Happiness is…

The sun rose today like it does on any other day.. only today wasn’t just any other day.

Today was Paul and BJ’s wedding day.

After months of planning and countless sleepless nights filled with much anticipation, it was finally here.

Scattered clouds and a few small showers passed over us during the morning hours but by the time we arrived at “the farm”, still a couple of hours before the event, the sun was out in full force and it was hot, hot, hot.

Girls and guys, many of the guys minus their shirts, many of the girls minus their shoes, hurried about in the heat of the afternoon placing the chairs for the ceremony and/or positioning potted plants just so. The bride and the groom could be seen in amongst their friends and family helping to take care of the last minute details.

Flapping, lifted skirts and raised arms could be seen as small groups of soon to be partiers, seeking relief from the heat, gathered around electrically fans placed about the perimeter of the tent. Bottled water, at least for the moment, was the drink of the day.

My sister, Di, and I placed hand crafted butterflies on three large potted Juniper trees. Here our guests would each find a butterfly with their name on it.

On the back of their butterfly they would see the number of their assigned dinner table. Each table had a corresponding numbered butterfly perched in the lavender center piece.

As the sun just barely started it’s decent into the west, an announcement was made for everyone to please take their seats for the ceremony. Once everyone was seated, the music began and we stood to watch BJ and her dad walk through the green meadow towards the flower adorned pillars and Paul. My heart still skips a beat when I remember the vision she made as she and her dad strolled hand in hand towards us.

Once at the pillars and standing beside Paul, the ceremony began. It came as a complete surprise when half way through the ceremony my English speaking son turned to BJ and spoke his remaining vows in French. A quiet gasp escaped the lips of the little lady sitting next to me, BJ’s grand-mere. This little lady, the family matriarch, originally came from France many years ago and to this day, she speaks only French. Many smiles and now some tears adorned the faces of BJ’s family, as well as our own.

After what seemed like only seconds, the happy couple kissed and were presented to the gathering as husband and wife. Cheers and exclamations filled the country air. Forever this moment will live in my heart as a most treasured memory. I know I was not alone in feeling Johnny’s presence (Paul’s dad) with us at this time.

While the newly married couple received congratulatory well wishes, orderves were offered, and family and friends mingled under the prairie sky.

The dinner and dance that followed under the festive tent lasted into the wee hours of the morning.

The highlights were many and included:

– My son David giving a speech to honour his younger brother. To know David is to know that public speaking is not his forte. The fact that he did this at all, let alone with such pizazz and style, shocked not only his brother but many in the crowd.

– The pink tiara presented to Paul, that he actually wore during supper. There is a long story that explains his nickname, “Princess”, given to him by BJ soon after they first met. But suffice it to say that it involves a late party, a hangover, a snow storm, and a shovel with the words, “Suck it up Princess”. Some how the name stuck and if someone calls out “Princess” when BJ and Paul are around… it is usually Paul that turns to see who is calling.

– Once the sun settled deep into the horizon and the stars came out.. the guests were invited outside on to the grass. Much to every one’s complete surprise we were witness to the most wonderful fireworks display.

– At 1:00 in the morning the DJ called out that, since the party was still in full swing, he would be willing to stay and play music for an extra hour.

Cheers and the stomping of feet greeted this announcement.

Shortly after this, off in the distance, I noticed the head lights of the returning limousine as it turned the corner to enter the yard. All too quickly our day was coming to an end.

The entire time had had a magical fairy tale feel to it… a most joyous day that brought together family and friends to share in a life changing event for a very special and loved couple.

A couple who lay claim to a large part of my heart.

Please God.. watch over them.

I know John is.