My vantage point for a wedding always starts the same way. I am on the "left" of the open door if you are facing into the chapel. It's a good spot. From there I get to see everything unfold. Grandparents, parents, bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, and finally the father of the bride and one of the two stars of the show: the bride.
I have just begun to notice (and yes this seems obvious and after 100's of weddings I should have noticed earlier...) what a great honor it is to be a part of the wedding party. Everyone who "walks" ahead of the bride has a special place in the couples life and experience. So much of what we see is really encouraging:
1. The grandparents: Such a family legacy of the "generations" celebrating. They are always the most proud and quick to offer up what "number" grandchild this is and how many more they have. Many times there is only one grandparent and they often comment on how they much the "departed" would have loved to have been there.
2. The parents- Mom of the bride is alway last. The look on her face is something to see. On the one hand she looks beautiful and is simply beaming. If you look really close there is also a look of "life gone by" as she walks the aisle. I would be remiss if I did not mention there is just a hint of "tired/sense of accomplishment" there too because she has worked so hard on the wedding. Do not want to forget the groom's mom. She is usually much more relaxed. Some will comment how much easier it is being a groom's mom than when they have been the mom of the bride (her daughter). Usually a son will walk each mom down the aisle. That really is a proud moment for both. I recently saw a wedding where a groom's mom was walked down the aisle by the groom. Right behind him was his three brothers and then the groom's Dad. It was a powerful sight to see the men in her life walking her to her seat.
3. The bridesmaids: So many different reactions. Some crying, some REALLY nervous, mostly laughing( and making too much noise). Some of the girls put this huge smile on their face and walk down the aisle enjoying every moment of being the center of attention. Others smile ( usually a nervous smile...) and walk slow yet with purpose to move the attention to someone else. Sometimes the grooms man walk down the aisle with them. You can see the difference so easily when they do this. For the men- this is the last thing they want to do. Rarely a smile and their pace is significantly faster.
4. Flower girls and ring bearer- Flower girls were born for their part. Smiling, wearing a dress, hair made up, cute and loving every minute of it. For the ring bearer they are just beginning to find their place. Most, you can tell, want nothing to do with it. They are too young to really know why yet. I would say 25% of the boys do not make it down the aisle without assistance. Last week we had one go half way and sprint right back.
5. Finally the bride. I have written about this moment before. If you have not ready my very first blog, here it is:http://piazzafatherofthebride.blogspot.com/2010/09/first-blink.html. The bride is radiant and beaming with joy. Yes, she is nervous. This is the most important day of her life. Our coordinators adjust her dress, and make sure she is ready to go. Usually it is one or two deep breathes, a final squeeze of her dad's hand and one simple nod. The door opens and well... you know the rest.
It is such a cool thing to watch. It truly is a privilege to see this so many times up close and personal. I hope if you are soon to be a part of the wedding party, you will enjoy it and remember just how important you are to the bride and groom.
