The Invitation 40 Years Ago

I've loved the month of October for a long time . . .

 beginning with memories of walking in the leaves as boyfriend and girlfriend,

when there was that first kiss

and later, talks about an October wedding.

And just as we anticipated that day,

we now look forward to the celebration of it all month long!

But first off, let me unpack a little memory box . . .

Our invitations were most likely sent out in September.

They were printed on soft pale green stationary

with a torn edge - which I loved!

We also prepared about 425 wedding favors.

You may recognize the tiny package wrapped and tied up with a ring.

In those days we did not have to invent anything new or different for favors.

A piece of wedding cake (fruit cake) was placed at every place setting.

The wedding took place in my home church, 

followed by a meal in the basement.

For the sanctuary, the florist made up large bouquets of white and yellow chrysanthemums.

while the reception area was decorated with streamers
and autumn leaves surrounding a banner behind our table.

Our napkins were light green with our names and wedding date printed on them.

So simple . . . and yet every detail was as exciting as

any detail planned for a lavish wedding of today!

On opening the invitation 

I still love this verse spoken in the old English.

It's a promise of fidelity, the meaning of which has grown real with time -

 even to the next verse that says,

"where thou diest, I will die,"
in a romantic and metaphorical way 

defining the essence of  this, our life pledged to one another -
every day gifted us by His grace.