by Michele Connell

Created on: March 06, 2009

The mule carrying the bridegroom decided to become skittish and cantankerous. One of the bridesmaid (heavily pregnant) became frightened when the wagon bringing her in didn't want to stop at the chosen destination. It seemed that the two, large Belgian horses also became frightened by the same flying ribbons and bows flopping silently in the evening breeze. About twenty people complained about sitting on the square, hay bales we'd situated for our one-hundred and fifty guests, but I felt like Princess Diana on the day she emerged from her beautiful carriage with a long, exuberant bouquet. My prince charming stood at the end of the runway, dressed in a black vest, bowtie and leather cowboy hat. His smile was nervous, but his eyes spoke volumes, as I stood on the arm of my father and waited for the music to begin.

Six years of waiting had brought me to this moment; a glorious crescendo lifting me to a place I had once only dreamed existed. This was my moment - a moment I had lived a lifetime waiting for. A threshold separating the present from my hope of the future. I felt floods of emotions as I awaited for my father to transfer my hand into the man's who would become my tomorrow.

The outdoor wedding was everything I had ever imagined. Situated on a grassy slope - shimmering green as an emerald, filled with lots of family and friends, lovely flowers and greenery, bows and ribbons, and a lifetime of memories created in a span of a few hours. Months of preparing and planning, details and outlines of every second and every minute - and all of it faded into oblivion as the pastor pronounced us, "man and wife. Now you may kiss the bride." I felt the joy, and the exhilaration of being chosen, set apart; no longer the entity standing alone, but at last I felt the unity of "one". I had emerged from the singles pool into the realm of the married in less than an hour. I had walked down the aisle as the oldest daughter of my father, and when I turned to travel the aisle on the arm of my bridegroom I had taken on a new last name, and a title that held the rights to a blank book of the future; open and ready to pen in the details on each and every page.

The five-tiered cake, covered in white horseshoe candy and an icing lasso, was sliced and served. The punch was distributed, and the gifts were opened. Time stood still as each moment became etched into my mind and heart. The clogger's danced as the country music blared across the red-stained, darkening sky. The sun was finally setting on my perfect day, and though I was ready to see what next adventure life held; I wanted to hold on to the fringes of an instant designed especially for me.

Great moments in life come and go. Children are born, life takes on new challenges, first steps, first teeth, first words - these are wonderful times, but oh to have that special day where every eye is focused on you! To behold the glow that attaches to the bride's face - if only it could be bottled and sold! What radiance - spectacular and unbelievable.

We all know that a wedding day does not make the marriage. It is after the honeymoon when the true work and life begins. But the dream of what that day holds has captivated young girls for generations and generations. The blissful moment, the tender kiss, their bridegroom waiting to dole out promises of love in good times and in bad; in sickness and in health.

Learn more about this author, Michele Connell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.