Mommy and Daddy's Wedding

Weddings can be serious affairs, often imagined by the bride to be romantic and beautiful beyond compare. The wedding of Remy's mommy and daddy certainly had its moments. Jeane Elise was statuesque and lovely in her elegant, creamy lace dress. The bridesmaids wore pink in lovely straight lines falling to the floor. The groom, the father of the bride, and groomsmen wore cream-colored suits with pink carnations in their lapels. The two little flower girls wore amazing concoctions of tulle...one white, one pink. The procession was accomplished to the delicate guitar playing of the bride's uncle Jason...until everyone stood in beautiful formation... almost ready for the ceremony to begin. And here came the flower girls...very slowly...scattering petals with great seriousness as the guests oohed and aahed and snapped photographs of the darlings. There tiny bodices were decked with flowers and their skirts were cloud-like to their feet. Then up the stairs they clambered; we held our breaths until they stood in exactly the place they were meant to stand. So perfect...

I was very moved as my beloved nephew, Mark, relinquished his daughter to her chosen mate, but even as my camera attempted to capture this special moment...and the ensuing exchange of vows, I was aware that not far to the left of the bride and groom, the sweet demeanor of the flower-girls was shifting. They looked at one another and sat down. These are cousins, Remy and Kennedy, so a synchronous decision to relax the rules was natural. The weightless clouds of tulle made nests around their torsos and again the angelic faces turned to watch the solemn ceremony...until Kennedy began to wave at family members, and Remy decided her right shoe must come off. It, too, was waved...or offered to the audience.
Then small feet were thoroughly examined. Kennedy had no shoes to hinder the display of small dusty soles. I heard barely suppressed giggles all around me. Cameras clicked some more. The ritual of the holy union was completed...and the kiss. It was time for the grand procession. The wedding march burst forth. But Remy was still sitting on the floor, her foot in the air...trying, trying to return the errant shoe to its proper place. Thankfully, a helpful bridesmaid came to the rescue, while mommy and daddy waited patiently for their little daughter. Finally...triumphantly, the music soared and order was regained.

As all the participants in this perfect wedding made their exit, the audience applauded.