It sure is difficult for me to believe that 41 years ago this time, we were getting ready for our wedding ceremony! I remember that it was cold and blustery, and a few snow flurries. About 100 people, family and close friends gathered at the church, decorated with evergreen boughs and plain trees. Then everyone came to our house for the reception. With an 8 o'clock service (so all the farmers could milk), we expected few to attend, but I recall Mother being delig
hted that so many relatives braved the elements to be there. I made my gown and train from white velvet, and selected a mantilla secured with a pill-box crown, which I chose not to wear... did not want the additional height! The gal who did my hair used 100000000 bobbie pins to secure all these curls at the back of my head. What a pain that was to take out! So, my attendants made their own dresses: Marianne had a red velvet dress, and sister Carol and Nancy(Anthony) wore green velvet. Each carried a white muff with a matching pillbox hat. I carried a bouquet of carnations and white roses... there was not too much heat in the church, and the florist advised against using too many flowers for the ceremony. Heat was provided by the two pot-bellied stoves, so everyone in attendance needed to wear their coats the whole 15 minutes they were there! One vivid memory I have is of Uncle Chuck driving Dad and me to the church. When we approached, I noticed that Aunt Jean had a smallish Christmas tree lighted on the front steps to the church. Such an elegant yet simple touch... she always knew what it took to make something beautiful with the everyday decorations that we had on hand. She always brought Mom and Dad the most beautiful anniversary bouquet of tulips and other fresh spring blossoms for their anniversary in mid-May. We see in the pictures of that evening that my Grandfather James K. Howe (90+) and grandmother, Anna M. Hall were there. Additionally, Dennis' grandparents, Albert and Mabel Ware as well as Nat and Essie Rogers were also there at the church. Am not sure that any except my Gram went back for the reception. She was never one to miss a party! Memories.... that is what we live for, and love for, forever!
hted that so many relatives braved the elements to be there. I made my gown and train from white velvet, and selected a mantilla secured with a pill-box crown, which I chose not to wear... did not want the additional height! The gal who did my hair used 100000000 bobbie pins to secure all these curls at the back of my head. What a pain that was to take out! So, my attendants made their own dresses: Marianne had a red velvet dress, and sister Carol and Nancy(Anthony) wore green velvet. Each carried a white muff with a matching pillbox hat. I carried a bouquet of carnations and white roses... there was not too much heat in the church, and the florist advised against using too many flowers for the ceremony. Heat was provided by the two pot-bellied stoves, so everyone in attendance needed to wear their coats the whole 15 minutes they were there! One vivid memory I have is of Uncle Chuck driving Dad and me to the church. When we approached, I noticed that Aunt Jean had a smallish Christmas tree lighted on the front steps to the church. Such an elegant yet simple touch... she always knew what it took to make something beautiful with the everyday decorations that we had on hand. She always brought Mom and Dad the most beautiful anniversary bouquet of tulips and other fresh spring blossoms for their anniversary in mid-May. We see in the pictures of that evening that my Grandfather James K. Howe (90+) and grandmother, Anna M. Hall were there. Additionally, Dennis' grandparents, Albert and Mabel Ware as well as Nat and Essie Rogers were also there at the church. Am not sure that any except my Gram went back for the reception. She was never one to miss a party! Memories.... that is what we live for, and love for, forever!
.JPG)
