Post-wedding reflections

It's over. My oldest daughter is now married. She and Dan are in Hawaii right now, enjoying the balmy breezes, sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them, and experiencing their first days as a married couple.

On Monday, as I sat in the front row immediately behind them as they vowed to love each other forever, I marveled at the perfection of the moment. I listened to birds chirping, the water lapping at the shore in a slow, soothing rhythm, the flute playing softly as people settled into their seats. The weather was cooperating - there was a warm breeze blowing in our faces from the lake and the clouds kept the sun from our eyes. The scene was stunning. A crystal blue lake with mountains in the background was the backdrop to the bride dressed in a simple white gown, with a crystal tiara crowning her mass of long ringlet curls. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful bride - and the groom...so handsome in his dark suit with a sprig of lily of the valley at his lapel. After she descended the stairs to join him in front of us, Jacquie tucked her hand into the crook of Dan's left arm and slowly lowered her head onto his shoulder. And he held onto her so tightly. It was one of those moments I will forever remember.