Everlasting Love

Welcome, lovelies and beaus, to another Monday! Continuing on from last week's post, here are more cherished memories—moments that I hope will live on for eternity, celebrating the union of two souls and the legacy they continue to build together.

Weddings have a way of bringing people together, not just in love but in laughter, nostalgia, and sometimes, a bit of unexpected chaos. One wedding that still stands out in my memory happened years ago—a gathering that felt just as much like a family reunion as it did a celebration of love…

A Wedding to Remember

Many years ago, one of my cousins held their wedding at a newly opened golf club and banquet hall, and it was a beautiful setting. The venue sat atop a hill with a stunning view of the golf course below, complete with a picturesque pond at the bottom. It felt like a family reunion—an opportunity to catch up with relatives and cousins I hadn’t seen in ages, which made the day even more special.

The couple had been together for a solid 10 years before they even got engaged, a decade of love, growth, and learning how to navigate life together. It was clear from the start that their wedding wasn’t just a celebration of a single day, but of a long journey, one that had already seen so many chapters. The theme, if I remember correctly, was Hawaiian, though it’s been a while, so I could be mistaken. One thing I distinctly recall was the chocolate fountain. It was a hit, surrounded by an array of fresh fruit to dip, and I’m sure it was a crowd favorite.

The bride-to-be was famous for her holiday treats, particularly her chocolate-covered pretzels, which were always in high demand. Now, whether or not they made an appearance at the wedding... well, that remains a mystery. The question is still up for debate!

Looking back on that day, I’d say it’s a great reminder that no matter how much you plan or how grand the setting may be, it’s the people and the memories that truly make the day unforgettable. So my advice? Don’t sweat the small stuff—whether it's if the chocolate-covered pretzels make it to the reception or if everything goes according to plan. The moments shared and the connections made will always be the best part of any celebration.

A Tale of Tears, Petals, and Parental Push

As we reminisce about weddings, the next one that comes to mind takes me way back. We’re talking about a time when I could barely walk, yet somehow, I was given the prestigious role of the flower girl. Yes, my glorious debut. The details of the ceremony are a little hazy, but from what I’ve gathered through family lore, it was held at a church, and the reception took place at a park nearby. But not just any park—this one had buffalo and deer roaming freely within gated fences. Because, you know, what’s a wedding without some wildlife ambiance? The reception venue itself was beautiful, perched above two ponds, separated by a cute little bridge—very picturesque, if I do say so myself.

Now, onto the heart of the story—the moment I was supposed to shine as the flower girl. Sounds simple enough, right? Just stroll down the aisle, drop some petals, and look adorable while doing it. Well, that was the plan anyway.

At first, everything was going well. Step, drop a petal, repeat. Easy-peasy. But then, about halfway down the aisle, something in my little brain clicked—and it was full-on panic mode. My legs froze. My arms froze. My whole body went into shutdown. Suddenly, it felt like the entire weight of the universe was on my tiny shoulders, all eyes locked on me. And when you’re overwhelmed by that much attention, what do you do? You cry. And that’s exactly what I did.

There I was, standing in the middle of the aisle, sobbing like I was auditioning for a role in a drama. Meanwhile, my dad was not about to let me off the hook that easily. He gave me a stern “Keep going,” but as you can imagine, I wasn’t having any of it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t exactly finish my flower girl duties with grace. I think I was more of a “cry and shuffle” type than a graceful princess. Somehow, though, I made it to the end of the aisle—whether through sheer willpower or my dad physically escorting me, I can’t quite remember.

But what I do know is this: a little encouragement goes a long way. Way more than a stern tone of disapproval ever could.

The Junior Bridesmaid Chronicles

After my dramatic debut as a flower girl, I figured I might have been retired from wedding duties for a while—especially after causing such a scene. But oh no, the wedding world wasn’t done with me yet. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself stepping up to a more mature role: junior bridesmaid.

Years ago, when I was still on the verge of teenhood and not quite sure how to juggle being a kid and looking grown-up, I was given the honor of being a junior bridesmaid. Now, this wasn’t just any dress—it was purple (my favorite color at the time, mind you), and not just purple, but a purple dress that made me feel mature. I mean, it had a fitted top with two thin straps—basically, I was ready for the runway. Or, at least, I felt like I was.

Having my hair and makeup done felt like a sneak peek into adulthood. I wasn’t just a pre-teen anymore; I was a mini-me version of the bridesmaids, posing for photos with a level of ‘elegance’ that I definitely wasn’t sure I had mastered yet.. But honestly, my absolute favorite part? The limo ride to the wedding. That was my first taste of luxury, and I felt like a celebrity on the way to the Oscars.

This wedding was one of those big, lively affairs with an even bigger bridal party, all of whom were just bursting with energy. We were all having a blast, and I’m pretty sure it was impossible not to with such a lively crew. While everyone else was the life of the party, I was the quiet observer, taking it all in from the sidelines and following their lead. The ceremony itself took place in a beautiful church, with stained glass windows that, when the light hit them just right, made the whole place glow. Years later, I had the honor of being chosen as the godmother of my sweet goddaughter, and it all took place in this very church. Needless to say, this place will always hold a special place in my heart.

A Full Circle Moment

Years later, I found myself invited to another wedding. But this wasn’t just any wedding—it had a bit of an unexpected twist. The groom? Well, let’s just say he was someone I’d once gone on a date with, but… let’s just say things didn’t quite take off. There were some awkward silences, some fumbling on my part, and a whole lot of “uh, not now” mixed with some “maybe later” vibes. We both somehow managed to stay in touch over the years—no grand sparks, but enough to keep the occasional text or letter in play.

And then, one day, I got the invitation. A wedding invite. His wedding. And I thought, “Huh. That’s… that’s life, right? Just keeps throwing curveballs.”

So, after the invitation arrived, I’d say we kept in touch—well, “kept in touch” might be an exaggeration, but you get the idea. There were a few strange moments here and there, but nothing quite as strange as the coffee shop debacle. I suggested a little reunion, you know, a casual meet-up. And for reasons unknown to me, I thought it would be a good idea to have my mom tag along. Why? Who knows. Maybe I was trying to save myself from… well, whatever that situation was.

When he showed up, it became clear that my well-intentioned mom buffer wasn’t exactly going to save the day. You see, his fiancée didn’t make it. So, it was just me, him, and my mom—three people who, honestly, probably shouldn’t have been in the same place at that moment. The vibe? Let’s just say it wasn’t “chill.”

Turns out, the fiancée was across the street working, and the plan was for her to meet him at her job. Was she in the dark about the whole “distant acquaintance” thing? Was she not interested in meeting me? I’ll never know. It was all very mysterious. The whole thing just had an odd vibe, but I pressed on, because that’s what you do, right?

Fast forward to the wedding. By then, I was allowed a plus-one, and of course, my original date idea fell through. I ended up bringing my closest friend along. And wouldn’t you know, the weather decided to throw a fit, too. Torrential rain, thunder, lightning—basically, nature’s way of reminding me that nothing is ever simple. Back then, I didn’t have a GPS—no, I had to navigate via the ancient art of MapQuest. And if you’ve ever tried to find something in the middle of nowhere, with street names that are just random letters, you’ll know it was an adventure. But somehow, we made it.

The ceremony was… well, it was something. Picture a massive red barn and a white tent. Beautiful chandelier overhead. Everything looked fine, until the storm really picked up. The chandelier? Swinging like it was auditioning for a horror film. I was concerned. But apparently, no one else seemed to notice. All eyes were glued to the happy couple. I guess they didn’t mind the drama happening above them.

Here's the thing: When you're at a wedding, remember, things will never go as planned. And honestly? That’s okay. Sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected moments. Whether it's a chandelier swaying ominously, or weather that makes you question all of your life choices about not getting a GPS, those are the moments that make the day yours.

After the ceremony, we were supposed to head to the reception, but—surprise!—flooding had moved the location. And since I knew exactly one person at this whole event (the groom), I didn’t feel super comfortable just walking up to random guests and asking for directions. So, I did what any confused soul would do: I followed someone who looked like they knew where they were going.

But, of course, it didn’t take long to realize they weren’t going anywhere. In fact, they just went in circles, which only left me feeling more lost. At that point, I decided to strike out on my own with my friend, but, naturally, we got lost too. A stop at a gas station did nothing for us, so I finally had an epiphany: maybe the universe—or some cosmic force—didn’t want me at this reception. And honestly, between the storm, the lost directions, and some pretty painful cramps, I just decided to head home.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I felt bad about missing the celebration. But looking back, maybe it was for the best. The whole day felt… well, off. I thought, after all these years, I’d eventually meet his wife. But, as life would have it, I didn’t. And maybe that’s just how some stories go—mysterious, a little awkward, and never quite as you expect.

Wedding advice? Never underestimate the power of unexpected moments. If you're a bride or groom, you’re going to face something that doesn’t go according to plan—weather, guests, maybe even the dress malfunction (fingers crossed that doesn’t happen). But remember, it’s the love and joy that bring people together, not the perfection of everything falling into place. And if you end up losing your way to the reception? Well, that’s just another story to tell.

Series of Unfortunate Events

..And while that wedding was filled with its own brand of chaos, it made me reflect on my parents’ wedding—another day that, despite being filled with love, was also quite the series of misfortunate events.

Their big day was supposed to be perfect, but like so many things in life, nothing quite went according to plan. There were last-minute hiccups, a few things getting lost in translation, and some unexpected twists that probably had them questioning if the universe was playing a prank on them. The kind of stuff that makes for great stories later, but at the time, I’m sure it was less than ideal. Still, even with all the mishaps, they stuck it out, because in the end, weddings are about two people promising to face whatever comes their way together.

A long, long time ago—before Pinterest boards, extravagant wedding hashtags, and overly choreographed first dances—my parents set off for what was supposed to be the most magical day of their lives. A destination wedding. A dreamy, sun-kissed beach ceremony. Just a quick 3.5-hour flight away.

Or so they thought.

The universe, however, had other plans.

First, the florist didn’t show up. My mom had envisioned the perfect bouquet—something elegant, timeless, and definitely real. But as the ceremony time crept closer, the flowers were nowhere to be found. Maybe the florist got lost. Maybe they quit their job that morning. Maybe they simply decided flowers were overrated. Either way—no bouquet.

Then, the photographer was a no-show too. No professional shots of the big day. No romantic beachside portraits. No emotional, tear-filled candids. Just pure, undocumented chaos.

And because bad luck comes in threes—the witnesses also didn’t show up. Yep. The actual people legally required to verify that the wedding even happened were MIA. At this point, it was just my parents, a minister, and a wedding planner who was probably questioning their career choices.

But, against all odds, they went through with it. And they did manage to snap a roll of film themselves! A small victory!

Except…my dad left the roll of film in the back of their rental car.

And they never got it back.

That’s right. No flowers. No photographer. No witnesses. No wedding photos. If my parents ever wanted to pretend this wedding never happened, they have the perfect alibi. There is literally no evidence.

But wait—there’s more.

At some point during the trip, my mom struck gold at the slot machines—$600 richer in just a few spins. A rare wedding win! A small cosmic gift after everything that had gone wrong.

That money? Safely tucked away in the hotel safe for “wedding expenses.”

Let’s just say…by the time the trip was over, it had been allocated elsewhere.

But here’s the real kicker:

Despite everything that went wrong, there was one unexpected witness after all. A tiny, uninvited guest.

Me.

Okay, technically, I was just starting to take form. But still—an unofficial witness nonetheless. Maybe that’s why I’ve always dreamed of a destination wedding. Some deep, subconscious urge to relive and redeem the wedding that barely happened.

Of course, looking back now…my parents have been divorced for quite a while.

So, in hindsight, maybe the missing flowers, photographer, witnesses, and photos weren’t just bad luck. Maybe they were red flags. The universe practically had a flashing neon sign that read, “Are you sure about this?”

Either way, the lesson here is clear: If you ever find yourself planning a wedding—especially a destination one—here’s the advice I wish my parents had gotten: Always expect the unexpected. The flowers might not show up. The photographer might vanish. Your witnesses might decide to bail at the last minute. And sometimes, life has a way of throwing you curveballs, like leaving your film in a rental car or winning a little extra cash that won’t be spent on the actual wedding.

But here’s the thing—no amount of bad luck can ruin the meaning of the day if you’re both committed to the journey, no matter how chaotic it may get. So, double-check your vendors, make sure you have backups (and backups for your backups), and if you happen to hit the slot machine jackpot? Spend it wisely—or at least save it for the honeymoon!

And most importantly, take it all in stride. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you’re starting this chapter with someone who’s there for the adventure, even when the flowers are missing, the photos are non-existent, and the witnesses are nowhere to be found. That’s what makes the stories—and the memories—even better.

Eternal Weddings: Where Love, Laughter, and Lessons Live On

As I look back on these wedding experiences—some perfectly imperfect, others hilariously chaotic—I’m reminded of how much more a wedding is than just the ceremony, the flowers, or the photos. It's about the story that gets told long after the vows are exchanged. It’s about how, even through awkward encounters or unexpected setbacks, we find meaning in the moments that shape us.

These weddings, whether they went exactly as planned or were filled with mishaps and surprises, remind me that what matters most is the legacy we leave behind. The legacy of love, friendship, and the way we support one another, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. In the grand scheme of things, it’s those imperfect moments that last the longest.

In a way, all of these stories—my parents' wedding, the awkward coffee shop meet-up, the groom who was once a date, and all the others—are pieces of a larger puzzle, a part of my own journey toward finding my own eternity. Every experience, every relationship, contributes to the legacy we carry forward, just as my parents’ unconventional wedding did. Their imperfect day didn’t define them, but it was a part of the beautiful tapestry they’ve woven together.

And just like the story of the flowers that never arrived or the film that never developed, the moments that don't go as expected can still be the ones that last forever. They become the stories we tell and retell, building the foundation for the future while honoring the past.

So, as I look toward the future—whether it’s my own wedding or simply the way I carry forward the lessons of love and laughter—I know one thing for sure: It's not about perfection. It's about the journey, the laughter, and the legacy we build in our hearts. After all, eternity isn’t about flawless moments, but the love and stories that never fade.

As a signature of my blog, I like to end each post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness”. There is no such time as the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!

***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***