Twenty-nine years ago yesterday Andrew and I were married in Rice County in a very small town in Kansas called Sterling. Our wedding was an incredibly simple affair that we managed to put together in about one week. One thing after another just fell into place. There was one date available on the church calendar and it would have to be in the evening following an afternoon wedding, April 12th beginning of the American Civil War. I had no dress to wear but a girl I hardly knew lent me hers. Another college student had decorated a couple cakes and she would love to try and make our cake, her first go at a wedding cake. The bride’s maids were poor college students like us so I suggested they just wear a blue dress preferably long, amazingly everyone owned a light blue dress. A guy Andrew knew said he’d be the photographer. My mom was busily making snack breads to stick in her suitcase for the 1500 mile trip to Kansas from Massachusetts for our reception.
The Presbyterian church in Sterling was having a wedding right before ours so when the florist shop swooped in to pick up the candelabras from that wedding, my dad handed them some money to keep them there for ours too- there now, the church was decorated.
We had no plans for a honey moon but some kind guests chipped in and gave us a single night in Salina, Kansas with room service for breakfast. Now, I don’t want to be too hard on old Salina, but let’s just say it probably would not be anyone’s first choice for a honeymoon destination. But for two college students who needed to return to classes that Monday, it worked. Yep, it could only go up from here.
Beyond all those little details so effortlessly falling into place, everyone in both our families was able to be there, and did I mention the incredibly short notice?
The whole thing looked like certain disaster, and people really did say, “I bet they’ll never make it,” but just look at us going strong!! We were clueless, God was merciful, He is victorious!
AND they put new candles in the candelabras and during the clean up I got them and burned them at dinner for the year.
Really an amazing wedding cake for it being the baker's first! (I did my own hair)
Light blue dresses all around!
Our first very small home in Sterling, Kansas
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!! I love your story.
I forgot it was your anniversary. Happy Anniversary!! God is good.
Lovely song! Here’s to another 29, with more happiness and great memories.
And I forgot to mention the nicest part of my wedding attire was the Priscilla of Boston veil that Tammy let me borrow to wear before she got to wear it for her own wedding!
Happy anniversary Terri and Andrew!! While Gary and I had more time than you to prepare, our wedding (like yours) was a much simpler affair than most weddings now with only cake, mints, punch and coffee at the reception. Oh yes, mixed nuts too. :)
Congratulations on 29 years. You and Andrew have been such a wonderful example to me. God is merciful. What blessings have been lavished upon you.
Definitely the mixed nuts, they took things up a notch!
I think God brought you two together to give the world hope in our pre-resurrection lives.
Thanks! I feel like Andrew and I spend a lot of time making sure each other is totally sanctified!
Congratulations!! Great story!
Thank you!