Before I knew it, the week flew by, and it was the day before the wedding. During rehearsal, I think I got my line right. When the minister asked, “Who gives this woman to be married?” I answered properly.
“Her mother and I do.” Now I just had to get it right during the real thing.
We all had a great dinner that night, at a local steakhouse. They had a side room for groups that was reserved for the occasion, and the meal was excellent. There was a lot of laughter during the meal, and before too long, we were heading for home.
Sidney had arranged to spend that night with her mother, so she could get ready the next morning for the big day. I was a nervous wreck, and all I had was one simple job. Walk down the aisle, say a few words. I just hoped that the practice from the rehearsal would be enough.
It’s funny, but after I thought about it, the only reason I was doing it was for my daughters’ sake. I loved her so much, and this was all about her, not me. I was being selfish again. After I realized that, I decided that I would get it right, just for her.
The next morning, the boys and I all got ready in our rented tuxedoes, and drove over to the park. It was a gorgeous morning with the sun shining, and not a cloud in the sky. The day couldn’t have been more perfect for this wedding.
There were already quite a few guests there, sitting in the little lawn chairs, or milling about at the coffee and snack table. As it got closer to the time to start, everyone sat down. My wife was already seated in the front row, so I knew that my darling daughter had to be ready. I waited for her to come out as the rest of the wedding party started their walk down the middle aisle.
When she came out of the little prep tent, I almost fell over. She was radiant. There is no other way to describe her. The last time I remembered seeing anything so beautiful, was when my wife walked down the aisle at our own wedding. I know by this point I was choked up a bit, and just smiled from ear to ear at her.
“You ready for this, Dad?” she asked.
No, of course I wasn’t ready for my daughter to grow up and move on with her life, what dad ever is? “Yes honey, I am. I love you so much,” I said instead.
They started playing the wedding march, and we turned and walked down the aisle. We got to the front, and the minister asked his question.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
“Her mother and I do,” I said. Thank god for small miracles, I got it right.
I sat down and she joined her fiance in front of the minister to begin. The minister spoke some very elegant words, had them both repeat the traditional wedding vows to each other, and then pronounced them, “Husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Through the whole thing, Jenn was sniffling and holding my hand. This was a wonderful moment for all of us, and it felt good to be by her side. At the end, we stood in the greeting line to shake hands and hug the guests, as they congratulated Sidney and Jarred.
Afterwards, we all drove to the rented hall for the reception, and it was packed. There were a lot of toasts to the newlyweds, wishing them a great future together. My wife got up and gave a short speech as her toast.
“There were a lot of people that doubted this marriage, mainly because these two wonderful people are still so young. What I see are two people in love, and to me that is all that matters. Sidney, I love you both and wish you a great future together. To Sidney and Jarred!”
Everyone clapped and drank some of their Champaign. Of course there was clinking of the glasses prompting them to kiss, and they did. I remembered this part from my wedding, and how both great it was, and embarrassing every time someone decided it was time for us to kiss in front of the crowd.
I decided it was my turn to toast them, and got up. My speech wasn’t prepared, other than speaking from the heart. It had sounded to me like Jennifer had used the same approach.
“No father ever wants to see their little girl grow up, but they do, anyhow. When Sidney first told me that she was getting married, well, it definitely came as a shock. I thought, ‘how could she be in love, she’s only eighteen’. She has her whole life ahead of her yet. Well, after seeing her with Jarred, I can tell that she made the right decision. She will be spending the rest of her life with someone she loves, and who loves her just as much in return. Jarred, you better take VERY good care of my little girl. I wish you both the best life together possible! Here is to the lucky couple!” There was a huge chorus of “CHEERS” to the couple.