Last night, John & I enjoyed a delightful supper with a grannie client & one of her besties, downstairs at her VERY nice senior residence. Between the entree & dessert, I quietly slipped away.
Headed upstairs, to the 3rd floor Activity Room, where - as a surprise to Anne - I set up my laptop to watch the live stream wedding of her sister's grandson to the granddaughter of friends.
She was delighted! And, I am proud to say, loved the music, in spite of it being just the teensiest traditional. I know a lot of older - and not so older - people who would have bristled at the lack of recognizable wedding music. Not Anne! She enjoyed all the unfamiliar songs, took special delight in being able to see them performed by members of the bridal party & dear friends of the happy couple, tucked up in the choir loft with their bridesmaids & musicians.
The shots of the gathering friends & family, the beautiful architectural points of the cathedral, the glorious stained glass - what gave Anne particular joy were the shots of the flowers, the garland along the choir stalls, the bouquets at the end of the pews, the arrangements on the altars, most especially the occasional shot of an individual flower or grouping. I could feel her heart soar.
How wonderful to sit there, in the Activity Room but really several miles down the road, in a stunning church set atop a gracious hill looking across a small valley, remembering our own weddings there. May Aidan & Josh have as smile-filled memories of their May 2016 Big Day as we have of our September 1989 wedding, as Anne has of her December 1948 joy.
What a wonderful use of technology to bring people together. Anne not only got to see her great-nephew's wedding, she had a more intimate experience of it than any of us expected. What fun to SEE the couple's faces throughout the special moments, but especially as the ring bearer decided the choir seats were perfect for running around & between - no tension, just smiles & laughter at the sounds of his glee.
As the wedding party headed back down the aisle & out the church, was better able to give a who's who of bridesmaids & groomsmen. As the gathered throng filtered out, pointed out faces that Anne knew, many of which she loved.
Smiling, remembering her practically floating to the car, as we headed out for a post-wedding ramble, her 2nd dessert of the glorious night & iced tea toasts to the happy couple!
To the people behind the technology - thanks for special moments that gladdened a great-aunt's heart.
To the folks at the cathedral - thanks for making it possible for Anne to get to a wedding that mattered without leaving the comfort of Rydal Park on a hot but fabulous night.
To Josh & Aidan, now Mr & Mrs (after a courtship that feels like it started in the cradle!) - thanks for sharing your wedding. Big grins to you, letting y'all know how much Josh's 94-year old great-aunt enjoyed every minute of your music & your moments. May yesterday be the start of countless, endless happiest days of your lives!
Credits
all Mary Engelbreit
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