Happily Ever After
by V.V. Denman | @vvdenman
It’s been two weeks since Precious Daughter’s wedding, and I’ve toiled through several stages of grief, none of which have anything to do with my new son-in-law.
In the hours and days just after, I was so exhausted I was incoherent. That was followed by all-consuming relief, then regret.
Yes, regret.
Instead of being grateful for the planning that miraculously came together at the last minute, I focused on the few details that were less than bride-magazine perfect.
That’s just so me.
But yesterday when the wedding video arrived, I watched it with glee. Precious Daughter and Big Boy laughed each and every minute of the ceremony and reception. Not out of disrespect for the sanctity of their marriage vows, but because they were so stinkin’ happy. (They never even noticed we ran out of napkins on the cake table.)
Once again, my children have reminded me of one of life’s great truths:
It’s not about the wedding. Hellooo! It’s about the M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E.
And believe me, those two kids are getting their marriage off to a good start. A bride and groom so in love with each other, they can’t stop smiling?
No regrets here.
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
————————————
To view more wedding photos, click here.
Come back next week to learn how we convinced Jessica to take pictures before the ceremony!
Photo credits: Madalyn Belle Photography
Just watched the pictures slide show. SO cute! Oh my! Can’t wait to hear more about it and so glad you’re letting go of the less than perfect parts.
V,
Beautiful family, creative wedding, wonderful smiles, signs for the future, prayers throughout from beginning to…a happy life.
Mary
How beautiful! It looks picture perfect. I agree that it’s not about the wedding, it’s about the marriage. One of my favorite lines from Downton Abbey is when Anna and Bates are walking into a church to pray together and he laments that they should get married with all the trimmings. Her very wise reply was, “I’d rather have the right man than the right wedding.” Congratulations and blessings on your daughter and son-in-law’s marriage!
Such lovely photos! You’re so right. I think so many people waste their time planning for the WEDDING instead of the marriage. On my wedding day, every conceivable disaster that could have occurred did for our backyard event at my home. October in Phoenix generally = 0 inches of rain. Well — not so on Oct. 21, 2000… The skies opened. We had no tent; the caterer couldn’t pull into the driveway because the cars were parked too close to the opening, so he grilled and cooked on the sidewalk; the DJ thought he would be electrocuted, so he packed up and went home; the dance floor and chairs we rented ended up warping, so we had to pay extra for water damage… But you know what I remember most? How happy we were in the rain. And my dad saying something so similar to what you said: “I’m so proud of you two. You didn’t let this bother you.” Like we had a choice? (Oh and did I mention that our wedding planner had a total MELTDOWN, and her assistant had to pull it together? ha ha)… Memories! Plus – I’m sure I won’t mind if I never hear the phrase (uttered frequently that night): “A wet knot is harder to untie.”
“A wet knot is harder to untie.”
I don’t know why, but that phrase brought tears to my eyes. But then again, I don’t have to have a reason to cry lately. Thanks for sharing your wedding story. It blessed me today!
Awww.. so sweet. So precious. So happy for you.