Our Wedding
Our wedding day was Saturday, October 17, 1998. It took place in Washington State, USA. The day started off cloudy, hinting rain was on the way. But as the wedding hour approached the clouds cleared up, and the sun made itself present. The ceremony was held at the home of Pastor Joe Harris. It was a very humble home with many symbols of his faith and love for his family. In the back he had a garden of various flowers that he was very proud of. Sadly his wife of many years passed away less than 10 years ago. He had expressed over and over while talking with us privately, how much he loved her. He too married at the age 23 while his wife was of a young 19. The irony was inexplicable!
The wedding itself didn't last long. Those who joined us included Wendie Bramlett, J. Michael Schild, Frances Schild, Billie Underhill, Regina Underhill, Heike Bogner, and Barbara Bogner. We all gathered in Pastor Joe's living room, where Pastor Joe had arranged some chairs for our family. He arranged it so we would be in front of his beautiful fireplace. On his television set he placed the candles that would soon symbolize our union. On the mantle of the fireplace he displayed many photographs of his family.
Pastor Joe had a very refreshing sense of humour, and a great love for joining couples in holy matrimony. He guided us through the sacred rites of marriage while referring to his left hand to remember our names. He defined what it was to be married, and continuously reminded us about his happiness with his wife. We were given the impression that he truly cared about us, and singled us out over his many weddings as one of his favourites.
When the ceremony was over, everybody was hungry. And what would a wedding be without a great feast. Thanks to Mrs. Barbara Bogner, (Jennifer's Grandmother) we all gathered at the Olive Garden for a delicious Italian cuisine. A fairly long line greeted us, and the restaurant does not take reservations. We were not the only newlyweds to dine at the Olive Garden that day. Several other couples also were married, and had the same idea. After a seemingly eternal wait, we were herded into the eating room and finally were given a table. I must say that the food turned out to be surprisingly good.
When the meal was complete, Jennifer and David said their good-bye's to the family, and made their way off to the Hotel. Using our computer at home and the scanner that we have, we've taken some of the pictures from the wedding and put them together here for you to see. It's cheaper than making copies for everyone.
We hope you enjoy the pictures. Wish you were with us. We promised each other that one day (very soon) we would have a second grander wedding. One where we invite all our friends and family and pack them into a large cathedral. We'll have the ceremony filled with music and tradition, then of course the after wedding party at a rented hall. We're not sure when this will occur, but we know it will.
Jennifer and David Schild
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