”It’s what we’re used to…”

The wedding of Jen and Scott was probably one of the smoothest and most stress-free weddings I have coordinated in years. Reason?  The obvious love between not just the couple but also between the bride and groom and each of their families of origin.

They kept “their moment” of seeing one another completely authentic. They traveled in separate limos to the church and Scott was standing at the end of the aisle when the exterior doors swung wide…..and he glimpsed his bride for the first time as her father escorted her into the church.  The guests reflected afterwards that they were literally holding their breath. They said it was as if they were in a movie.

The couple didn’t need any posing suggestions from me or the photographers…they kept holding hands, hugging, looking at each other, laughing and their smiles were non-stop!

As the post-ceremony photos started being assembled, I thought to myself, “Well here goes the bubble of bliss.” (As usually happens when we are trying to accommodate many generations, many egos, many old hurtful dynamics and often crying babies. Ugh!)

And I could not have been more wrong. The Weiss and Seyller families were smiling, joking, completely compatible and never missed a cue. What a blessing!  What brand of cereal were they fed as babies?!

When Jen called me the following day, on her way to the airport (for Tahiti!), she  wanted to express her appreciation but I could hardly let her finish. I was wanting to thank HER, for the karma/camaraderie exhibited in all her 50 plus extended family members all day long. (Mutual admiration society I guess!)

She was surprised that I was so surprised….and summed it up by saying, “I suspect that we take our closeness for granted. It is just what we are used to.”

I reflected afterwards that the feedback of “It is the most beautiful wedding our guests have ever seen!” is so normal for me, that I think the words apply in reverse, “It’s what I’m used to.”  However, I never take it for granted. I love, absolutely love my job. And it’s brides like Jen…and her entire extended family that remind me of how lucky I am.