(Image Source Bride In Sight)Sunday at 12:05 in the afternoon I hear the chime of my cell phone indicating a text message. I slide the phone open and see a little balloon icon, pressing it, I see my daughter has sent me a message, " Appointment at 2 in LR on Monday sound alright?" I respond, " Sounds good." The whole time I am tapping on those tiny keys a response that says it sounds good I am thinking in the back of my mind, " Am I ready for this?" I hesitate for a moment before I press the send button, finger hovering between deleting the message or confirming the appointment. It is only a fitting, why does it feel so final?
Sometime after 2 in the afternoon on Monday I will see my daughter stand before me in a wedding gown. Am I ready for this? I can hardly reconcile that picture with the little girl with long curly hair, angelic yet impish smile in place, looking for all the world like a mini version of Clara from The Nutcracker, waltzing into the room wearing a long pink satin night gown trimmed in white lace. She swirled and twirled across the floor stopping her spin to hike up her gown revealing a pair of black cowgirl boots. I smile. She never was conventional. And I think, what is her mischievous plan for her wedding day? Blue shoes! Seriously...blue satin shoes! As in something old, something new, something borrowed, and something BLUE!
(Next 7 images source The Knot)Oh, but only for the bride, the rest of the gals get to wear champagne colored shoes...
I smile again, she never was one for tradition. But am I ready for this? I always pictured her wearing a veil and watching her daddy lift it from her face, giving her cheek a tender kiss as he held back the tears. She has always been and will always be her daddy's girl. I am told there will be no veil, just an up sweep of her curling locks and a beaded hair piece that she wants her mama to make...
Am I ready for this? Bridal bouquets and Boutineers? Her flower of choice will be pale green hydrangeas. I knew I liked that boy for some reason, we share the same favorite color...green...and he has excellent taste in choosing a bride. (I might be slightly biased) His...
Hers...
Theirs (the brides maids) ...
She wants everything to be simple but I do not think she realizes that there is nothing simple about giving her away. Nope, I am not ready for this. This is a bittersweet time indeed. Memory upon memory stacks itself like the layers of cake and I savor each sweet bite. Her cake? Traditional three tiers, round, white cake, white frosting, simple design, with her flower of choice as a garnish...
She is at the center of my thoughts as she prepares the be the centerpiece of her special day. And I still keep asking myself if I am ready for this. Am I ready to see her standing in front of me in her gown of choice waltzing away from the giggling teasing pink gown clad cowgirl boot shod little girl into the real role of a bride? I am SO NOT ready for this!She wants to step into the role of wife quietly in an understated and elegant way. She wants to be a princess in a classical A-Line jewel neck ball style gown made of silk taffeta with hidden side pockets...
(Image source David's Bridal)She wants no lace, no beads (other than in her hair), no pearls, no jewels (besides the ring being slipped on her finger), no frills, no foof...but insists on pockets. Why? Because she needs some place to keep her something old...a vintage handkerchief that belonged to her great grandmother who will be watching her wedding from heaven.
What she doesn't know is that her mother will be carrying her own traditions with her to the fitting, something old, a swirl of sweet memories of her lifetime from birth to present, something new, a fresh new experience and time of joy for the two to savor,
something borrowed, the precious time we have left before she says her vows, and
something blue, I think that one blue box of tissues might do...(I might need to take the other two for back up)
Am I ready for this? Not really. It is like a childhood game of hide and seek, I hear her far off giggle calling out to me ready or not? Here it comes...time it moves so swiftly, it has tagged me this time, I am it, the mother of the bride, ready or not.I hope your day is filled with making delightful memories too!
28 comments:
Sandy You will enjoy the journey ready or not with grace and beauty as that is the woman you are.It looks like it will be a very memorable time for all and her choices are lovely, after all look who raised her! My Blessings to all of you, Hugs to you, yes, letting go is difficult but others rewards will come. A new chapter in your lives. Marilou
I love her choices. She obviously got your good taste. How wonderful that you will get to create the hairpiece.
As to the heart issues of this occasion....I can only imagine. Our girl is just fifteen....however, I picture myself as a puddle when it is she getting married. Hopefully a happy puddle!
And so I wish you the very best with the planning and the events of the big day!
Simply beautiful, Miss Sandy! I kinda know how you feel. My first child will be getting married the end of April. My middle son - my first time to lose a child to marriage - but we have fallen in love as well with the young lady that's captured his heart!
She's thinking of hydrangeas, too, and she's using the exact same color blue in her wedding. My but we DO have good taste, don't we!
Can I have a box of your tissues???
Have a wonderful day!
Awww you made me cry. I, too wonder if I'll be able to let my little girl go when the time comes.
I love all her choices - classic and beautiful..but understated so she shines.
tammy
I'm feeling your pain and joy. My lovely daughter gets married on May 7th and I'm teary eyed every time I think of it. It's going to be a wonderful day but with a roller coaster ride of emotions. Just remember "a son is a son until he takes a wife, a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life." My daughter has chosen green for her girls and aceents too. Congratulations!!
Oh Sandy ~
You bring tears to my
eyes because both
of my daughters have
been married within
the last 3 years ~
It is a beautiful bittersweet
time of life ~
I do have to say that life
is so much fun with them
being married ~
xoxo
Lori
I have no daughter here, but oh this post touched me so. I wonder, if the day after the wonderful event, if you will prop your feet up and wonder why you ever thought you weren't ready? Beautiful post, fun time in your life (and hers)!
I'm looking forward to seeing all the creations for the wedding!
And even this bittersweet time you've captured so beautifully in words! Your daughter seems to really know what she wants and her style reflects her mother's elegance and charm.
I weep and rejoice with you sweet friend. I know this can't possibly be easy, but look at the lovely bride you've raised. She's so blessed to have you and your husband by her side as she makes this huge transition.
Can't wait to hear more and see more pictures.
I know...but it gets better! You're truly gaining a son...expanding your family...adding to the love!
Hugs, Diane
Oh Sandy, there is no better party than a wedding!! Your daughter is a lucky woman to have your creative spirit in planning it. Many best wishes!
I don't think mothers are ever really ready for their daughters to marry. But oh my, what joy there is along with the changing relationship. Joy and sorrow combined.
Sandy-Sandy, such a beautifull post, again,dear-A post full of sorrow --and joy--
looking back- and forth- remembering sweet time, and occations- and fearing a bit for the future, where she will not belong that strong, to her parents and their home any longer, but built her own life-her own family---
I know sweet friend-- I tryed it- I know I`m still loved---but she is not my "little" girl anymore!
But be happy, she is marrying in love, and that she found her prince, and he will be an extra person, in your life-you can love.
I wish you a wonderfull, and joyfull monday dear Sandy-
Love to you, and a hug.
Dorthe
I am so excited for your family! Here's a wish for smooth preparations :)
Simplicity and moderation equals elegance... besides, with a Mom like you and great ideas, no matter what your baby would want, it would still be the most beautiful wedding!
I wish you strength, dont shed too much tears... although Im sure you will :) Whether our kids will be 20, 40 or 60, we will never really be ready... Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience!
warm regards, kasia
Good Morning Sandy.
Your Heartfelt Message was so very Touching. Your Daughter sounds like such a Lovely Girl.My time will be coming soon my Sweet Girl. Another Path, Another Journey just like the day these Sweet Little Angels came into our Lives.
Many Blessings to you and Your Family and that this new Journey bring you all much Love and Happiness!
Hugs
Jill
You will be the best mother of the bride ever. You're so sensitive to what your beautiful daughter wants and you've raised her so very well. All the best as you navigate the emotions. May you settle on excitement and joy, great joy and always love.
Miss Sandy,
I remember having the same thoughts a little over four years ago.
You are really not losing anything but you are gaining something new. Your daughter will always be your little girl deep down. In the mean time you have gained a grown up woman that you can admire as well.
Enjoy the new life you will share with her now.
I look forward to more lovely photos of a beautiful wedding to come.
Enjoy.
Michele
Congratulations, dear Sandy! It will be a time to remember. Take each thing as it comes. Breath it in and let it fill your heart. Blessings to your sweet daughter and her fiancé. I just love the idea of blue satin shoes.
Hugs!
Nancy
s uch a gift you have to bring tears to my eyes. Tears of joy for you and for her tears of joy for my own daughter who has not yet met "the one" or maybe she has but doesn't want to admit it.
Oh you are in for a lovely ride on the way to the alter
As usual your post is so beautiful
Sandy, this is the sweetest post! I have tears in my eyes reading it. You are very blessed to have that sweet, beautiful, little girl to hold in your memory & heart. And also blessed to have this young woman that wants to share this special time with her special Momma. Don't worry she is still that same little girl deep inside. Now, she'll be able to spread those wings to truly fly but, she remembers where her first nest was even as she fluffs her own. ENJOY the ride Momma it doesn't happen but once. Ready or Not... she is. HUGS!
Charlene
Sandy this sounds like it is going to be so beautiful, what a wonderful time in your life... Savor these moments and this is just the beginning of a new dimension of your relationship with your daughter. This will be a common denominator that will deepen your relationship, not to mention gaining a son and I can't even begin to describe how wonderful grand babies are.
You will be ready for this with arms wide open...
With 5 daughters, I consider myself an authority on the subject. :)
Blessings
Rebecca
Thank you for this post Sandy. You see, I am in the same situation but I could never express my feelings so elequently. Can I prop myself up during the planning, the dress shopping, the ceremony without falling into a blubbering mess? I hope so because I really am so very happy for her. We'll get through this, I know!
Now, how about sharing some of your daughter's wedding ideas!
I know that I someday will stand in your same shoes and thankfully will know what to do for my Dear friend Sandy will lead the way with grace.
Congratulations on 500 posts and 500 followers. Wow and WOW! I am very happy to have you in my life.
Blessings for 500000 more.
Miss Sandy ~
You have me crying at this end ~ this is the most beautiful beautiful post ever ~ I love your chosen words for this time in your life ~ Blessings as you go through this part of your life's journey. ~ Katie <3
What a wonder this will be,,,we look forward to hearing all about it. I love her colors.
It is the natural order, God's order.
enjoy,& breathe deep..
OXO
Marcie
Dear Miss Sandy... Blue shoes! Brilliant and Oh so lovely!!! and Pockets! Why oh why did I not think of that? I am a little teary-eye at your pink swirly-dressed memory... mixed with the cowboy boots. for my sweet girlie of five is just like that... all girly girl with a huge touch of unconventional. She made me laugh yesterday, and nearly cry. She kept pulling on her ear, and I knew something was up. I asked her, M, what is wrong?... My ear hurts, mamma.... M, did you stick something in your ear?... no response which makes me suspicious... What did you stick in your ear?... I stuck a butterfly in my ear.... a what? huh?... I looked and could not find anything, but decided to take a trip to the doctor's office to make sure. As it turns out she has a double ear infection, and there was nothing actually in her ear, but, I could not get past her simple expression that something was not right. She felt something was bothering her ear, and her best way to explain it was, "I put a butterfly in my ear." Now, she was delightful in the waiting room, exclaiming that she loved a little girl who had reached over her twice to get a magazine, and upon leaving announced to the entire room, "Okay everyone, I will see you tomorrow." all of that in Italian. My sweet doll baby is growing up too quickly, and before I know it, I will be where you are. I have four boys and only one her... Whatever shall I do?
Miss Sandy, I will take my daughter's simple loving words, and extend them to you. I love you, Miss Sandy. Your faith and beauty-loving soul are such an encouragement and lay like silk on each word you share.
Thank you. I needed a beauty- loving moment. I came to the right place. Blessings and joy to you and your family in Jesus' name. Congratulations on your daughter's beautiful day and celebration... May the Lord fill your heart with hope, comfort the moments of remembering, and fill you with joy as you remember that He has you, your daughter and both of your journeys in His hands.
She has excellent taste like her mom! Everything is going to be beautiful.
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