A Simple Wedding

by Hannah Walton aka The Cheapskate Mom

 

This past weekend I had the honor of attending a Swedish wedding ( I didn’t know the bride or groom – family friends)  in New York City. It was my first big city wedding and I didn’t know what to expect although I knew it was going to be informal , at least by American standards…  a simple ceremony at the Swedish church and refreshments later. As far as more elaborate food options – well – that would be decided the day of.  Having gone through the ins and outs of wedding rather recently with my own, I know well the stress, societal pressure and dare I say it – vanity – that goes in to planning a wedding.   The idea of a wedding like the one I was about to attend – one in which there had been no formal invitations because “everyone and no one was invited”! – seemed foreign even to a cheapskate like myself. Of course,  I was intrigued and couldn’t wait for the big day. I’m a sucker for a good love story.

The Swedish church was absolutely stunning – drawing upon the minimal elements of Scandinavian design – natural wood elements interrupted only by the occasional pop of brightly colored fabric patterns (very Ikea!). Finding the actual service room was an adventure because there were no signs – none from Vistaprint or even hand drawn. Wedding go-ers explored the building a bit on their quest to find the service – and in doing so – we even bonded (a simple way to dispense with the break the ice games that some brides include in their tablescapes!).

The bride and groom walked down the aisle together, holding hands – both looked excited and deeply in love. No flowers were tossed about. No flowers were needed : the bride was lovely and the groom dashing – and everything about the pair spoke to how in love they were. The minister gave a beautiful service – I couldn’t understand a word however. The minister sang at one point- and the hired pianist played lovely songs that weren’t mere background pieces but focal points : everyone stopped and listened as he played. At the end of the ceremony , the pianist busted out “All You Need Is Love” – and by the end of the song, the entire church – all of us semi-invited attendees – all were singing along. I almost cried.

The wedding’s reception was a simple affair : yummy red velvet cupcakes with an option of champagne or strawberry soda. Informal toasts were made and the spirit was greatly jovial.  The father of the groom happily walked around with champagne bottles and refilled empty glasses. At the end of the reception, the groom announced that everyone was invited to a picnic in – of all places – Central Park …. A potluck picnic (of course). The sense of adventure continued as we struck out on our own and strove to find both a deli and the park and the particular meadow where everyone was gathering (we did have a map provided by the bride and groom). We got there at around 7:30 with just enough time to eat and enjoy the setting sun. At the end, everyone helped clean up and food was exchanged so that everyone staying in various hotels could have a leftover breakfast.

The wedding was simple. The wedding was beautiful. True love shined through – and was easier to see without the glitz and bling we have become accustomed to these days.

It was an event to remember.