By
Sandra
Wilkins
The bride is blushing underneath her long filmy veil. A bouquet of
fragrant roses and baby’s breath tremors in her hands as she takes her father’s
arm, and tentatively steps down the aisle to the romantic melody of Wagner’s
“Bridal Chorus”. Lovingly, she gazes at the confident, handsome groom as
he awaits her arrival to be at her side forever…
Ah! Weddings. They evoke thoughts of beauty for some and
maybe angst for others—depending on your point of view. Some young women
go to extremes to have the “perfect” day. Even to the extent of becoming
a “bridezilla” and spending a fortune on that “hallowed” occasion. Being
the extremely practical person I am, I didn’t particularly want all that fuss
and fluff when I got married twenty-something years ago. In the age of
big hair and shoulder pads I was going to be a rebel.
Simplicity was the key for me. It began with the gown. No fancy,
frilly concoctions for me. I wanted a restrained Edwardian style
frock. My mom helped me find a pattern and the creamy off-white material
and then my great aunt Dorothy graciously made the dress for me. I’ll
treasure it always.
Next were the flowers. Not one for expensive things, I opted for silk
flowers and made the bouquet and boutonnieres myself. The bouquet is
still as pretty today. My dad’s cousin played the wedding march, my aunt
took the photographs, a neighbor made the elegant three-tiered wedding cake
(with the topper from my parent’s cake) and my mom made the chocolate grooms
cake.
It was a personal ceremony in our small church. All of my grandparents
and one great grandmother were still alive to witness the occasion. The
most special part for me was visiting with the friends and family who attended
the modest reception. Simplicity isn’t for everyone, so I’m curious—what
kind of wedding did you have?
Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another
series while home educating her two daughters. Ada’s Heart, Rose’s
Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome
historical romances. Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to
find out more about her and her books.
