Weddings are Messy

Planning a wedding is full of excitement, hopes and organization. While waiting for the wedding day, more plans are made by family and friends for travel and lodgings. All very organized and planned. Then the wedding day comes with everything coming to fruition. The beautiful bride (my niece Ariel) and the handsome groom (James), the elegant bridesmaids and groomsmen enter in choreographed calmness (actually controlled nerves).

But after all the ceremony, toasts and speeches the wedding becomes messy. Pretty little girls, handsome young men race about squealing and laughing. Uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters of all ages come together from all over. Conversations hollered above dance music, barefoot young women swing and dance with abandon. Even the middle aged (and older) take the floor. A few couples enjoy the graceful rhythmic swing of the music. Tables are cluttered with napkins, glasses and purses. In this digital age, the camera flash is replaced by smartphone flashes. Clutches of family and friends gather in odd corners for impromptu family portraits. Slowly the ballroom empties in pockets, tables left lonely and vacant, guests leaving slowly saying their good byes to each other.

Weddings may be messy but they are also full of kindness. Kindness to each other by bringing their best selves forward for sending off another new couple into the next phase of their journey  into life.

“Congratulations Ariel and James!”

~ Auntie Sue