I am so very thankful that this seasons wedding trends are moving back towards the classic gracious beauty of previous generations. I do adore planning weddings. Such a magical, spiritual moment when two people confess before the entire universe that they have chosen to walk together, work together and end together this fabulous journey. Having said that, may a take a moment to speak to the bride-to-be, the girlfriend, the daughter?
You are beautiful. You are individual. You are a whole a complete spirit created in the image of the almighty. Part of me would like to say that every young lady should have at least one over-the-top, utterly excessive dress whether that be prom, homecoming, beauty pageant or otherwise. Every young lady should feel the spine straighten with pride and glow as she dons a magnificent piece that makes the world stop and stare. Let it be a TAD BIT risqué. A little cleavage (not a lot), OR a nice SIDE slit, but don't show all God's creation to all God's creation. Get it out of your system so that on your wedding day, you can slip into your dream dress with no shaded motives. Imagine a dress that will make him say "that is MY wife, my best friend, the mother of our future children" not "I'm gonna hit that later."
And while I'm on the subject, when you do become the mother of said children, understand that your role in the world has changed. Dress your body in a way that will honor that commitment and that responsibility. I cannot tell you how many times my heart has ached to see a mother-of-the-bride show up in a skimpy INAPPROPRIATE pageant dress. It is no longer your day, MA'AM. Today is the day you present your daughter. You get to brag and say, "look at the magical beauty I have protected, guided and shaped up to this moment. She is part of me. She is my magnum opus."
We just celebrated my daughters first birthday and already I am trying reminding myself that in everything I do I must remember that I am guiding and molding a young lady. This is no small task and one that deserves much praise on the day you give her hand to her husband. But that day and that task will be celebrated by her father and I. Not because I will be in the best shape of my life (which I will be :) ) but because it is a private accomplishment. I will wear no sash, no tiara, no slinky evening gown and no pomp and circumstance. I will proudly wear an age appropriate gown fit for the queen and be touted by the inner voice, His voice, reminding me "well done."
