In honor of our 39th wedding anniversary, I’ve updated this post a bit but it is still largely the same as when I wrote it six years ago. All photos by Dan McConnell.
My maternal grandparents came from Stockdale, Pennsylvania. My godparents had arrived from Charleston, South Carolina.
The night before our wedding, my father and uncles roasted a lamb, Greek-style, on a spit in the back yard. My mom, aunts, and grandparents prepared spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salad with feta cheese and a host of other yummy dishes, and of course Greek cookies like finikia, baklava and diples. There was Greek music and line dancing in our big basement. The Greeks really know how to get ready for a wedding. There was lots of merriment, dancing, eating, and drinking!
I remember when I told my first boss, Bob at Heritage Floral, that I wanted to get married on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1981. He almost had a melt down! I forgot it was the biggest floral day of the year! Bob finally calmed down when I told him I wanted white silk roses in my bouquet and my bridesmaids’. Silk flowers were the big thing back then. There were real flowers on the reception tables of course and Bob did a spectacular job. Having silk flowers made it easier for Bob to do the bouquets ahead of time, a great time saver in this case!
My wedding was fabulous. Have you ever been to a Greek Orthodox wedding? It is very beautiful and symbolic. My favorite part is the exchanging of the crowns, or Stefana, which symbolizes the unity of the couple and presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple. The Stefana are exchanged three times, back and forth, by the godparent and this symbolizes a sealing of the union. I still have my crowns to this day and actually had them framed; they are real beauties.
The reception was downstairs in our church hall. The Barlamas family catered the dinner and I swear, everyone had a half chicken on their plate! Greek dancing began shortly after and during the first dance, my father showered us with dollar bills for good luck. My little cousins (who I thought would keep the money!) swept up all the change and bills and that is what we honestly used for spending money while on our honeymoon at Peak N’Peek resort.
The reason I wanted to get married on Mother’s Day was because it was exactly one year to the day that I met Jim. When I asked my priest, Father John, if it was ok to be married on Mother’s Day, he said yes. At our ceremony, I remember him saying it was a day to honor all women and a perfect day to be married.
By the following year on my first anniversary, I was pregnant with my daughter Michelene. She was born on August 7, 1982. My son John came a few years later on January 9, 1986.
The significance of Mother’s Day as a wedding day has never been lost on me. I love being a mother to two beautiful children and a grandmother to Gavin and Penny. I have been blessed with a great husband who has been willing to do the hard work of staying together. It has not always been easy but we have persisted through the good, and challenging, times.
I believe the secret to a long relationship is respect for your partner. And a dedication to love and cherish the other person, no matter what. Being a mom is just the bonus to a good marriage.
And a great sense of humor that you both share! I am lucky to have you both as friends! You inspire me! Happy Anniversary and Happy Mother’s Day!
Cathy,
Happy Mother’s Day! That’s true, we do have a sense of humor! Have a wonderful day!! xo Joanne
Beautifully written Joanne….Happy Anniversary and blessing for many more happy years together. Happy Mothers Day!!!!!
Alicia,
Thank you so much and the same to you! Have a wonderful day!!
xo Joanne
What A Beautiful Blog, Joanne! Happy Anniversary & Happy Mother’s Day! What An Extra Special Day for You! Have A beautiful day Filled With Love Today & Always!
Hugs,
Linda
Linda! A happy day to you as well! Enjoy this beautiful weather and celebrate being a MOM!!
xo Joanne
Happy Mother’s Day Joanne! Happy Anniversary, too! Thank you for sharing that story!
This is lovely, really lovely. With every good wish for Mother’s Day and for your anniversary. And your daughter and mine share the same birthday, though not the same year. 🙂
Thank you my dear- isn’t that sweet you share my daughter’s birthday!
Have a wonderful day!
xo Joanne
🙂
What a beautiful Blog Joanne, It always warms my heart to read your blogs. I can not wait till July too see all of you. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Can’t wait to see you too Linda! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!!
xo Joanne
Happy Mother’s Day Joanne…….beautiful and inspiring post!
Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Anniversary!
a double whammy —Jim can never forget either event that’s for certain!!!
Happy double day!!
Thank you Julie! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
xo Joanne
Oh, how beautiful, Joanne! Love the photos. Happy Anniversary and Happy Mother’s Day to you, as every day is mother’s day…don’t you think?
I worked all weekend, but yesterday I was able to leave work 2 hours earlier, so I enjoyed the rest of the day with my son, who cooked me a simple, but loving meal, and treated me to a neck massage as well….both were extremely appreciated.
Joy to you today,
Marianne xo
Hi Marianne,
Sounds like you had a nice Mother’s Day once you were home! And yes, I agree, every day is mother’s day!
xo Joanne
OH my STARS! Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your goodness. As I moved along through your story, I felt bathed in Grace.
Thank you for sharing. Thank you for sharing your smiles.
OH my ……….this blog will sustain me for the week and beyond.
I am so lucky I met you.
Well written, I could feel your happiness.
Here’s to you and Jim’s LOVE story.
Fierce HUGS, D
I know how blessed I am and it has taken a lot of steady work to get our marriage into the good place it is in today. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship!
xo Joanne
Joanne, This is so heart-warming and so romantic! Thank you for sharing your beautiful and cherished memories, you have blessed me. xo Viv
Hi Viv,
Thank you for stopping by!
I love your blog-
xo Joanne
Wonderful Joanne!!
Happy Anniversary 🙂
Happy (belated) anniversary, Joanne!
I’ve been in Kansas with my mother for Mother’s Day and am just now catching up. I’m so glad I found this post and your happy, beautiful pictures. You are only the second friend I have who was married on Mother’s Day, and I’ve often thought more brides should choose that day. The weather is usually lovely, and in my friend’s case, the relatives were gathering for Mother’s Day festivities any way, and both her mother and his were happy to share their special day. Plus, her groom had finished basic training and had only five days before he was leaving for Fort Hood.
You both were beautiful brides!
Love you guys thanks for reminding me that marriage is still alive and well.