A perfect day all would agree, and one that didn't surprise me as at such special times, I call upon my Dad to oversee the weather and he does so faithfully. After all this was the wedding of his only grandchild. Please don't misunderstand and think I believe I have the power to control something so out of our hands as Mother Nature. No, I just have the faith and belief we can communicate with our loved ones and ask their intercession in times of need. I'm sure anyone who has tried it, would agree.
The ceremony was far from what many would imagine, especially taking place in a Church founded in 1837. The minister they chose was well versed in marriage ceremonies but also keenly aware how far so many have strayed from a once firm foundation of faith. A family member commented how it was the best and most entertaining he'd been to. Ever. While somewhat irreverent and certainly funny at times, the most important messages were sincere and heartfelt. To the point we learned later, God changed the minds of a couple contemplating separation and divorce!
One of the most touching parts was the presentation of a necklace with a pendant representing two adults holding the hands of a child. Of course from Jaclyn and Matt to Ella. After which she was also invited to sign a marriage certificate which they can hang in their home to remind them of this special moment.
The weeks leading up to the wedding was one I can only describe as a 'wild ride'. At the beginning mind you, all signs were pointing to June 10th being the only day available in June as Jaclyn and Matt made their inquiries. As time went on, the dress shopping, usually a one stop purchase for both the mother of the bride and me, became a bridal nightmare. Neither of us finding that dress which presented itself simply while totally fitting in with the plan. Oh no, we both ended up with Plans B, C and maybe even D in our quest. Jaclyn wore her grandmother's satin wedding dress from the 1940's, worn by both her mother and aunt as well. The alterations came down to the last few days, also requiring a Plan B be in place. The ongoing lament of course was how do men get to just go get a suit, maybe have it tucked here or there, buy shoes and be ready! I know what you're thinking, ya, ya, weddings always have their bumps and unforeseen challenges.
Well, Jaclyn and Matt had both planned their unique day to take place in a barn outside Kingston. Lots of fuss and bother to get it to reflect their taste and personalities. After much preparation they received a phone call at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday before the big day to be advised the barn had been shut down by fire inspectors and would not be eligible as a venue. Many would melt in a puddle of tears and anxiety, but not this team with their attendants! Not so, by late Wednesday evening they'd found a venue, right downtown Kingston at Confederation Place Hotel. Owner Bill Allinson came to the rescue and accommodated them in every way imaginable. This wedding became the talk of the town given the number of rentals needing cancellation, the calls to rearrange things and the empathy that followed. One of those stories one couldn't help but share with others. At the end of the day, with a laugh we could say 'Be careful what you wish for when you wanted a unique day!'.
As it turned out one would have thought the room was the original venue and it turned into a joyful, memorable occasion for us all. It is a union so powerful, so full of goodness and light, nothing was coming in the way of this special marriage.
Little Ella of course was the flower girl and so mature in her ways, running around during the photos, doing interviews of the girls in the bridal party all on her own. She captured the hearts of everyone, by just being herself and enjoying the day to the fullest.
There are many lessons to be learned through this months long experience and I'm grateful for the eyes to see through self observation. Wanting so desperately to have everything go right yet not in a position to simply take over and do things 'my way.' Their way was as special and unique as they are a couple. Being quietly diligent to recognize when complaints are really a plea for help. Drawing in a friend at the 11th hour to sort out logistics was a God send. Trusting the little things you can do to put your own stamp of identity on a day only yours by association.
Like connecting with Dawn, mother of the bride to put together a photo book of pictures of Jaclyn & Matt in their very early years - each one complementing the other. Both very different yet also so similar.
Like providing each member of the bridal party their own gift of homemade peanut brittle at the rehearsal dinner. Why? One of the groomsmen thanked me not only for the treat, but for the long ago memories it conjured in his heart. Of he and his siblings sitting around the table in grandma's kitchen just waiting for a taste of her peanut brittle.An emotional trigger in the best of ways.
Like accepting the offer from dear friends of a 1939 Rolls Royce as a photo prop following the ceremony. Not overbearing, not overshadowing, just a lovely touch of class.
Like crafting my speech as a poem of Matt's life using the beat of a Dr. Suess story book. Another groomsmen commented on how it held his attention as he recalled reading to his 2 1/2 year old son. Almost a subliminal form of keeping the audience captive.
Like renting an entire B&B for our out of town family to share for the weekend. Step daughter Krista found the Riverview B7B right on the Thousand Islands Parkway, 255 to be exact, a little gem waiting to be discovered. One which allowed not often gathered friends and relatives a time to strengthen their bonds to one another.
Once it was over and we all got back home, a healthy dose of 'relief exhaustion' set in. It's the only way I can describe the last few days. For me, more than others I'd say, was praying my health would remain stable and not ruin their day. God came through on that front for which I' ever so grateful. We will now continue to live every day well until I'm not. As a parent we all wish to see our children grow to adulthood, perhaps find a mate who completes them as a person and a solid foundation for the future. This was accomplished in spades with the love and acceptance of Jaclyn, her sister Rachel and mom and dad, Dawn and Dan who embrace Matt as one of their own. In many ways, this makes the circle of life complete. That being said, it would be ever so generous of God to let me stay until Jaclyn and Matt welcome a new little one into their lives. I leave it in His hands.
For those of you so inclined, feel free to take a peek at the early photos from Jaclyn and Matt's wedding. There are ever so many more out there as we learned last evening during a visit with the bride, groom and her parents. Take care and God Bless until next time.....
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0C5qXGF1JO5ssR
Liz
dobbsjones@gmail.com
"Prayers wrapped in faith and sent with love are the greatest gifts we can receive."
The idea is that once the mount is placed in the frame, the flag is “sandwiched” securely between the cotton cloth and the plex front, Apotheke
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