The Wedding

It was an overcast October day, just slightly past peak leaf season as the golden and browns replaced the peach and orange leafing of the week prior. Dad was in his tux and step-mom in her black velvet cape... the one that I save for my most important ceremonies. We drove to the old stone church, and as usual, were the first ones in attendance. We waited in the back until the wedding party males arrived to seat the guests. The limo driver rearranged Gerry's boutonniere as I certainly didn't know what side it belonged on, and crudely pinned it on for him in the parking lot. Then the driver got the emergency kit to wipe away the stray crumbles of pollen on his lapel. I was escorted by my handsome son Dale to my place in the church and waited for the procession. The music swelled and all eyes watched as the beautiful bridal party sashayed down the aisle. My daughter Tara was radiant as the pregnant matron of honor, with her red hair, brown eyes and little pot belly. Then came the trumpeting and we all stood as daughter Erica and dad Gerry strolled up the aisle. From my view I couldn't tell if they were laughing or weeping, but the smiles were evident and both pairs of green eyes were radiant. She looked beautiful, and he as handsome as ever. Her husband Davey winked at her as she approached, as his sign of appreciation. They exchanged their vows with the smiling stares of two people in love and the dad gave his daughter away with the phrase, "The Dad Abides." He then came and took his seat with me. Gerry's sister Ellen did a reading from the Bible (Genesis 2nd chapter, I think) and did a wonderful job considering she was recently widowed, and it must have been hard not to think of her own wedding just 14 years prior. The Presbyterian pastor gave a warm and brief blessing, and rings and kisses were exchanged. There was applause and then the orderly exit of the the paired bridal party. After the congratulatory greeting line for the the bride and groom, there were more immediate family and bridal party photos in the church. I waited outside admiring the cool breeze and fast moving gray clouds that would give way to a brief slanting of sunshine. As the wind blew my cape around my ankles and the leaves danced on the pavement for me, I was thankful that the big day finally arrived and all was perfect as planned.