Well she gave me permission to post the Wedding Story. It's my mother's story of her wedding day. She gave it to all of us as a Valentine's present this year. I loved it. I hope you all do too. I just wish I had their wedding picture to share too.
In my mom's words:
I awakened even before the alarm went off. The wind was howling and the rain was hitting the window pane with great force. Oh, what an awful day! There were still so many little things yet to complete before the next day. This Wedding just had to be perfect! I threw the covers back and sprung out of bed determined not to let this unexpected downpour dampen my spirit.
The house was quiet except for an occasional loud clap of thunder. Mom and Dad had already left for work; my brother and sister had caught their school bus. I hurriedly ran water for my bath with thoughts racing through my head – so much yet to do, so much still to do. I ran the three blocks to catch my bus for work, still mumbling to myself about the torrential rain and my soaked shoes. I thought, “Only yesterday the trees were brilliant and the sky was so blue, there was even a warm gentle breeze. Oh, well! I’m only working until noon and maybe the sun will somehow appear”. I knew that I needed to “chill”, things would be fine. Surely it wouldn’t rain tomorrow, our Wedding Day! Actually, all of our plans had gone quite smoothly, and we were grateful. Family and friends had helped too.
The Dad’s family had a cousin in Connecticut who was a wonderful professional seamstress. She had offered to make my dress at a fraction of what it would have cost if store purchased. We communicated constantly from Spring to October via telephone and letters. I chose my fabric, pattern style and trims from, of course, L. S. Ayres & Company in Indianapolis. Constant fittings were done as I kept losing weight. The dress had to be taken in several times. We kept the UPS routes very busy that year of 1956. My wedding dress had finally arrived (just a few days before the Wedding – Yikes!). Needless to say we had been frantic in waiting for it everyday. Somehow the package holding the gown with the final alterations had been lost in shipment. It was traced and arrived just in the nick of time and in perfect condition – sweetly wrapped and folded in white tissue paper; all of the pretty delicate undergarments beneath the tulle and lace confection. I was pleased beyond belief. My heart was singing.
The dreary day finally came to an end with all of the last minute details completed. Our Wedding Rehearsal that evening was wonderful with the feeling that all was going to be OK after all. The Reverend Father had a special way of calming everyone. (I think he had had some experience in that category. God Bless His Dear Heart!) Our Rehearsal Dinner was held at my dear friend’s home in Irvington. We were school friends and my old home was on the same street. Her entire family was there to celebrate with us – 7 brothers and sisters, along with our own family members and of course, the Wedding Party.
The Saturday dawned with the sun shining brightly, and the rain had made the air clean and crisp. It was a race to get ready and leave for the Church on the complete other side of town. Mass was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. In the 1950’s, one must fast from Midnight the night before until Communion was received. Most Weddings were scheduled at the top of the hour and early in the morning for this reason. All of this was somewhat new to me. Afterall, I had just finished my Catholic Instruction, Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
St. Anthony’s, being a very old church, had an old world charm, a great feeling of reverence. The church bells began to toll - a summon that the Wedding was to begin. When I entered through the arched doorway on my Father’s arm, I saw the candle light glowing against the white linens and Alabaster Alter in the Sanctuary, and the glorious sunlight streaming through the old stained glass windows. Sweet voices of children encircled us from the choir loft above. The scene was ethereal and not of this earth – like a heavenly place of God and His Angels. I was in awe.
The church was packed. I was pleased to see all of the familiar and smiling faces as we made our way towards the front of Church. The pungent smell of Autumn Mums permeated the space. My 5 attendants were like visions of loveliness in their long bouffant dresses. Crinolines beneath their full skirts hinted of Southern Belles. The hues of their taffeta dresses in iridescent rose and peacock blue blended beautifully. I was so pleased with our choice of dresses and so very proud of these lovely girls – Your Dad’s sisters, Mary and Rose, my sweet little sister - Diana, my cousin - Carole, and best friend - Phyllis. Edward was Best Man, and was assisted by Dad’s brother, David, and close friends, Edward, Bernard and Eddie. The men wore white and black tuxedos.
I had chosen a gown of tulle and Chantilly lace over taffeta. The dress was very bouffant also. A stiff crinoline was worn beneath (Very much in vogue in the 1950’s). The dress featured long pointed sleeves and a chapel train. My fingertip veil was secured by a tiara with seed pearls and sequins. I carried a white Mother of Pearl Missal, which had recently been given to me by the Dad’s family on the day I was baptized in the Church. The Prayer Book was covered with dainty white and pink orchids, sweetheart roses, stephanotis and ivy. My Rosary (also a gift from the Dad’s family) was intertwined amongst the bouquet. Colored pictures came into popularity within the next year – 1957 or so. Thus all of our pictures were in black and white, but no matter as they were and are just as precious to us.
A big breakfast for friends and family was hosted at the Dad’s family home after Mass. Our reception was held at the Knights of Columbus and was nothing short of a day of fun. It was a German celebration with lots of music and merriment – Polka included. German dishes were offered as well as traditional reception fare. We had to leave in the late afternoon before the party was over in order to catch a train downtown at Union Station. We were off to Chicago for our Honeymoon. I don’t think our guests even cared that we left. They were having just too much fun. At least, that was our feeling as we said our good byes.
After we made a mad dash to change our clothes, some of the Wedding Party and friends took us to the train station. What fun we had! To our amazement, we did catch our train on time, and our family and friends waved to us until they finally disappeared from our sight. What An Enchanting Day! A Day Of Splendor To Be Kept In Our Memory Forever!
