The loveliest of days

Ah. It was beautiful and special and sweet, the wedding day.

The bride- and groom-to-be prayed for weeks that there would be no rain. Their prayers were answered.

I prayed for temperatures in the mid fifties and overcast, so that we'd have the silvery light I love, without the too-eager sun causing everyone to squint me to be too hot.

My prayer was answered too. It was a Goldilocks kind of day, weatherwise: just right.

Amidst the blur of bliss enfolding the happy moment, I took time to be grateful. And I told the Lord so.

Yes, I cried too. I almost always cry at weddings but when it's your own beloved child making those promises, it can become intense. The tears felt good.

Everyone was there: family members from far and near, as well friends of many decades or, no less precious, of the last few years. People who have been special to Andrew and Brittany, and therefore to us.

Our Stephanie and Joel and their three darling children, Melanie, Allissa, and Andrew; our Audrey and her Dagny; our Erica and her Chad. All were present to lend love and support. As ever.

The venue chosen by the bride and groom reflected their love of nature, and particularly Brittany's love of being near water.

The sound of the French Broad River rushing on its unhurried way past the land, under the sky, was enchanting. 

At Olivette Asheville -- specifically, a portion of it named Rosebay Park -- there is a small bridge leading to a long and narrow island, where the wedding ceremony took place.

Olivette is a new development where million-dollar houses are being built on the banks of the river. You'll see in-progress construction behind the kids as they feed each other wedding cake. 

That lovely cake was made by the bride's mother, and it was as delicious as it was pretty.

We also had fresh, hot barbecue with scrumptious sides, served by kind and courteous local folks. Pork and brisket with sauces, potato salad, green beans, mac and cheese, soft rolls -- it was all heavenly. 

The party pavilion, a mere twenty feet from the river's edge, was warmed by standing heaters and a roaring fire.

Rambo served as Dog of Honor. He was as comfortable at the wedding as he is on his blanket at home. And as universally loved.

TG and I, following the bride's parents, lit the candle signifying Andrew's life. The wind had played up, extinguishing Brittany's candle. We re-lit it and the flame endured.

Major Derick Wakefield, a chaplain at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, home of Andrew's unit, the 134th Air Refueling Wing, performed the ceremony with grace, emphasizing the sacred solemnity of the vows about to be taken.

But before the bride entered, Dagny as flower girl was to strew petals on her grassy path.

She threw out too many at the beginning and, halfway down the aisle, became concerned.

Oh no! I did it wrong, she was heard to say.

She retraced her steps -- backward -- and began gathering all the petals back up. Audrey zipped around and hustled her out of the way.

So darling. So so darling, I cannot tell you. You'll have to imagine it. A three-year-old taking her office so seriously.

Andrew had turned his back as Brittany approached from afar -- brought on a golf cart (I thought of Rebekah, who lighted off the camel when she lifted up her eyes and spotted Isaac) -- so that he wouldn't see her until she was all set to walk to the altar.

Another genesis.

Then Brittany drifted toward Andrew to the strains of All I Ask of You played on classical guitar. Like Rebekah, the damsel was fair to look upon. The moment was laden with exquisite emotion.

Andrew cried a tear or two but quickly stopped. She was there, her hands in his. I'll never forget the way she looked at him. It's the way she always looks at him: with love shining from her eyes.

It isn't the sparkling, laser-beam look you sometimes see; it's quiet and deep. I believe it and it brings me joy.

TG said a few words about the bride and groom's relationship, and about their commitment to cherish one another forever.

Then the promises had been made, swiftly and publicly.

The couple used their individual candles to light another, larger candle, then snuffed out their candles. The two become one.

I was snapping these photos from the front row; I was so happy to get a picture of the smoke against Andrew's dark blue uniform as the candles went out. I love pictures of smoke.

They returned front and center. Andrew kissed his bride and dipped her. It was done: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Weber had been established.

And then we all posed for posterity as the photographers did their excellent work.

Of course, my camera was never out of my hand.

As the reception got underway, everyone was ebullient as is usually the case at such times.

Eventually, celebration sparklers were lit. TG made sure our grandson, Andrew, had one to hold out.

A freight train went by on the nearby track. The wedding guests gestured for a whistle, and got a double one from the conductor. It was thrilling.

Before they left for their honeymoon, Andrew and Brittany took a few moments to be alone by the river's edge.

It was happy-sad when they drove away; I'll never forget it.

Then it was time to break up the party. Folks were already leaving. It was time-change Saturday; an entire hour would soon be gone wherever it is that those hours go, not to return until next November.

TG and I went back to our hotel and crashed. I lay in happy exhaustion propped on three pillows, looking at my pictures. The next morning, my left foot was swollen and painful.

I think I overdid walking on hard surfaces in black velvet boots with no cushion in the sole.

But I've rested now; my foot is much better.

The newlyweds will soon return from Jamaica. It will be so wonderful to see them.

And now we have another wedding on the horizon: Chad and Erica, in seven weeks. The invitations have been sent.

I may expire of happiness. What a way to go.

If you'd like to see the entire wedding gallery -- my pictures, that is; not the official ones -- go here. They're in the process of being edited but you're welcome to look, and to rejoice with us.

And that is all for now.

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Happy Tuesday

Comments

[Sally]

How absolutely perfect! I'm so happy for them, and for all of you!

Memories of precious blessings. Your family is beautiful, inside and out, Jenny! Who could ask for more!

Xoxo

[Jennifer]

@Sally ... Thank you, my friend. Isn't it marvelous, when things work out? xoxo

[Mari]

Jenny! If you could see me, you would see me sitting here with a huge smile on my face! I am loving this post, and have been perusing every photo in your gallery. It was a beautiful wedding, and your family was a beautiful as ever. Brittany was glowing, and Andrew looked so handsome in his uniform. Rambo's dog of honor collar is so cute, and Dagny, sweet Dagny... I love that story. It will be told as part of the wedding story in years to come. I think little Andrew is looking a lot like his Uncle Andrew. I see they had pies at the reception - Bob would approve! My only complaint is that the mother of the groom was taking the pics I see, so I only saw you in one picture. You looked lovely!
Now to prepare for the next events in your busy life this year!

[Cheryl]

Jenny, this wedding was oh so lovely. My favorite picture is of Andrew and Brittany at the river's edge. I bet that he was praying with Brittany. Andrew is going to make a wonderful husband like his father. You all looked so beautiful!

[Judy]

I thought of you so many times on Saturday. I never expected such a beautiful setting however.
Breath taking. Can we be any nearer to God than out in nature? Their love for each other is so apparent, it makes me weep. How blessed they are to find that.

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... It makes me happy that you're so happy for us. It was truly a day to remember, and for all the right reasons. xoxo

@Cheryl ... Thank you for your kind words. They're a sweet young couple. xoxo

@Judy ... I know exactly how you feel. Without true love, there's not much point. xoxo

[Barb]

Well, I shed some tears looking at the wonderful photos. It was certainly a day to remember. I love the “dip” after the kiss. Brittany is a gorgeous bride and Andrew so handsome. Dagny’s wedding attire as Flower Girl is adorable. I love the picking up petals story. The setting is beautiful. I wish the two of them countless years of happiness and blessings together.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... That is so sweet, that you shed a few tears. I know exactly how you feel. Yes, Brittany was a gorgeous bride and Andrew has waited a long time to dip his bride at the altar, haaahaha! He has a flair for the romantically dramatic. I will pass along to them your good wishes! xoxo