Marriage Monday

Candids from our Daughter's Wedding

"Mom, it just felt right! I just knew I was in the right place at the right time."

Apparently, our sweet e-girl didn't have any second thoughts as she took slow, measured steps toward her husband-to-be. Those of us seated in the first row heard the groom gasp, "Wow!" when he caught his first glimpse of the radiant bride. Pastor Rod Shimabukuro of New Hope Christian Fellowship opened their ceremony by remarking that every wedding ought to have that special WOW factor.

"And now, let's begin with a prayer." And so it went, from the official giving away of the bride, to the couple's covenant vows, and then two Scripture readings
(Ecc 4:9-12 and Deut 28:1-9). After exchanging the rings and sharing a special Unity Cup, there was a prayer of dedication, and then they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs.
It was all over in a blink—nearly twenty five years to the day that I gave birth to my precious first-born daughter.

E-Dad and I agree, e-girl planned the most unique and beautiful celebration we've ever been part of. Of course, we're a wee bit biased, but truly, it was a day to remember forever. For example, have you ever heard Pachalbel's Canon in D Major or Ave Maria played live by a slack-key guitarist? (The processional). Or tried to dab at the corners of your eyes of with tissues while wearing sunglasses? We're U.S. northwest coast natives, where it rains a lot. I mean A LOT. We just had to laugh!

...have you ever heard Pachalbel's Canon in D Major or Ave Maria played live by a slack-key guitarist? (The processional). Or tried to dab
at the corners of your eyes of with tissues while wearing sunglasses?

Our daughter selected a buffet luncheon menu in the restaurant overlooking the tropical garden that was simply outrageous. (Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens.) For you gourmets, we dined on baby spinach salad, sun dried tomatoes and pesto on penne pasta, coconut macadamia nut encrusted chicken with sweet chili glaze, coconut encrusted shrimp, and tender prime rib. The wedding cake was delicious too, decorated with flowers that mimicked the dramatic cascade of white orchids in e-girl's bouquet.

Our family was blessed to spend a whole week on Oahu. Early one morning we hiked up Diamond Head for a sweeping view of Waikiki beach. (Warning: lots of stairs!) We also visited the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and then body surfed at Kaneohe on the eastern "windward" side of the island. The rehearsal dinner was held in Honolulu right on the beach, where I ordered a sushi-like ginger Ahi tuna. (Awesome.) And for four nights leading up to the wedding, e-Dad, e-boy, and I, plus the two bridesmaids all shared a cozy beach house with just one bathroom. Now that was an adventure!

So how did it feel to be the mother-of-the-bride? Odd. Very strange. And well, I realize I could become a grandma at any time! Am I ready? Definitely not. Well, alright. I guess I'm ready. Until now, I had no idea how important a rite of passage a wedding is for both the couple and the parents. For e-Dad and I, our daughter's wedding is an important marker. It says says—among other things—that we're aging, and that the cycle of life is beginning all over again, just as it did for us. Sisters, as MOB there's the tremendous joy of completion and a "job well done." But there's also a little sadness too...

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Welcome to Marriage Monday

So, I've talked enough! Now it's your turn. Many bloggers have limited time at the computer during the summer months, so in order to make it easy, today's topic is wide open. Feel free to discuss Christian marriage from any angle you deem relevant and God-honoring.

You may to add your permalink to Mister Linky (below) any time between July 7 - July 9, 2008. If you're new to Marriage Monday, here's a brief introduction to this meme.

August's Topic: Recreational Companionship

Next month, Marriage Monday will meet on August 4, 2008. I'm going to make an "executive decision" and suggest we all write about how vacations impact marriage. I'd like to put the emphasis on the male need for recreational companionship. Consider writing about travel, sports, and time spent outdoors together, and how those affect your husband's attitude. Please tell us what you've discovered about men and "play."

Have you ever attended a destination wedding?