I Got Married on Mother’s Day!

JimandJo2

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!

Jim and Jo CrownsMy 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.

Driving to Church. Remember those Kleenex flowers?
My Dad. Boy, I miss him. (Check out my bouquet!)
Here we are!
Heritage Floral made my silk bouquets.
Look at those smiles! Cake by Keystone Bakery, Monessen.
Lots of Greek dancing! That’s my cousin Gary in the lead!
It's nice to share. Thank you.

25 Replies to “I Got Married on Mother’s Day!”

  1. 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!

  2. Beautifully written Joanne….Happy Anniversary and blessing for many more happy years together. Happy Mothers Day!!!!!

  3. 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

  4. 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. 🙂

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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

    1. 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

  8. 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!

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