Twenty-Two Years
Friday, November 4, 2011 "Marry me. We can go to Vegas this weekend," he whispered.
We'd been dating for less than six months in the fall of 1988.
"I can't. My parents will kill me if I elope. We need a little more time." I ached.
My parents wouldn't have killed me, and sometimes I regret my decision to not jump in the car that night, drive from Phoenix to Vegas and exchange vows with a young man who was crazy for me. I was crazy for him, too. We married a year later.
Even though I was 23 years old on my wedding day, I wasn't experienced in the ways of hair and make-up. The bridal magazines showed sophisticated gowns, fancy updos, and make-up suggestions that weren't me. I chose a Laura Ashley raw silk dress. It was simple and youthful. I did my own hair and make-up.
After getting dressed and trying to primp with my two bridesmaids—dear friends who respected and understood my wedding style struggles—I met my parents in a room before the ceremony. My dad said, "You look beautiful."
I asked, "Do I look too casual?" He laughed, but I was serious.
And away we went.
Chris and I exchanged traditional wedding vows in front of 100 guests, then we climbed a hill for some pictures. At the time I remember thinking we'd made a mistake by scheduling photographs after the ceremony. We missed some of the reception and I felt anxious, although guests didn't seem to miss us. We wanted the traditional element of surprise when I walked down the aisle—a groom's first sight of his bride on their wedding day. Now I don't regret either decision. We don't view our wedding photographs often, but I'm glad we have them.
Sweet Wendy was with me for the entire ride. We were roommates when Chris and I began dating. We both miss her friendship. She's the one who took the photos of Chris carrying me over the threshold on our wedding night.
The morning after our wedding, Mom and Dad hosted a brunch for out-of-town guests at their home. Chris and I made a brief appearance before heading out on our honeymoon—a few days in Sedona, Arizona, at the Sky Ranch Lodge. As we were getting ready to leave my mother indicated she needed to speak with me privately.
A few days before the wedding I got sick and was prescribed antibiotics. I was also on birth control pills.
"Honey," Mom said. "A nurse from the doctor's office left a message yesterday. Antibiotics can interfere with birth control pills. She said you might want to use a backup method."
Awkward. And a little late.
Happy Anniversary, Chris. Just so you know, next time you whisper a request that involves Vegas...Yes.
Reader Comments (19)
Beautiful, Chrisy, beautiful.
I wanted to elope too. How often did the Man and I discuss that during the two years + before we were married? I was not *into* weddings. I planned my whole wedding in about three hours, hand wrote the invitations on fancy stationery (there were only about 40 guests total, including my siblings, spouses, and their kids plus a few close friends), I wore my mother's wedding dress, wore a wreath of flowers in my hair as you did, did my own makeup (and didn't wear any lipstick), walked down the aisle on the Man's arm and never looked back.
But this comment is supposed to be about you and Chris. Happy Anniversary!
Thanks, V. Your wedding sounds lovely. The invitations are my favorite part. :)
Happy anniversary!
Who needs fancy makeup and an updo... you were beautiful... xo
And just for the record, no fancy makeup or updo here either.... either time....! No surprise, right?!
Congratulations to you both - I love the simplicity of what you did and that you have lovely memories of not only your day but your dear friend Wendy.
Lovely, just lovely.
Hope the concert was fun. And I'm with you - if Matt were ever to whisper any request that involves, my response would be a resounding YES! :)
I love weddings. I'm sad that I don't know anyone of the marrying age anymore; haven't been to a wedding in years. I might have to get married to my dear wife all over again just so I can go to another one.
I'm planning on doing my own make up and hair for both of our weddings (as they say, you only get married twice).
I loved this little glimpse into your wedding particularly with mine now fast approaching! (Like TOMORROW).
Happy Anniversary!!
I love the warning from your mother....a day late.
Your dress is stunning - simple and elegant. And boy - do you look great!
Happy Anniversary!
Beautiful! I love that last photo. You both look so improbably young out of the fancy clothes.
Lovely. Simply, lovely.
Happy belated Anniversary.
Happy Anniversary! I just went back and read all your threads about Wendy. Holy cow! I'm so sorry she's not with you all anymore.
I love this post with my whole entire heart. Congrats on 22 happy years, and an unlimited future!
So incredibly beautiful. Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary to you, Texas Blue Bonnet. Methinks it's time to give a name to other Chris. I'm thinking something manly like... Bougainvillea, it's complicated and makes him sound like Zorro's cousin. Or maybe Calla Lily, which is a girly name but it *ehem* looks fitting for a man. Or maybe we should just stick to Wolverine?
I digress. Where was I?
Oh yeah. Yey for love! Happy anniversary! :)
Your writing is so authentic to how I remember you 20+ years ago. Bright, articulate, kind and honest. Great blog, and congrats on Your anniversary!