"She said, "Yes," and I said, "Whoo-hoo!"
That was a groom-to-be quote.
Befitting a bride named Jewel, framing the ivory wedding invitation was filigrees in gold scrolls and curly cues.
Invitees arrived by 5:30, white balloons waved us in. They floated on the breeze tied to the fence surrounding the church's property. Like a celebrity walk, a white canopy protected the entrance to the glass double doors.
The minister, K.J. Jacob, was right there to shake hands and say hello. He wasn't too nervous, a big grin showed he had just a little adrenaline flowing.
The doors opened into the basement's reception area where we would take a left up the stairs to the sanctuary.
The tables were beautifully set. I've never seen such a display of reflective goblets, beads, flowers, ribbons, and candles, all mismatched. Each table, with a Victorian flavor, showcased two sets of different patterned dishes, as well. The beads and glass shone and glistened.
The groom, Andy, came down the stairs grinning from ear to ear. He said he'd never been as nervous and as happy at the same time. With a flourish over the festive tables he said he and his fiancee had spent time buying sets of dishes at auctions, flea markets, and other sales and had settled on her favorite that was blue edged with pictures in the center to keep at home, but the rest they were giving away after dinner. We were welcome to take some.
A few dishes were recognizable as Blue Garland Haviland, Moss Rose, and some Old Ivory. It was a unique way of giving, showing thankfulness. "It tickled my fancy," as the old saying goes.
Just inside the entrance doors was a wire heart shaped basket with legs, standing about 2 feet tall which held a generous amount of rice bags for when the happy couple are wished prosperity as they leave for their honeymoon.
At the top of the stairs stood a wishing well for gift cards.
At the end of each pew hung a double ribboned bow with a loop of glass beads. Two taller-than-man candleabras were lit behind the minister.
We were ushered into the sanctuary by Brock Jacob, Karon and K.J.'s son. Seated we said hello to Mark Clos next to us, and Ronny Clos across the way. Joe McPhearson came back to say hello. Rosetta walked in with her very friendly husband Gary who greeted us. JoAnn Leeman walked in with Lawrence Junior and Amy. Darla and Scott came in. Sally sat with Betty. And Gary, Leah, Sylvia and her kids sat in the next to the last pew. Delores Leeman was escorted down the aisle with Lawrence beside her at the last. There were many more, but I didn't recognize everyone.
Tucked in the book holder on the backs of the pews were white heart shaped hand fans with jeweled stickers hearts on one side, a romantic touch.
Then came the shy, but competent flower girl -- a petal here, a petal there, one left, one right, all were white.
The groom stepped in with the minister. Both were smiling but the groom's was big and broad.
The bride stepped in with her brother to give her away. Her gown was gorgeous with tight buttons down the back, a full train bedecked with sparkles, a white hairpiece that matched, with a form shape hinting at a mermaid style.
Andy was bursting at the seams with joy as he watched her approach. He never looked at anyone but her.
K.J., performing the ceremony, did a proficient
job. His voice was strong and clear. He called for the exchanging of the rings and the "I do's". He prayed for them to have a happy and spiritual marriage. Then music filled the room.
It was "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain. They held hands. They sang.
"Right beside you is where I belong from this moment on." He laughed looking into her eyes.
"I give my hand to you with all my heart." "My dreams come true because of you." Her eyes steadily gazed into his.
"You are the answer to my prayers from up above." And he came up on tiptoes with happiness.
They kissed, the photographer snapped a photograph, and the minister pronounced them Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Leeman.
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