You literally never know what the next hour could bring. I was in my front yard last Saturday morning just about done planting a hydrangea bush (I love those big gorgeous flowers), when my daughter brought out my ringing cell phone. As I took off one of my gardening gloves to answer the phone, it was a hysterical bride. Her wedding party and approximately 20 guests were at a park in Bergen County waiting for the officiant who never showed; it was now nearly an hour after the ceremony was to begin.
Somone had given her my contact information and she wanted to know if I could come to the rescue and marry them. As you can imagine, it wasn’t the best of times for me – being knee deep in dirt, no makeup, and my limp hair hanging. But they were really in a bind. Wanting to help them out, I said I would try my best to accommodate them, but one thing was for sure - - I told them I had to take a shower and change clothes and if they could change locations to a park closer to where I live to save time and give me half an hour, I’d be there. Of course, I did ask if they had their marriage license (which they did).
I’ve never moved so fast – in the shower, blow dry my hair, grab an outfit, and sorry – no time for makeup ( I was hoping my dazzling personality would hide any imperfections!!). I grabbed a “short and sweet” ceremony I did a while ago, wrote the bride and groom’s name on a “sticky” so I could replace the previous names with the new bride and groom, grabbed my daughter to come along for pictures, and off I went!!!
I hadn’t been Van Saun Park in years, since my kids were little so I really didn’t know where we should go for the ceremony. We initially met at the “pony rides” and after meeting the bride, groom, and the rest of the clan, we signed the marriage certificate and then proceeded to get in our cars where I would lead the way to find a more appropriate ceremony location than hearing little kids screeches on ponies. Driving only 30 seconds up the road, I noticed a pretty location on the left and drove into a parking lot on the other side of the road. Well, it turned out we couldn’t have had a nicer location if it was planned. There was a cobble road (that we used for the processional) leading up to a beautiful arch of gorgeous plants and flowers. It was secluded, beautiful, and just perfect!
Not being one to toot my own horn, I’m proud to say that the ceremony went off without a hitch as if it had been planned for months. The bride and groom and the parents were ecstatic, telling me I saved the day. It was a great feeling helping someone in need and knowing that they were so pleased with the results. I do hope though that I’m not setting a trend. I do like the luxury of thinking about what I want to wear with what accessories, putting on make-up, and being able to rehearse pronouncing hard sounding names. Well as they say, “you can’t have your wedding cake and eat it.”
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