The Big Day

First Dance as Mr. and Mrs. LaFond (photo by Michele Sisson)

I've tried to write this post several times, but I know my words can never do justice to the magic that was my daughter's wedding day. After all the meticulous planning, she truly enjoyed every minute of her day. She had planned everything down to the last detail, but she told me two days before, that whatever happened, on the day of the wedding, she wasn't going to worry about anything and was just going to enjoy her day. And that she did.

Every detail of the wedding was designed to have special meaning to the couple. The decorations, cake, and flowers all portrayed their mutual love of books. The boutonnieres, bouquets, and centerpieces were hand made by the bride (and a few friends) out of book pages and colored paper. The table assignment cards were in an old card catalog-the notations on each card carefully chosen by the bride to suit the guests assigned to the table.  Lace and buttons from her grandmother's dress were used to create a wrap for the bride's bouquet. She wore her cousin's cape and muff. The invitations and programs were designed and created by the bride and groom themselves. The favors were designed and created by the bride's Auntie Kim. And of course the bride's dress was made by me-with some final hour hand-stitching help from Auntie Cyndi, Aunt Holly, brother Max and her dad. One of their best friends, Val, officiated over one of the most personalized and touching wedding ceremonies I have ever attended. The couple gave as many people as possible a special role in their day--especially the younger cousins and nephew. The day was a celebration of the family and friends who love them.

I have never seen such a stunning bride. She glowed the whole day--especially when she looked into the eyes of her dashing groom. They were engaging hosts-enjoying every minute of the day-taking the time to make sure everyone was taken care of and enjoying themselves. But my favorite moment was the last song of the reception. The bride and groom sang every word of the song to each other, complete with exaggerated facial expressions and hand gestures, while looking straight into each other's eyes, and I could tell that to them there was no one else in the room. A beautiful way to start their life together.

The Bride and her Dad 

You may kiss the bride!

Husband and wife!

Happily Ever After

Let's get this party started!

Groomsmen's boutonnieres

Centerpiece

Bridesmaid's bouquets

Favor

My son escorting me down the aisle

My daughter and I

The Proposal

Will You Marry Me?

My daughter is engaged to a true romantic! Almost two weeks before he proposed, my future son-in-law called to ask if he could come talk to us. Being that he has been dating my daughter for upwards of 7 years, we suspected the reason for his visit.

He was a nervous wreck-though we've known him since he was twelve-and proceeded to tell us how much he loves for our daughter and can't imagine his life without her. Then, very formally, asked for our blessing (we gladly said, "Yes.").

A little over a week later, he brought our daughter on a picnic by the ocean, said he had a present for her, and handed her one of her favorite books (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). She was a little confused since she already owns the book, but he prompted her to open it. Inside he has written, "Will You Marry Me?" and tied an engagement ring into the pages. She immediately burst into tears and sent me a picture of the ring on her finger. Then she called to tell us (though if I hadn't known what was going on I don't think I would have understood her). I was thoroughly impressed that he was able to surprise her (I haven't surprised her with a Christmas present since she was about 12).  And of course I am thrilled for them.

Now the planning begins. It's been 25 years since I planned my own wedding-and things have changed a lot since then. Though there is at least one tradition in my family that my daughter aims to continue. She wants me to sew her wedding dress. My mother made my sister's and my wedding dresses-and my oldest sister made her own. I enjoy sewing-and have made my children many Halloween and dance costumes over the years. But I admit I am nervous about making THE DRESS for THE DAY. The one she has dreamed about since she was a little girl. But I also think it may be one of the most rewarding, special experiences of my life-and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

I've decided to keep a blog to document this experience for three reasons. First, to reach out to others who have made a wedding dress for someone they love. Second, to give me a way to reflect on the experience and hopefully keep perspective throughout what I am sure will be both wondrous and extremely stressful. And most importantly, to create a keepsake of my part in the most important day of my daughter's life. If you've ever experienced the wonder and stress of creating something special for someone you love-feel free to join me on my journey!