by Valerie Kelly

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

For as far back as I can remember I had always wanted a big white traditional wedding.
The dressing - up box that I shared with my two sisters had contained an old ivory satin wedding dress, very plain and in the thirties style, but exquisite and sensual to the touch. How I loved the feel of that dress and many a time played the marriage game where my true love would find me and be swept off his feet by my transformation.

Now the dream was about to come true. I had found my Prince Charming - a soldier serving in Iraq. Was it only six months ago? It seemed like six years, the yearning to be together was so strong we felt that we couldn't wait a minute longer to become united.

Surprisingly he had just smiled in that quiet knowing way that he has, when I told him that I wanted a wedding to end all weddings. Dad had offered to pay for most of it, bless him and Mum couldn't wait to start writing all the invitations. Everyone was invited from old Aunt Peg in her wheelchair to the young couple we hardly knew that we met on holiday last year.

Cathy's mother pleaded to make the cake and what a cake she produced - three tiers complete with bride and bridegroom and five bridesmaids, all dressed in exact copies of the bridal apparel. Well I had to have them all didn't I? June and Sandy my sisters and I couldn't leave out Jane and Carol and Lyn my best friends. How splendid they had looked yesterday at the rehearsal - all in lilac polka dotted chiffon, picture hats and shoes dyed to match their dresses.

Then there was my dress - my tummy turns over just thinking of it. Chantilly lace with a fitted bodice that showed off my assets to perfection. Billowing skirt to die for and white satin stilettoes with little white rosebuds completed the picture. The final touch - a bouquet of sweet smelling lily-of-the valley and gardenias.

Now the day is here - Dad all nervous leading me down the little shingle path to the village church. How many other hopeful hearts had it seen walk through it's doors I wonder.

Mendlesonns Wedding March rises in all it's majesty as I take those nervous steps down the aisle to the man waiting to share his life with me and my cup overflows.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Kelly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.