This is part 2 of an eight part series – Reflections for a Bride

Oh my! There’s a date to set, a location to book, and someone to officiate. There are friends to include in the party and other friends to invite to the celebration. Of course, there are colors, decorations, attire and flowers to plan.Will family be able to come? How large will the wedding party be? What about the invitation list? Will there be a reception, or perhaps several, if he’s from one area and you’re from another? Speaking of “him,” where is the groom at the moment, and did you discuss the music?

Have you asked yourself what matters most on your wedding day? It seems nearly every wedding has some “moments to remember.” At one wedding, after careful planning, all attendants were nearly ready. One of the groomsmen pulled out the shoes provided by the tux shop, and looked in awe … at two left shoes! The closest place that had the same color and style of shoes was several hours away, and getting them in time was out of the question. Although every man in the wedding party had black dress shoes available, the groomsman decided he’d rather stand there with two left feet. Sure enough, the fact is captured forever in the wedding pictures! (Yes, he changed immediately before the reception into more comfortable shoes.)

At another wedding, someone forgot the ring. What’s the happy couple to do? What is the pastor to do? “With this ring … wait a second here … something’s missing!” No, no, no, that’d never work. Once again, an observant photographer caught the pastor handing his own ring to the groom on a short term loan—very short term! No one was the wiser, until the pictures told the story.

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One bride planned and cared for many details in the previous weeks. Now that the day had come, she was encouraged to enjoy the moment. Something unexpected would happen, and the difference between enjoying her day and allowing circumstances to dampen it would be found in her choice of attitude. She could choose to let the small stuff be “water off a duck’s back.”

As you approach your big day, enjoy the journey. Something will happen that, although it seems a terrible mishap at the moment, may be a source of many smiles in the years to come. In the midst of preparing for your wedding, don’t forget that it’s a marriage you are making … may it last a lifetime. Take every opportunity available to laugh with those you love. Treasure the memories you’re making. May God’s richest blessing rest on both of you as you set out on this journey together!

Next: Anticipation–from a Mother’s Heart