Snapshots 15: Preparing for the Big Day

Thirty years ago, David and I were preparing for our wedding day. There was a great deal of anticipation leading up to it. I still don't know how we pulled it off — I had no help from family and the friends I had were fairly new, so I didn't want to ask too much of them.  Thank goodness for David's family and friends in our church community.

The only photos we have of the days leading up to our wedding are from the rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding. Many pictures are worth a thousand words, so let me tell of this in pictures.

 

Before dinner with a laden table: Bill Cleary contemplating on the back deck.

David's brother, Dan is  talking with Joan Hollister, the minister's wife.

 

 

Isn't he handsome on the last night of being single?

David looks so happy — that makes me happy to this day.

We were so young back then!

 

 

David gave the Reverend Bill Hollister a gift. 

 

 
And then two boys got to play with it —
and they didn't happen to be the two youngest boys.

 

Neal Cleary was eight or nine at the time — David was nearly 27.

 
 

David and me happily opening gifts from his family.

The gift that made me happiest of all is the one in the blue shirt, sitting next to me.

 
David's mother doesn't show up in the photos this night, but rest assured that she was there. She was such a sweetheart and always so very supportive. At this time in my life, I had several sit-in mothers and she was one of them. Roddy Cleary was another, and she was not able to be at the wedding or the rehearsal, as I mentioned in my previous post. 
 
On Tuesday, May 29, David and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. I'll be posting photos of our happy day on Tuesday.
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14 thoughts on “Snapshots 15: Preparing for the Big Day”

  1. You both look so happy. I often look at photos of my wedding and try to place myself back there. I try to remember everything and relive it in my mind. You both must have had so much on your plate….it probably made you lean on each other more and treasure every moment. Happy Anniversary!!!
    Blessings, Joanne

  2. Sweet, sweet memories! I may just go pull out some old photos I’ve never scanned and have a “remembering afternoon” myself!

    Congrats on your anniversary!

    BTW…I have been following, but on a mobile device and comments are difficult with the word verification on those devices. I’m out here, though, reading and enjoying your blog just the same!

  3. Sharon and Linda, thank you very much.

    Angela, I know what you mean. There is nothing quite like it. In the next generation, it won’t be flipping through an album, though. (She says as she digitizes her old photos.)

    Joanne, that is exactly right about reliving every moment of our wedding day. I do it about once a year. Having that much on our plate probably did help us form a bond from the beginning and it sustained us through some tough times.

    Thanks, Michelle.

    Deb, so glad this inspired you. Have fun! So glad you are enjoying reading the blog.

    Happy Memorial Day, all!

    Saloma

  4. Saloma, I have followed your blog for some time now, and you never fail to impress & inspire me. I watched the Amish on PBS and have read/listened to interviews with you. I’ve not yet read your book, but I certainly WILL. You are so genuine – honest, gentle, and loving, but also with a determination and strength of spirit that has stood you well. I have learned so much from you and I’m sure in telling your story you have helped more people than you will ever know. THANK YOU for sharing & Bless you & David on your 30th!!

  5. Why thank you, Ladybug… it was such a treat waking up and reading this comment! It put a tear in my eye to know that you feel this way. Thank you for your kindness.

    Happy Memorial Day!

  6. Catching up with you is so rewarding! I happened to read your Tuesday post before this one, and immediately started remembering our wedding day… blue tuxes, too :-) You and Joanne are so right. Remembering how much I loved my husband then, realizing I love him even more, now, makes me wonder how much more I’ll love him as we grow old together… now I’ve got tears in my eyes. Hoping you are having a wonderful day!

  7. Thank you, Julie and Sprouting Acorn. There is a gift in just having another day together.

    Peggy, that is so funny about the blue tuxes… I’m glad you were moved to tears… especially happy ones. I hope you have a wonderful day, too.

    Saloma

  8. Pingback: About Amish | Ten Year Anniversary, Part II

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