[composed over the course of the summer]
This year, we’ve attended six very different weddings. Here’s a quick look back…
#1–Bride was Em’s high school/church friend. Most memorable moment–getting the invitation and reading that the couple were not accepting gifts for their wedding. Guests were encouraged to donate to the homeless ministry that they work with in Kansas City, MO. Considering that Derek and I would have had a totally empty apartment if not for the generosity of our friends and family, I was really blown away by the humility and generosity of this couple. No fancy bridesmaid dresses or suits here–other than the bride’s dress (possibly a family heirloom), the matron of honor, best man, and family members wore nice clothing that was probably not new. And they threw a fun reception with a great buffet and live music in the teen coffeehouse where they also work with their church. They have their priorities right. No one could leave that wedding without a great deal of respect for their missions-minded lifestyle.
#2–Bride was Em’s friend from Shepherdsfield (the common-purse Christian community where Katie lives). This was our first chance to observe a Shepherdsfield wedding. They are orthodox Evangelical Christians, but since they live, work, and worship together, they have many unique traditions in their marriage ceremony. Most memorable moment–the amazing food. Think our reception (which they helped with) plus tons more food. I have so many friends there that there’s always someone to talk to.
#3–Groom was Derek’s friend from high school. Most unique aspect of this wedding–because the couple are from different faith backgrounds, they decided to get married at Greenfield Village (the Henry Ford Museum). God’s name was not mentioned in the ceremony. She wore a traditional American white dress, but after the Big Band background music while we ate in the Ford Museum (wandering through the exhibits between courses!), the DJ started pulling out Arabic pop music. Every Arabic guest–from 2 to 80–was out on the dance floor dancing it up!
#4–Another Shepherdsfield wedding, so both families are Em’s good friends. This one was so special. The bride had lost her father early, and her first husband rejected the faith and his family just after their third child was born. Most memorable moment–because the men of Shepherdsfield had stepped in to support and protect this single mom and her kids, she asked them all to give her away. All the men lined up on both sides of the aisle, then Levi stepped forward to lead her to the front, signifying that he is taking on that responsibility. It gives me goosebumps just remembering it–what a beautiful picture of how the Church should work to protect widows and orphans.
#5–Groom was Em’s cousin. This wedding was perfect for this easy-going, casual couple. Tattoos (including the bride’s) outnumbered super-fancy jewelry, and the groom and his attendants wore untucked short sleeved shirts. Most memorable moment–the flower dog and ring bearer dog! Adam and Penni love their pets, so they wanted them to be part of the big day. A more formal affair wouldn’t have fit the happy couple and their friends–everything was held outside at our Grandpa’s house, and the wedding party took a quick trip to their special hangout for a couple quick drinks before the reception started.
#6–Groom was Derek’s cousin. This was your standard Detroit Catholic wedding–ceremony followed by reception with standard hall fare. Three notable items–the color scheme (hot pink and red), the number of attendants (10 groomsmen, 8 bridesmaids, a junior groomsman, junior bridesmaid, and flower girl), and the worst wedding cake ever. When all 8 people at the table agree on it, you know the cake is bad.
You know, each wedding was just right for the couple in question, but I’m of course partial to all the little details of our own! I encourage Mariel and whoever else is planning a wedding in the near future (if anyone else is, you really should tell me, because I don’t know about it yet) to do things not because they’re expected, but because they are special to you!