The Marital Bliss

This weekend I attended a wedding. Located on the beach of the Chesapeake Bay, we got to take off our shoes, run our toes through the sand, and witness the bride and groom saying their personal (and delightful) vows to each other. As our 18-year-old daughter sat in between us, it was weird to think our own wedding was SO long ago.

They did an “Anniversary Dance” where the couples leave the dance floor as the DJ announces number of years married. The crowd starts large, and immediately he announces, “if you’ve been married less than a day, leave the floor.” The bride and groom depart. Then one year, five years, 10 years. Jason and I will celebrate 26 years this year. We were one of three couples left but ultimately the groom’s parents won with 41 years. It was weird to be at the stage of close-to-last-ones-standing. It made me so happy that we are working out (did everyone believe we would? I hope so!), but are we really that old? Good grief! I’m used to leaving the floor about midway through the announcements!

I was asked to write a letter to the bride by one of the bridesmaids, who was compiling a scrapbook of wisdom, memories, and photos. What would I say? Marriage and life are such huge topics. But then it hit me. It all goes so rapidly. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, excitement, mundanity, schedules, etc. of life. But try to be present and appreciate each day. That’s the key. And find the humor in it all. That was my wisdom. Pretty basic but I’ve found those things to work really well. It’s not groundbreaking. It doesn’t have to be. Jason and I laugh at the little things. It really helps to find those moments because they get you through the big things gracefully.

Meanwhile a 6-foot-long snake slithered in the sand behind the groomsmen during the ceremony. We saw it in the audience and held our breath, but luckily the bridal party remained blissfully ignorant. Things could’ve taken a VERY different turn. I’ve decided not to dive too deeply  into if there are any snakes-at-weddings superstitions, even though Jason casually asked. From what I can tell, there are all types of references, good and bad. We will just let this one be.

I always love a wedding. So much promise, so much good will, so much love. SO many unleashed bridesmaids tearing up the dance floor! It was wonderful.

Cheers to love.