There Is Always A Story Behind A Photo
When you look at this photo, what do you see?
I see a happy couple, with family nearby, celebrating a special day. But is there something missing? Something that you may have had in your wedding but do not see it here?
There is always a story behind a photo.
It was a warm but not too warm of a day, with some light clouds to cover the heat of the sun from the onlooker down below. As I look up, I stole a glance through the slightly opened door, hoping for no rain and maybe a little coolness on this autumn day, wearing lace and white pearls along the long sleeved dress, and not only that, but a pit of a “poof” on the skirt area, reminding someone of a time of yesteryear with a hoop dress, but no hoops. A bit of jittery nerves had fallen on me as I prepared for the most important day of my life thus far: my wedding. Then moving my head toward the alter, or the ceremony area, I was eager to see if my future husband would be there as I had a sudden drop in pressure in my stomach, something that I would do often if I was nervous. What about the others? Would I have a bridesmaid or several of them, like in the movie, Steel Magnolias, with pink, pink, pink everywhere? Well, I did not choose pink thankfully, but my dear husband was there, but where was the rest of my wedding party?
Looking at the above photos I am taken back to that time, quite a bit of time back and remember how it was. As a young, single woman, I was so excited to plan my wedding to my wonderful husband to be. I pictured in my head the people in our wedding, the ceremony in front of family and friends, lots of food and of course my favorite, dancing. But something happened to change that. Have you guessed by looking at the photos?
I did not have any bridesmaids or a matron of honor!
Why do you ask?
Well, it was something I quite did not understand. I tend to reflect, go back over things that had transpired, such as conversations, thinking if I said something wrong or done something wrong. But I did not. I thoughtfully asked my sister and a cousin to be a part of my wedding party, something I have done for others over the years and enjoyed it, except sometimes the bridesmaid dresses were not that pretty.
I was to have a small wedding party as our funds were limited, so I was content with the size. But one day I got some news from both of them: they did not want to participate. They wanted to come to the wedding but not be a part of it. Reason?
It was too stressful for them.
Say what???
We had not even got the dresses picked out nor any rehearsals. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CREATE STRESS FOR THEM! How can someone be stressed when they have done nothing and I did not press them on anything?! It was hurtful and mean. If someone close to you done this for your wedding, how would you feel or have felt? I was hurt. I needed someone to stand by me, but I did not know anyone else who could. I was at a complete loss, perplexed on this and thought why me and why now? Would I find someone in time that could help?
But I did find someone: my brother.
He would be considered a groomsman for me. At least my husband to be had a best man who did not bail on him like my family did! Honestly, I sometimes had problems, sometimes very weird and strange, with the family I grew up. It is a long story and maybe another time. But for today I was grateful to have someone stand by me, to watch me marry the man of my dreams, to share in those dreams with me.
You know what? It really does not bother me today. I was hurt for some time afterward and eventually forgave them, even though they did not seek my forgiveness. It did not even seem to bother them like it did me. I am grateful to be still married to the man of my dreams, my best friend, and even though things could have taken a turn for the worse, it did not. Looking at those photos today I am reminded of a beautiful day, even with some unusual circumstances, but it all worked out wonderfully and I am grateful today.
What is something unusual that may have happened to you at your wedding?