Two Decades, Plus One Year

Hard to believe that 21 years ago I woke up a married man. Here we are, though, and all the more in love!

The wedding day was perfect. Weather was warm and sunny. Had a special breakfast for out of town guests, and it was a relaxing start to the significant day. Eventually off to the church to walk and pray a bit, then to practice one last time those memorized lines about loving each other through thick and thin, forever and always.

Photos before and after the ceremony. The guests started arriving, the place filled up, the smiles became irrepressible. Dena looked stunning. I was nervous, but only a bit. We stood at the stage as my brother played the trumpet processional. The bride was escorted to us, and the service started. Tom officiated, and his warm, relaxed tones guided us through a most memorable half hour. My cheeks hurt from smiling so long and so intensely. I had every reason to be grinning!

Our vows.
Our rings.
Our kiss.
Our journey begun.

The closing song played, we walked down the aisle, smiling even more and holding hands tightly. So many people came to share our joy! We got to the back door, and she burst into tears of joy (and in so doing also released weeks and months of stress!).

Greeting family and friends. More photos. Sign the license. To the reception, greet more folks and get tired of standing and smiling and shaking hands and thanking people.

Exhausted, we finally changed into our travel clothes, and then scurried out the door. The well wishers cheered, the rice bombarded us. We drove away from the church, unable to fully comprehend all that took place that long and beautiful day.

Thanks to Aunt Patty, we shared a plate of reception food while we made the 90 minute drive to the bed and breakfast, Wise Manor. A very nice place, and the dear woman who ran it was very welcoming as she showed us to our room. She even pointed to a bottle of wine in the frig, if we wished (we didn’t, but it sure was fun to know it was there!).

Goodness, that was 21 years ago. As I wrote this it seemed like just last week.

We have much for which to be thankful!