A Romantic Wedding
The date and the gladioli blooming in the garden, bring to mind my sister's wedding in August, 1951, - a fond recollection and a reminder of what weddings were in that time and space.
The invitation arrived and plans were made to travel. A neighbour drove us to Vancouver, - me and three small children. One a crawler and the other two to be part of the wedding party. We board the train and started our journey in a spacious compartment. (Fares were not then what they are now!!!) An exciting trip for the children, and somewhat exciting for me, too....
We arrived!
The Wedding Day arrived!
The tartan ribbon and the heather from Scotland that marked the guest pews arrived on the day of the wedding, courtesy of a kind postman who made a special delivery when they missed the regular post. The bride tucks a bit of heather into her bouquet, and the groom into his cap.
The apartment is electric with last minute excitement and preparations. My sister seems calm on the outside, but on the way to the wedding she sings in the taxi "And the horse told me" from the Bing Crosby film, Riding High.
The owner told Clarence the clocker
The Clocker told jockey McGee
The jockey,of course
Passed it on to the horse
And the horse told me.
Did the Groom observe tradition and not see the bride on their wedding day before she came up the aisle? I can't remember... The Groom is a Piper, and he heads the young Pipe Band, all of whom will be in attendance at this romantic Scottish wedding. He rustles up a small kilt for my son (5) to wear as he bears the ring!
The Bride, with her gorgeous bouquet of Gladioli.
We all set off for the church, except for the dear little 'crawler' who slept peacefully through all the festivities at home with a sitter, dreaming the dreams of the innocent.
Our father is at the Lynch Gate to escort the Bride into the church.
The other bridesmaids were good sports about helping with the smaller members of the wedding party and somehow we all got up the aisle, although the flower girl (2 1/4) abandoned her place at the steps to the altar to go and sit on Grandma's knee!
The Rector, the Rev. Nainby, officiated. The organist played beautifully.
It came time to sign the register
And then the grand Recessional, and the Bride and Groom left the church under a pathway of crossed Pipes, and to the lilt of a Scottish wedding tune in their honour.
A lovely reception, - pictures of the wedding party and the parents, who probably sighed in relief that all had gone well and that our parents in particular would soon have peace and quiet! Our mother was operating from a wheel chair, and she did it with grace and her usual serene fortitude.
And the beautiful Bride and the handsome Groom
The years go by. Times change. But the memory of a lovely traditional wedding stays with you always. All the excitement, all the love - it lives forever.
For other interesting remembrances click here to go to Remember Whensdays.
This is an absolutely wonderful post. The pictures and story you told was so moving.
ReplyDeleteMy stepfather was of Scottish heritage and I remember him wearing his kilt. Your post brought back fond memories of Pop.
Thank you for sharing in Remember Whensday.
A beautiful wedding and lovely collection of pictures to go with the story.
ReplyDeleteThat was an amazing story and post. How vivid the details, in words and photos. Love the kilted groom.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a great Scottish wedding! We do know how to have a good wedding, here in Scotland. Do you know where the groom (or his parents) originated in Scotland?
ReplyDeleteThank you for kind words.
ReplyDeletePyatshaw, - the groom's father was born in Old North Rhynie, Aberdeenshire. Lots of pipers in the family, and Gordon Highlanders.
Beautiful post Mum! As you know we work with folks every day who are about to be engaged or about to be married ~ this is a lovely look at a wedding from days gone by. And a heartwarming glimpse into Auntie Dot's life. David enjoyed your memories of the day and hopes he wasn't too much trouble :~) With much love from Nick and 'the crawler'.
ReplyDeleteDavid was never any trouble, - he was the best and sweetest baby of all. He slept through the evening wedding, at home with a sitter. A hug for 'the crawler'...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story with such lovely photographs. I agree traditional wedding are best but I doubt that anyone forgets the memories of their wedding day.
ReplyDeleteSorry the picture did not show up on my blog. I do hope you will give it another try. If you get a box with a blue question mark just double click inside the box.
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