A Perfect Bride
Hi Everyone,
Although we’ve been winding up for one of my daughters’ wedding for the past six months, I’ve been very quiet about it. Maybe out of superstition, but it just seemed smarter not to talk a lot about it until it was over. But we’ve been slowly laying plans for it and organizing it, for these many months. The wedding took place last Saturday, in our San Francisco home.
The first and most noticeable and remarkable thing about it was the fact that not only was my daughter not ‘Bride-zilla’, but she was so ridiculously easy to work with, so sensible and reasonable, that every decision was made in about 5 minutes, with no fuss, no muss, no bother. She had a vision for her wedding, and as she often sets the stage for photo shoots in the fashion world, she’s good at visualizing things, and with her sister’s help (who also works in fashion, in design), they had some fabulous ideas, and I was afraid they might create something ‘over the top’. They didn’t. If something was too complicated, not available, too difficult to achieve, or too expensive, they gave up on it immediately, and the bride moved on to another idea. A couple of times I braced myself for what I was sure would be arguments about details, only to be faced with a 30 second conversation that ended in “That’s fine, Mom.” Huh? What? It is?….it was astounding. Had no one told her Brides are supposed to be difficult? She never was. She was a dream.
She initially wanted a garden setting in upstate New York, which sounded beautiful and impractical. We live in San Francisco and Paris, and I have a wonderfully creative staff in California—-planning a wedding 3,000 miles from either of our homes sounded like a major challenge. My daughter Vanessa, the bride to be, drove around the area in upstate New York, and found the locations difficult, expensive, no great hotels near at hand, and complicated to get to, especially for many guests coming from Europe, so within weeks she decided to get married at home in San Francisco, which was infinitely easier, and more meaningful for all of us. She decided on a very small wedding, with fewer than 100 people, and wanted only family (we have a big one!!) and their closest friends. So the cast of characters and the location were set almost immediately, in optimal conditions, which rapidly set the tone for everything else.
She knew who she wanted to make her dress, and she fell in love with the first one she tried on (and it looked fantastic on her. It was extremely simple and elegant, with a slightly old fashioned feeling to it. long sleeves, high neck, slim fitting, with a small bustle in back and a short train. It was all exquisitely embroidered, and I talked her into wearing a veil)…And the whole wedding was like that. Piece by piece it all fell into place, naturally and quietly, like a puzzle taking shape. And I was stunned by how calm she was. She works extremely hard and would call me between business trips and meetings, and make one more decision, always choosing the simplest route. I thought mothers and daughters were supposed to have fierce arguments over weddings, we were supposed to hate each other long before she walked down the aisle. Instead, we got closer and actually enjoyed making plans together, and did most of it long distance. The only time I gulped hard was when she decided to turn my living room into a dining room, to make the house look ‘different’. I don’t like it when someone moves a book on a shelf, or a plant, the idea of emptying my living room of furniture and turning it into a dining room with two long tables had me hyperventilating for a minute, but in the end, it worked out perfectly and looked absolutely gorgeous. I almost wanted to keep it that way forever. By June, two months before the wedding, all the plans were set, and the only thing left to do was the seating of the guests who accepted the wedding. The rest was all done. There would be lots of details to attend to, to make sure that it all went according to plan, but everything that could be predicted had been, we’d even had a delicious tasting of the food for the wedding (and sampled 15 kinds of wedding cake. She chose two—-I of course gobbled large portions of all 15….mphhhh…..yummy…..try that one!!! She wound up choosing a simple vanilla, and a double chocolate).
I won’t deny that the last few weeks before the wedding were hectic. In fact extremely so, but not because of her. Every wedding, no matter how large or small has a myriad component parts. She opted not to have bridesmaids, although she has 4 sisters, but had her 6 nieces and nephews instead, who are between 3 and 7 and were incredibly cute. We had to choose their dresses, shoes to match, try the dresses and suits on squirming children, and make sure the shoes fit. We had to make sure the menu was right, the wine had been ordered, that we were recording the responses properly. There was a DJ and a band. Place cards were done in calligraphy. Party favors for each guest had to be wrapped. Play lists of the songs they wanted, the vows to be written, the photographer and videographer reconfirmed, hotel reservations for the out of town guests, what music to play when she walked into the service, conversations with the minister, the wedding license to be obtained…..by a week before the wedding, I was waking up at 5 am every night, thinking of everything that could go wrong. And a lot could have, but miraculously nothing did. But I don’t think I slept more than 2 hours a night in those last weeks, although she looked remarkably calm.
Four days before the wedding, the festivities began, with cocktails at one son’s home, dinner at another’s, a big friendly relaxed family dinner with Mexican food, we all danced together and had a ball. And the next day, relatives and friends from Europe arrived, and those from New York. And the following day, I had a small relaxed dinner in an Italian restaurant for my friends who came. There were only 8 of us and it got things off to a nice start. I forgot to mention that the week before, my furniture was removed from my living room while I tried not to complain (or cry). And the Monday before the wedding, an army of men arrived to build a wooden structure just outside my house, where the wedding ceremony would take place under a canopy of moss and branches, and an archway of white flowers, all lit by candle light.
The night before the wedding, the groom’s mother gave a beautiful rehearsal dinner in an art gallery filled with photographs, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. It was beautiful and different and fun. There were 89 wedding guests in all, almost half of them family and the rest friends, and only three from San Francisco, everyone else from out of town.
The day of the wedding dawned, while I worried about every imaginable detail of the wedding. I was probably the Bride-zilla not the bride. All of my children hung around the house together, relaxing and talking and laughing, and around 3pm, things got serious. Hair dressers and makeup artists arrived, dresses were being steamed for everyone in the house (all my kids and their significant others were at home). The girls had manicures that morning, and I checked the flowers as they were installed. Everything was on track. We’d had a rehearsal the night before, and no one could remember what order we were supposed to walk in. And every man in the house was struggling with his bow tie, since the wedding was black tie (in tuxedos), and I have no idea why, but although men wear tuxes many times in their lives, they always forget how to tie their ties, and need help. And then suddenly I was dressed (in a navy blue taffeta strapless gown), and the bride calmly began getting dressed at 6 o’clock. She put on her beautiful dress, wore very little make up, and had her hair parted in the middle and put up in a small bun. I leant her a lace hankie to put around her small bouquet of lily of the valley. She had her something old (earrings she had borrowed, that filled that requirement too), something new (her dress), etc all in order. And her veil was totally simple, lay flat on her head, and stretched back over her train. She looked like a Madonna as we went downstairs. The wedding was due to start at 7:30, and the guests had arrived. Moments later, the family proceeded down the aisle from the house to the pergola outside, and took their seats. A dear friend of mine, a minister, was doing the wedding, and she and the groom were waiting under the archway of white flowers. And the groom looked as spectacular as his bride, a handsome young man in white tie and tails. And the courtyard and pergola were lit by candles on a moonlit night. I was the last to take my seat, and a moment later, Vanessa came down the aisle, a vision of beauty on this long awaited moment, as she walked down the aisle on her brother Maxx’s arm, and walked toward her soon to be husband, also named Max.
The ceremony was very moving, the setting as beautiful as we had hoped it would be, and the bridal couple touching as they exchanged vows, became husband and wife and kissed. It was an unforgettable moment for us all.
And when we moved back into the house an hour later, my transformed living room had two long tables covered in lace table cloths, with tall candles, and white flowers of different heights. It was a magical setting once again as people chattered and shared in the couple’s joy on this very special night. She had decided against a wedding cake, and had small individual cakes with sugar flowers on them at every place, alternating vanilla and chocolate (I got a chocolate one of course!!). There was dancing all night long, heavy snacks at 2 am, and dancing until 5 am, until exhausted, the party finally wound down after she tossed the bouquet, and the festivities came to an end at last. It had been a perfect evening, the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever seen, and she was the perfect bride. It had taken an army of people to put it together, to create the vision she had had in her head, and it was everything she had dreamed of, and we had wanted to create for her. It was a night filled with love and unforgettable visions and glimpses of a young couple starting out on their life together. May it be long, happy, and filled with blessings, and as easy as the wedding was to plan with such a loving, easy bride.
With all my love, Danielle
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
Congratulations!
I’ve really loved your web site. I prefer it a great deal. Let me tell my family and also close friends. My personal favorite interest will be traveling to wedding party internet sites and seeing all the fresh trends.
It sounds truly beautiful. I keep wishing you had a picture up. (hint)
My boys will marry one day and I know, as a mother myself, that I will think their weddings are just as beautiful. I can’t wait.
I pray they have a long and happy life together.
[…] by Alindsey in Bride, WeddingA Perfect Bride : daniellesteel.netA Perfect Bride . Link: A Perfect Bride : daniellesteel.net Contra Celsum: Anglican Reformation Tags: been-very, been-winding, bride, daughters, europe, […]
Congrats to your daugther! sounds like a fun wedding… w8ing for my prince charming to come…. Your words are like silk…
All the best to you!
ps, ever teach English classes? if you ever do, online or something PLEASE LET ME KNOW!! love to take a class from you!
BTY I alwaqys wanted to meet you, if you ever are in the Chicago land siging book, I hope to see you or if not this works great!
It does not matter how big or expensive your wedding may be, it’s the faily and friends that shared the most important day of your lives with you. Congrats and well wishes, for the many years to come. And I feel a novel is in the making but with a twist!!!! lol Just have to plan for the babies now..
Best Wishes
Chrystal
Anyone who is financially able can rent out a hall or hotel, but to choose the home you were raised in and to be married in your backyard is the warmest and lovliest place I can imagine. Kudos to your daughter.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Danielle. It’s so interesting how every wedding can have something to make it so different and special. I definitely got a chuckle out of your “gulp” over the transformation of the living room!!!
Best wishes….Lorraine
Thank you for sharing this with us, Danielle. It is interesting how every wedding can have something unique to make it very special. I definitely got a chuckle out of your “gulp” about the rearrangement of the living room!!!
Best wishes….Lorraine
I have been reading your books forever and I even carry a list of them with me so I know which ones I have not read when I am finding them at a flea market or garage sale. Thank you so much for sharing all of your thoughts and love with all of your readers. In fact in the past 7 days I have ready 9 of your books. Did not get much sleep but loved each and every one of them.
I am looking for some of your first books you wrote. There were childerns book and Love-Poems can you help me find them please.
Thank you, C.A.
Danielle,
Another memory for the scrap book of life.Your home is special to you and your children,now mingled in the all the moments and memories will be this wonderful wedding,a time celebrating the joy of love.Just to have them all home again in front of your own eyes must have been your wedding bliss.Your daughter is smart to celebrate her wedding surrounded by the family and the home that holds the memories you all hold in your hearts.
Your daughter sounds very sweet. And you’re a good Mom! Sounds like a beautiful wedding… A wedding at home is the best place to have one.
Best wishes,
Bonnie
Dani, I am really glad for u and your daughter. And i am wish that may these to couples live a very happy and blessed life…
Danait, Ethiopia
Dear Danielle,
Loved reading your comments on your daughter’s wedding. Specailly the part which you mentioned about the mother and daughter’s anticipated fights and arguments during wedding time. My daughter is getting married next month and me too dread these tings.
your article has given me lot of positiveness to plan ahead with ease and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
All the best to you.
Love,
Thanuja
Danielle! Congrats. Please show us pictures of your kids when they were young.
Hi Danielle
I’ve read almost every book you’ve written. I have enjoyed reading about your daughter’s wedding immensely. I had a good laugh though, trying to imagine you gobbling large pieces of cake samples.
May your daughter have a long, happy and blessed marriage. May you also have a very long life so that you can continue to bless us with your books. I hope, for our sake, that you’ll still be willing to write when you’re 103 yrs. Thina. South Africa.
You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be really one thing which I
believe I might never understand. It kind of feels too
complicated and very vast for me. I’m looking forward in your subsequent post, I’ll attempt to
get the grasp of it!
Почему BlackSprut привлекает внимание?
BlackSprut привлекает обсуждения разных сообществ. В чем его особенности?
Данный ресурс обеспечивает интересные опции для своих пользователей. Визуальная составляющая сайта отличается удобством, что делает его понятной даже для тех, кто впервые сталкивается с подобными сервисами.
Необходимо помнить, что BlackSprut работает по своим принципам, которые формируют его имидж на рынке.
Обсуждая BlackSprut, нельзя не упомянуть, что многие пользователи выражают неоднозначные взгляды. Одни отмечают его функциональность, а некоторые относятся к нему более критично.
Подводя итоги, данный сервис остается предметом обсуждений и привлекает внимание широкой аудитории.
Обновленный сайт БлэкСпрут – ищите здесь
Хотите узнать свежее ссылку на BlackSprut? Это можно сделать здесь.
bs2best
Сайт часто обновляет адреса, поэтому важно знать актуальный линк.
Мы мониторим за изменениями чтобы поделиться новым линком.
Проверьте рабочую версию сайта у нас!
This website offers a large variety of video slots ideal for different gaming styles. Right here you can find traditional machines modern video slots and jackpot slots with high-quality visuals and realistic audio. Whether you’re a fan of minimal mechanics or seek complex features you’ll find something that suits you. https://www.silver.ru/regions/pgs/mebely_iz_fanery_svoimi_rukami_kreativ_i_funkcionalynosty_v_kaghdom_izdelii.html Each title are available 24/7 right in your browser and well adapted for both PC and mobile. Apart from the machines the site features helpful reviews bonuses and community opinions to guide your play. Sign up start playing and enjoy the thrill of online slots
Health information is abundant, but trusted health advice is precious. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data available. Cultivating an understanding of your own health needs is paramount. Learning about medical preparations forms a key part of this understanding. Knowing about medications helps ensure they are used safely and effectively. Seeking out credible sources is non-negotiable for accurate information. The iMedix podcast strives to be such a source for its listeners. This online health podcast provides valuable context to health news. Check out the iMedix health news podcast segments for timely updates. iMedix: podcast content designed for your health awareness.
Understanding bone health is crucial for preventing osteoporosis and fractures. Learning about calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise is key. Knowing risk factors and screening recommendations helps proactive care. Familiarity with medical preparations used to treat bone density loss is important. Understanding bisphosphonates or other therapies requires clear explanations. Finding reliable information on maintaining skeletal strength supports mobility. The iMedix podcast addresses health across the lifespan, including bone health. As a health advice podcast, it offers preventative tips. Check out the iMedix health podcast for maintaining strong bones. Welcome to iMedix, supporting your structural health.
Self-harm leading to death is a serious phenomenon that touches countless lives worldwide.
It is often connected to mental health issues, such as depression, trauma, or substance abuse.
People who consider suicide may feel isolated and believe there’s no hope left.
how-to-kill-yourself.com
It is important to talk openly about this subject and help vulnerable individuals.
Prevention can make a difference, and reaching out is a crucial first step.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don’t hesitate to get support.
You are not forgotten, and support exists.
На нашем портале вам предоставляется возможность играть в широким ассортиментом слотов.
Эти слоты славятся яркой графикой и увлекательным игровым процессом.
Каждый игровой автомат предоставляет уникальные бонусные раунды, повышающие вероятность победы.
1xbet игровые автоматы
Слоты созданы для как новичков, так и опытных игроков.
Вы можете играть бесплатно, после чего начать играть на реальные деньги.
Испытайте удачу и насладитесь неповторимой атмосферой игровых автоматов.
На нашем портале вам предоставляется возможность наслаждаться широким ассортиментом игровых слотов.
Эти слоты славятся яркой графикой и увлекательным игровым процессом.
Каждая игра даёт особые бонусные возможности, увеличивающие шансы на выигрыш.
1win casino
Слоты созданы для любителей азартных игр всех мастей.
Можно опробовать игру без ставки, и потом испытать азарт игры на реальные ставки.
Проверьте свою удачу и получите удовольствие от яркого мира слотов.
На данном ресурсе вы можете найти популярные игровые слоты.
Мы предлагаем большой выбор аппаратов от проверенных студий.
Каждая игра обладает уникальной графикой, бонусными функциями и высокой отдачей.
http://freeonlinenewser.com/the-excitement-and-glamour-of-casino-gaming-2/
Каждый посетитель может запускать слоты бесплатно или делать реальные ставки.
Меню и структура ресурса интуитивно понятны, что делает поиск игр быстрым.
Если вы любите азартные игры, здесь вы точно найдете что-то по душе.
Откройте для себя мир слотов — тысячи выигрышей ждут вас!
Здесь вы обнаружите лучшие онлайн-автоматы в казино Champion.
Выбор игр представляет проверенные временем слоты и современные слоты с захватывающим оформлением и разнообразными функциями.
Каждый слот разработан для удобной игры как на компьютере, так и на смартфонах.
Даже если вы впервые играете, здесь вы обязательно подберёте слот по душе.
champion бонусы
Автоматы доступны без ограничений и не требуют скачивания.
Также сайт предлагает акции и полезную информацию, для улучшения опыта.
Начните играть прямо сейчас и испытайте удачу с казино Champion!
На данной платформе можно найти слоты от казино Vavada.
Каждый гость найдёт слот на свой вкус — от классических одноруких бандитов до новейших моделей с яркой графикой.
Казино Vavada предоставляет доступ к слотов от топовых провайдеров, включая прогрессивные слоты.
Все игры работает круглосуточно и оптимизирован как для компьютеров, так и для планшетов.
вавада бонусы на сегодня
Игроки могут наслаждаться атмосферой игры, не выходя из квартиры.
Структура платформы понятна, что обеспечивает моментально приступить к игре.
Начните прямо сейчас, чтобы почувствовать азарт с Vavada!
Онлайн-площадка — официальная страница лицензированного детективного агентства.
Мы оказываем услуги в области розыска.
Команда сотрудников работает с максимальной осторожностью.
Мы берёмся за поиски людей и детальное изучение обстоятельств.
Услуги детектива
Каждое дело получает персональный подход.
Задействуем новейшие технологии и действуем в правовом поле.
Нуждаетесь в достоверную информацию — вы по адресу.
Here offers a large assortment of decorative timepieces for any space.
You can explore modern and vintage styles to enhance your living space.
Each piece is curated for its design quality and accuracy.
Whether you’re decorating a creative workspace, there’s always a matching clock waiting for you.
asian wall clocks
The collection is regularly renewed with exclusive releases.
We ensure customer satisfaction, so your order is always in good care.
Start your journey to timeless elegance with just a few clicks.
На этом сайте предоставляет нахождения вакансий в Украине.
Здесь вы найдете множество позиций от разных организаций.
Мы публикуем объявления о работе в разных отраслях.
Полный рабочий день — выбор за вами.
Кримінальна робота
Интерфейс сайта удобен и рассчитан на всех пользователей.
Начало работы займёт минимум времени.
Готовы к новым возможностям? — заходите и выбирайте.
Этот портал создан для нахождения вакансий в Украине.
Здесь вы найдете множество позиций от уверенных партнеров.
Система показывает варианты занятости в различных сферах.
Полный рабочий день — выбор за вами.
https://my-articles-online.com/
Сервис легко осваивается и адаптирован на новичков и специалистов.
Регистрация производится в несколько кликов.
Нужна подработка? — просматривайте вакансии.
On this platform, you can find a great variety of slot machines from leading developers.
Users can experience retro-style games as well as new-generation slots with vivid animation and bonus rounds.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
play aviator
Each title are instantly accessible 24/7 and optimized for PCs and tablets alike.
All games run in your browser, so you can jump into the action right away.
Platform layout is user-friendly, making it convenient to explore new games.
Join the fun, and discover the world of online slots!
Here, you can discover a great variety of slot machines from leading developers.
Players can try out retro-style games as well as feature-packed games with vivid animation and bonus rounds.
Even if you’re new or a seasoned gamer, there’s something for everyone.
play casino
Each title are ready to play 24/7 and compatible with PCs and smartphones alike.
No download is required, so you can jump into the action right away.
The interface is intuitive, making it simple to browse the collection.
Register now, and dive into the world of online slots!