I had the pleasure and honor of attending a rehearsal dinner this evening for one of my previous youth (who is now a gorgeous young professional). She asked me to be a lector in the wedding and so tonight I witnessed as all six bridesmaids and six groomsmen ‘practiced’ walking down the aisle, where to stand, etc, etc. I got to learn how to turn a page :).
In all seriousness it brought me back to my rehearsal and dinner with Neal nearly 14 years ago (this upcoming July 6th). Everyone is so nervous and jittery and of course the church’s assigned ‘Wedding coordinator’ is ALL BUSINESS. You must stand here, walk this way…no that’s too fast, nooo you turned in the wrong direction. You can’t say this, you can’t do that, you must do this and be careful not to faint.
Honestly, God bless this woman. I’m sure she has helped out a MULTITUDE of young brides and grooms and their wedding parties that have been of mixed faith (and mixed personalities) that she has to be concise in everything. But it had me thinking…when I sit in the pew tomorrow to be a witness to one of the greatest SACRAMENTS given to a young man and woman, to be joined together in Holy Matrimony and to embody the persona of Christ as a unit – WOW – will I really be looking at the bridesmaids thinking “Geeze that one girl should’ve turned to the left not the right.” Or “Man, what is the bride doing? She shouldn’t be standing right there!” 😉
No, of course not! What I’ll be looking at tomorrow is the love I’m undoubtedly going to see pass between this young couple as they pledge to honor one another and embark on this journey that is one crazy ride! AND I will have the blessing to receive Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist which makes this ceremony complete.
There is a lot of ‘to do’ about setting up the proper ‘I do’, but thankfully God did most of the work already. It’s been awhile since I’ve been witness to matrimony and I’m excited to be renewed in my own vows. Plus, who can pass up a great reception? 😉
Blessings
Shannon