"This flower represents . . ."

To say that Curtis and Grace’s wedding was “perfect” is not to say it was without its mishaps. But sometimes the unplanned aspects of major life events vastly increase their charm and rank among our most endearing memories.

Such is the case with the little flowers. If you watched the professional photographer’s slide show, you may have wondered (like Michelle did) why several shots seemed to place significance on a couple of small colorful blooms. Well, I’ll tell you. But first let me set the stage.

Curtis and Grace opted not to have any official attendants at their wedding. No bridesmaids or groomsmen. Rather, they encouraged the involvement of all their friends throughout the planning stages and on their wedding day, resulting in an outpouring of creative gifts and cooperative energies I’ve rarely observed elsewhere. It was beautiful to behold.

As for those who would stand closest to them when they became one, they chose their families for this honor. Part of our duty when we processed in was to scatter little flowers on the ground where Grace and Curtis would stand. When they approached the place, they both removed their shoes to symbolize the holiness of their commitment. A meaningful, lovely touch.

Everything was flowing along like a wedding choreographed in heaven. The end was in sight when Dr. Steele said, “Who has the rings?”

“I do,” Curtis responded.

Only he didn’t. They were in his car. About half-way through the ceremony he’d realized his mistake and decided what he would do at this point. He bent down and picked up two of the little flower stems and handed them to Dr. Steele. I guess he must have whispered his dilemma. Dr. Steele didn’t skip a beat. He held up the two flowers and said with the slightest hint of irony, “These flowers represent . . .” and finished the traditional blessing of the rings. Laughing, Grace threw a fist in the air and said, “Perfect!” Curtis just grinned.

Dr. Steele handed Curtis one flower and told him to place it on Grace’s finger. He wrapped the stem around her finger while repeating the prompted promises. Grace did the same for him.

When they returned to the reception area, Curtis retrieved the rings, knelt in a secluded spot, and placed Grace’s on her finger. From a distance the photographer caught this precious moment with her camera, too. They saved the two flowers in the box that had held their rings. And that explains the picture.

I loved a lot about this whole episode, but most of all I think I loved what it revealed about Curtis and Grace. They weren’t at all disappointed or embarrassed by this snag. On the contrary, they seemed to delight in the humor and originality of the moment. And we all delighted with them.

A ring is a beautiful symbol of unending love and commitment. A flower is a symbol of new life after a time of bitter cold. A healthy marriage requires both. Grace and Curtis have both symbols to remind them. If they can face all of life’s surprises with unruffled originality and delight, they’ll be spared lots of unnecessary stress. We aren’t in control anyway. Might as well just secure loose articles and hang on for the ride, eh?

Thanks for asking, Michelle. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed living it.