I had the honor of assisting at a beautiful wedding last weekend. Lena and Andrew were married in my church and there were many of us there to witness this blessed event.
As God would have it, I bumped into my friend Rita and her daughter a few months ago in a home decorating store. “Lena is getting married!” said Rita and I couldn’t help but mention that I have done detail work on many wedding ceremonies and other types of events. đŸ™‚
Lo and behold the phone rang one day and it was Rita. She felt fine about the reception but was nervous about the wedding ceremony. Would I assist at the church? I didn’t even hesitate. “Yes, of course!” was my answer.
We met to go over the details, then time quickly flew by. Soon enough it was rehearsal then, wedding time! The bridal couple was a youthful example of shining love…like a beacon that warmed and reminded us of our own days gone by. Lena and Andrew were a lovely couple and a bit old fashioned (which I loved!). They did not want to see each other before the ceremony! No pictures together….just one intimate moment in which they grasped hands from around a corner, while photographers snapped away, capturing the moment.
Instead of a choir, Lena and Andrew wanted cantors. I wondered how this would unfold and I have to say it took my breath away when the bride and her father walked down the aisle, to a heavenly host of voices singing from the front altar. It felt very traditional and different all at the same time!
As the guests sprinkled the newly married couple with white rose petals, I felt blessed to be part of such a beautiful event. There is that moment of satisfaction when you know that everything came together the way it should be, for a couple who are loved and wished all the best.
Do you have a favorite memory of a blessed event? Share it with me!
What a nice story and adorable couple! The only thing I can think of is how Cameron climbed in his grandpa’s lap and promptly fell asleep, neglecting his duty as Ring Bearer when his parents got married! He was so cute, but wanted nothing to do with what was going on…he just wanted a nap! Ha ha!
Cute! The ring bearer would not go down the aisle on this day and his Dad ended up walking with him! Ah, this is what makes each wedding so unique! xo Joanne
How lovely to be part of such a beautiful occasion/celebration. Lena and Andrew both seem to be wearing a type of gold medallion? Would those be something to do with a traditional aspect of the wedding?
I think they were pinned on by the bishop of our local archdiocese. You are very observant! I am not sure exactly what they symbolize, but I will try and find out. Good question! Joanne
Thanks đŸ™‚
Just heard from Andrew’s mother regarding the medallions! Here is what she said:
“The gold medallions are a family heirloom of sorts, a tradition from Andrew’s grandfather’s homeland of Karpathos, Greece. Gold is presented at weddings and passed down from generation to generation. My father gave us those gold pieces over 30 years ago at our wedding…Daddy is no longer with us and this was our way (along with my mom and sisters) of making him a special part of Andrew and Lena’s life.”
(Lovely, yes!?)
Oh that is so lovely. And they look beautiful too. A very special tradition.
What an amazing day! Twenty-some years ago, God blessed us with our wonderful children and this past Saturday, He blessed us once again with a beautiful new daughter and a wonderful family that is now united to ours! The gold medallions are a family heirloom of sorts, a tradition from Andrew’s grandfather’s homeland of Karpathos, Greece. Gold is presented at weddings and passed down from generation to generation. My father gave us those gold pieces over 30 years ago at our wedding…Daddy is no longer with us and this was our way (along with my mom and sisters) of making him a special part of Andrew and Lena’s life. May they see their children’s children and someday do the same!
Hi Joyce!! Thank you so much for your comment! I will pass it along to my fellow blogger friend.. It was an amazing day and it was a blessing to be there!! xoxo Joanne
Wow, just a beautiful story! I almost felt like I was there. I absolitely love the picture of them holding hands before the ceremony. I can’t even imagine the exchange of feelings in those grasped hands!! What a monent to capture!
Yes, it was absolutely beautiful! đŸ™‚
oh my goodness, you took my breath away. simply lovely. thank you for sharing a stunning moment in time.
May their lives be bathed in the Grace of goodness forever and ever.
Thank you for stopping by! Hugs to the left coast! xo Joanne
Hello dear Katherine,
I’ve been taking a bit of a hiatus from the blogging scene, but am making my way around to catch up with my dear blogger friends.
Such a delightful story, and what a beautiful, happy couple. I’m so glad you were able to be a part of the ceremony of their blessed event. As I was reading it, it reminded me of my novella in which friends count on other friends to utilize their expertise in making something wonderful even better.
Oh, the holding hands around the corner was PERFECTLY CHARMING! I can see the headlines in their wedding album – “No Peeking”.
Blessings to the new couple on their way to a long, healthy, happy family life.
Marianne xo
Marianne, I have thought of you and your mother many times. xo
The wedding was beautiful and I am glad you liked their hand holding. I thought it was a great touch!
Blessings, Joanne