June is wedding month and yes, I'm coming at the whole wedding day with a different take. For me, it's the marriage that's important. The couple stressing over the finances, the music, the food, the venue, all seems a little over-the-top to me.
I know, I know! Some of you are thinking "But, but, what about the perfection of the DAY!" And to that, I say, "What about the vows and what they mean to the people saying them?" A perfect day means nothing without the vows being said in earnest, after thoughtful consideration. Weddings can be large, fun, hectic, exotic and these days, in your parents' back yard with very few people.
But, seriously? As long as the couple shows up, says their vows, then it's a done deal.
And marriage begins.
Marriage is built each day. Some days the foundation is unshakeable, others, it can feel like the bricks are tumbling down...but deep in your heart, you know you took a vow. You gave your word and time doesn't change that. So, this month celebrate marriage in all its forms, no matter how it started...or even if there was no wedding. Because common-law is marriage too. Two people committed to a future together is rare and beautiful and important.
See the bride with the running shoes on? Is she making a dash for freedom? Or making a statement about comfortable footwear? I don't know why I included the image, but I knew a bride once who felt much like running. (she should have)
Bonnie Edwards has been writing all her life,
starting with a poem about Santa suffering with gout. She was seven, Santa was
a thousandteen years old. Delighted with writing, she went on to write family
sagas, humorous contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotic paranormal
ghost romances and more.
With over 30 titles to her credit, she has been translated into several languages and sold books worldwide. Aside from standalone romances, she has 4 ongoing romance series, Tales of Perdition, The Brantons, and Love at Christmas. Contemporary family sagas find a home in Return to Welcome. She's hard at work on a new series releasing in August 2021. Learn about more exciting releases and get a free romance by subscribing to her newsletter, Bonnie’s Newsy Bits
Cheers and happy reading!
Bonnie Edwards
https://www.bonnieedwards.com/ BookBub Twitter Facebook
The commitment is truly where it's at. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. It's very relevant. Years ago, a friend of my then husband, had a $75,000 wedding.. the bride's family rented a park. The marriage never made it to the honeymoon. The bride was too drunk to come out and cut the cake. The music played on while the groom hitchhiked his way out of there. True story I swear.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's crazy. Hopefully they have both found someone now to spend their life with. Of course, people can certainly have a wonderful life without a spouse.
DeleteDavid wnet on to grace the cover of Fortune Magazine at the tender age of 28, and the bride whose family at the time owned a succeful Bridal Guide (ironic huh,) enjoyed her privileged life. We were David's friends, therefore the enemy. David was my ex's friend so eventually we lost touch.
DeleteI'd wager to say she got so loaded b/c she realized the huge mistake she'd made by putting the wedding before the marriage. My friend asked the bridal party to "pray for her" as she set off down the aisle.
DeleteMarriage is built each day. That's so true. Weddings are getting too big, too much. I understand the want to start that part of life with a bang, and I wouldn't change a thing about my wedding, but it is the marriage that's more important. Everyone should read this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kara. I went to a civil ceremony at a city hall once. The vows were absolutely beautiful. Nothing fancy...but simple and encouraged reflection.
DeleteMy daughter and her husband didn't want a big wedding. She would have preferred to elope. I managed to talk her into the church but she only invited 25 people and the reception was at a restaurant her husband's best friends owned. Yet even without all the extra frill and fuss, it was still the most beautiful day ever. And now, years later, they have 3 gorgeous children to show for their commitment to each other.
ReplyDeleteWe had a daughter who married in a park with about 15 people...then a restaurant reception. They were only 21 and h.s. sweethearts. that was almost 16 years ago and they're going strong. The where of it matters little.
DeleteI agree that it's always about the marriage--or should be. Two of my kids had nice weddings and one of them just went to the church with his bride and got married. Their marriages and the families they created have been the greatest gift.
ReplyDeleteOh, I should add that their marriages had nothing to do with me--they were all strong young people committed to making it work.
DeleteWe had 2 types of wedding for our daughters: a park with a small group and a destination at a 5 star resort on the Pacific. Both marriages are strong and they're in it for the long haul. And yes on the strong young people being committed. As for planning...I stayed out of it.
DeleteWell said, Bonnie. Too often the emphasis is on the wedding extravaganza rather than on their relationship. I remember a bride who was so scared she literally was shaking all over. I think she should have listened to the little voice inside that was telling her it was a mistake.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post, Bonnie! So true! It seems like these days it is such a production. I think people want to make it memorable, which isn't a bad thing, but they should maybe think a little harder about WHAT they want people to remember about their special day. Or what they personally want to remember about their special day and maybe about how that money could be better spent. I wonder if COVID will force people to think about weddings a little differently? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDelete