Five years ago on a writing call, my friend, Abby Norman, asked us to write about a memory using the words I do remember…/ I don’t remember… Since the 40th anniversary of my marriage was coming up I decided to write about our wedding weekend. I have edited and updated to share here for Tell a Memory Tuesday.
It was a warm, sunny day in Jacksonville, FL, on September 14, 1974. The wedding was set for 1:30 in the afternoon.
Because it was held in the house where I grew up, we didn’t have room to seat many people. So we invited family and closest friends for the ceremony, then invited others for a drop-in reception afterward.
Our Wedding
I do remember my maid of honor came to spend the night on the eve of the wedding.
But I don’t remember what we had for dinner that night.
I do remember she liked to play tricks so I put my suitcase in Steve’s car ahead of time.
But I don’t remember what we did that evening except probably talk all night.
I do remember we held the wedding in my parents’ house.
But I don’t remember what kind of flowers we had for decorations.
I do remember seeing my aunt looking forlorn in the living room.
I motioned for her to come and gave her a hug. She said I looked so pretty.
But I don’t remember what she was wearing.
I do remember we used a recording of “God of Our Fathers”
including the trumpet introduction, for the recessional.
But I don’t remember what other music we used.
I do remember running to the getaway car while people threw rice.
But I don’t remember who all was there.
I do remember Steve’s brother driving the getaway car to take us to ours.
But I don’t remember the route we took.
I do remember two friends getting into a car to follow us.
But I don’t remember which two friends.
I do remember that Steve hid the car beside a footbridge over a highway not far away.
But I don’t remember the name of the street.
I do remember we stopped on the opposite side of the road to hop out, run across the footbridge
and get into our car. This made it almost impossible for anyone to follow us.
But I don’t remember actually getting into the car, though of course we did!
I do remember driving to Cypress Gardens, Florida, to start our honeymoon.
But I don’t remember the name of the motel.
I do remember a water main broke and the motel had no water that first night.
But I don’t remember what we ate in the restaurant there.
I do remember visiting Steve’s parents for a few days.
But I don’t remember where else we went.
There is, of course, so much more that went into making it a lovely wedding, but I hope this gives you a little taste of our big day.
Genesis 2:23-25 (CSB)
And the man said:
This one, at last, is bone of my bone
and flesh of my flesh;
this one will be called “woman,”
for she was taken from man.This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.
What do you remember about your wedding day or a wedding you may have attended? I would love for you to share a memory in the comments.
I’m linking up with: #LMMLinkup, #InspireMeMonday, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory
Thank you for sharing about wedding day memories. My husband and I married on March 3, 1979. Forty years later, we grow more in love every day. We’ve been through tough times and happy times. Our wedding day was interesting. A cool day with a slight breeze outside. When we left for our honeymoon, we stopped at a local fast food restaurant to pick up some burgers and fries. We were both so nervous we could barely eat.
Thanks so much for sharing about your wedding day, Melissa! If I remember correctly we were pretty nervous, too. ) God sure has been faithful to us, hasn’t He? We’ll be celebrating our 45th this year. Like you we’ve had happy and tough times. Blessings to you! Have a wonderful week.
Gayl, it’s so fun seeing your memories of your Wedding Day! It’s amazing how much we forget over time, isn’t it? And yet, I am amazed at how God brings the important memories to the surface just when we need to remember. I saw the photo of your hand holding your bouquet, and I think that looks like a little white Bible too? I carried one, and that is such a sweet memory to be stirred by the Lord. HE is the foundation of our lives, and He is the One who makes us, and our marriages secure. Thank you so much for this series, Dear Friend!! Blessings, love, and hugs to you! xoxo
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Bettie. Yes, that is a little white Bible with a lacy white cover. It was given to me by an older lady in our church, who “adopted” me as one of her grandchildren. It was important to me to carry that Bible, because it was a reminder of our desire to make God our foundation. That’s so cool that you carried one, too! We just keep finding things that we have in common. I love that! Thank you so much for your encouragement and your prayers, dear sister. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
Wow! Those pictures bring back memories. I’ll be posting next week (on my daughter’s first anniversary) the story of our wedding dress.
Yes, it seems ages ago and yet not so long ago. I’ll look forward to reading the story of your wedding dress! Blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing memories of your wedding with us, Gayle! Oh, those 70s styles! 🙂 We were married 40 years last August, Our wedding photos look very similar. It’s fun to walk down Memory Lane.
Yes, those 70s style! LOL I agree, it’s fun to look back on memories. 🙂 Blessings to you, Laurie!
Thanks alot for sharing all those memories Gayl…I’m a girl in my twenties and I’m so glad to see those images since its filled with lots of love.Oh…such a blessed moment.And I really enjoyed your wedding dress too 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the memories, Athira. I was 21, almost 22 when these pictures were made. I’m glad you liked the dress. My mom made it for me. You can’t see them too well in the picture, but she hand sewed lots of tiny pearls (not real pearls) over a good bit of the dress. Blessings to you, dear one! ((Hugs))
I love the old-fashioned ‘selfie’ mirror! I remember that Pedro’s brother (the best man) taped signs on the back of all the groomsmen that said, “Pedro is a dead duck, please help!” ;). It made me laugh then, and I still laugh now 🙂
Yes, that mirror is pretty cool. 🙂 What a funny memory, Anita! I love it. And it still makes you laugh. 🙂 That’s great. Blessings to you!
Enjoyed reading about your wedding and seeing the pictures. You and your husband had a great getaway plan! At my wedding one of the groomsmen attached a boat chain to a tool box and my husband’s suitcase. My husband had to carry the tool box, chain and suitcase into the hotel.
Thank you, Carol. Yes, it was a great plan! I love your memory. So funny! 🙂 Blessings to you!