Wednesday, July 27, 2011

until death do us part...

"I take thee..."


We spoke those words a very long time ago...

...forty years ago (almost).

I know...we were kids!  
I was still a teenager...he was a few years older.

Let me take you back to that 'hot day in July'!


 We wanted to keep things simple...
and so we each had only one attendant.
We chose our childhood friends to stand up for us on our special day.
And just to complicate things a little...
we had three five-year-olds join the party.
My brother and hubby's nephew lit the candles...
while his niece was the flower girl.


The dresses were styled after a page pulled from Spring 1971 Bride magazine...
and sewn by my older sister.
I have no recollection as to why there were no tuxes for the guys.
It must have been part of the 'country casual' theme.


My youngest sister looked after the guest book.
And I honestly don't think she asked them to sign 'Mr and Mrs...'!


How times have changed!
The 'mister and missus' no longer sign their names in guests books.



We were married by our pastor...
Rev. Ben Heppner...
in a double ring ceremony in our little country church.


And the receiving line...of course!
The first ones through were Heather, Kevin and Billy.


The cake was baked by my mother-in-law...
and decorated by Frieda B.


He was much better at cutting the cake than at wrapping it.
Back in the day...
we baked another entire cake that was sliced and wrapped as wedding favours.
On cake-wrapping night he showed up...
and then disappeared into the back forty until the job was done!
I can laugh now...
though I never found it so funny that night.


And when all was said and done...
we changed into our going away outfits...
and tried to go away.
(I'll save that story for tomorrow!)

20 comments:

  1. Congratulations Judy. You both did look so young but you show that love can last with 40 years of marriage. How many can say that nowadays. To forty more. V

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  2. You two were so cute. (Still are.) I'm not sure that I've seen all the wedding photos or such a selection of them before. So wonderful to have; so nice to view. Happy anniversary to you both and many, many more to come! (In fact, you may only be halfway there as I just read of a couple celebrating 80 years of marriage a few days ago.)

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  3. Young, indeed!....but I like to imagine that I can see a quiet determination, steadfastness behind the wide eyes. You two have held one another up through all that life can throw at a couple in forty years, and you are an inspiration to those that know you. Congratulations!

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  4. Thank you for sharing your day so many years ago. Times change but how blessed you are to have that same man with you through all the changes. Congratulations on making a beautiful marriage.

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  5. Congratulations on your anniversary!

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  6. Congratulations on an amazing milestone. I love how you love each other. Blessings on you today as you celebrate your marriage,
    PS you looked adorable.

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  7. Sweet photos. Your headdress is so unique - it reminds me of scenes from Jane Austen's books/movies.

    Congratulations on your wedding anniversary - truly something to celebrate. You are an inspiration to your family and friends, and the generation to follow.

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  8. Happy Anniversarry, Elmer and Judy! Forty years would have sounded like forever back then... but really it's not long enough, is it? So beautiful to see a loving, lasting relationship that works together and becomes stronger. Wishing you continued blessings!

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  9. This is just delightful, Judy, to see your wedding pictures. It really brings back the 70's, the bridal magazine influence, and the 'country casual' style! It is fun to see how your family participated, your sister sewing your dress, mom-in-law baking the cake, etc.

    You look adorable in your long hair and bonnet!

    Congratulations on your anniversary and on living a life of love these 40 years!
    Holly

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  10. Congrats!! 40 years is quite a milestone!! Wishing you many more happy years together!

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  11. Happy Anniversary and many more!! God's abundant blessing!

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  12. What a nice story - can't wait for the next installment. Congratulations

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  13. Well, seeing I was not at your wedding...at least I get to feel like I was now as I identified with many of the same traditions.
    Your bonnet is something else...where did you pick that up?
    It reminds me of something that Bev picked up for her little grand girlie.
    I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating.

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  14. I enjoyed seeing your wedding photos very much, Judy! Doesn't it see like yesterday, but also a lifetime ago? I'm sure you and Elmer have loved each and every year ..through good times and bad. Hoping you both have another 40 to cherish together!

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  15. Happy Anniversary!!! The one thing I remember is that Kevin almost burnt his face off!!!
    And I still have the little pink dress!!!!!

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  16. So that is how you two began your amazing relationship. Standing there before the crowd of family and friends, you had no idea what all God had in store for your lives. You were a good looking couple and I see your creative and well thought out way of making things happen, began way back then. The dress you wore was beautifully made and I venture to guess that set a trend for many coming after you, in their weddings. I really enjoyed the privilege of seeing you two starting out your lives together. I want to wish you a "Happy Anniversary" and pray that you will continue to enjoy life with each other in the future. Thank you for sharing this wonderful part of your lives.

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  17. So fun to see your wedding photos! Congrats on 40 years!

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  18. It's wonderful to see how happy you looked and I'm sure that you are still smiling. Congratulations on your first 40 years together!

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  19. You got hoisted? how cool is that?!! Love the pink color you chose for the girls. And Elmer's groomsman looks like he's at a funeral and not a wedding...of course, I think that is how that particular groomsman saw marriage back in those days! LOL.

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  20. interesting that Rev.Ben Heppner officiated at your wedding.Was he from Manitoba,just wondering!!I believe we know him,LOL

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