left with a relationship that must be nurtured and attended to as we would a baby brought home from the hospital. 

Commercialized, no, I don't want that.  I don't want the pomp.  I want to remember fondly the love, warm and connection.  I want those invited to have an experience that's so spiritual that it makes them aspire for more out of themselves.  That's the vision that makes me excited. 

No stress.  No fuss.  Just us!