This past Saturday I attended a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Duke’s Chapel in Durham, North Carolina.
You know about weddings…everybody look so pretty or handsome, best behavior on the moment, all smiles, hello, and more hello. The music was very touching, not a note out-of-place, instruments all sounded just harmonious, and then…here comes the bride. She looked stunning…beautiful or should I say, gorgeous brunette, very bright red lipstick, and a dress that made her look as if she was floating in space. Magical moments.
Then of course, you know my mind. The vows time came and while the usual words were being hummed along, I made my own version of the traditional vows. For richer…or much more wealthier, in health or hit the diet and look like now (assuming he really looks trim and proper), to love and to appreciate, that is until our egos do us part. Let’s be innovative here. Needless to say, vows are for both genders. We have changed as a society, we change values, traditions, but when the push comes to shove, we are looking at the big elephant in the middle of the couple and pretend that the beautiful white (or any color goes in these days) dress and the tuxedo are all the requirements to make it. Dream on!
I am not implying that in this lovely couple, that is their case, certainly not. But it made me ponder on how we like to live in a world of fantasies. My mind is always wondering. We’ll always prefer illusions to reality.
Took pictures of the inside of the chapel. Just magnificent. It reminded me on a much lower scale, about Notre Dame in France. Unfortunately all the inside pictures were blurred. except for these ones. What a shame!
Left is the altar, majestic with its simplicity and right is part of the ceiling with architectural details so similar to Notre Dame in France. I am learning to appreciate details about the places I am visiting that I was totally oblivious before. The difference is in the details. Just like life. Details…and more details.
That’s me sitting on a bench dedicated by the Class of 1948. The year I was born. What a coincidence. This is on the lawn in front of the beautiful Chapel. Tried to look proper for an almost summer wedding.
Then later on we went to the reception. Food, libation, music and toasts. We must be careful who we choose to make toasts. It is one of the most important days in the lives of a couple, so be selective.
We should celebrate our weddings on a daily basis and remember why we chose our spouse, what made them special and maybe, just maybe, marriages will have a higher percentage of survival in the jungle and battle of the egos.
I am very happy my beautiful daughter asked me to be her date. I had a swell time.
So it was today…June 5, 2011, a day of bonding with my daughter and reliving nice memories of the beginning of a beautiful couple’s married life.
Your Happy Contessa
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Noury's Creative World... 
Is that you on the bench or one of the students?
Don’t I wish I was a student at that prestigious bastion of education. Maybe in my next visit to planet Earth. Hope your adventurous journeys continue to be much fun. Enjoying pictures you are posting. Thanks again for keeping up with the blog.
You look beautiful!
Thank you my dear. I work very, very hard to look somewhat decent, and when someone notices the fruit of the efforts, it feels great! Hope you are doing well and the family. You and your family look picture great on FB. Hugs.
Great blog! And I’m pretty sure I know who/what you’re referring to re: the toasting…
Well, hello there! So nice of you to visit. Thanks for the compliment. I take it very serious coming from you. The toasting guy I think had a confused big moment and forgot that it was a celebration, not a roasting. Maybe he’ll do better next time. One thing I know, he is not welcomed to my next wedding…I mean, in my return to Earth in 5011. Thanks again. Enjoyed our conversations very much. Take care and much happiness and joy to you.
I had a moment to catch up all those words of wisdome I missed while traveling. You look beautiful whether sitting on that bench at Duke U or riding in the red Mini with your hair aflutter. It’s an inside thing – but your packaging is just as beautiful outside.
You are the godmother of kindness. Very good for my altered ego too. I needed to hear that once again. Thank you for catching up with my blabbing. It is good to have your presence in the neighborhood again. See you in a few minutes for our walk.