Decompress. Restore. Relax.
Recover. Anyone who has
been part of the wedding planning process for a daughter understands how fully
these words are felt once the special day is over. When months, oftentimes years, are spent preparing for
the nuptials, it’s sometimes difficult to remember how living (or even
breathing), sans wedding discussions, ever was.
This past weekend,
my younger daughter walked down the aisle. It was beautiful and ran smoothly, but it took a lot of work
to make it so. Now I’m feeling
that sense of “what to do with myself” quandary, which followed the foggy
numbness post-ceremony. A glass of
wine or two helped clear that haze and made relaxing a little easier at the
reception, but Monday rolled around and I felt lost.
I can’t say enough
positive things about the location of the wedding, which helped us keep cool
heads and our sanity. Starved Rock
State Park in Oglesby, Illinois made the bride and groom’s weekend one of
memories they’ll always cherish. Situated
on over 2600 acres, the park is known for its many canyons and hiking trails,
along with fishing and boating opportunities and overnight accommodations in
cabins and the lodge. It’s also a
premiere wedding venue, hosting most ceremonies outdoors with the capability of
moving everything inside due to inclement weather conditions. And we just missed the rain.
With a 5 p.m.
outdoor ceremony, small droplets started dotting the sidewalk at approximately
4:20 (just as I exited the lodge).
As the weather had been perfect for the past two days until that point,
my first thought was, “Are you kidding me?” Braced and ready for what was to come, I went back to my
hotel room and grabbed two shawls I’d thought to bring (to throw over someone
if necessary in an attempt to salvage dresses and hair) and my husband brought
our only umbrella from the car.
Groomsmen were buying umbrellas from the gift shop. Ultimately, none of it was necessary.
Throughout the
ceremony and photographs afterward, the rain stayed at bay, and everyone
enjoyed the lovely setting Starved Rock has to offer. But one of the most special moments of that time, in my
opinion, wasn’t planned. As the
bride and groom said their vows, a hummingbird appeared above the wedding
party, hovering for several seconds, dipping, darting and hovering a little
more. Then it was gone as suddenly
as it appeared. I’m one to believe
things like this have some sort of meaning and given the Native American
history of the park, I readily accept the symbolism of a hummingbird’s
appearance at such a time.
In general Native
Americans viewed hummingbirds positively, but it depended on the tribe as to
the legends and symbols they represented.
Hummingbirds are often associated with beauty, harmony and integrity, but
they’re also seen as healers or spirits helping those in need…or the spirit of
a departed loved one (something even more special given the timing). Some think seeing a hummingbird is a
sign of good luck, but it has special meaning for different people and
cultures…symbols of joy, life and a savor of life, tirelessness, eternity and
everlasting life. For myself,
I’ll take any of these. It was a
very special moment I’ll always remember.
As for the rest of
the evening…reception, dinner and dancing occurred without a hitch indoors, which is a good thing as the skies opened and it poured the rest of
the night. The timing was perfect
and everyone had a wonderful time. I
couldn’t be more pleased with Starved Rock State Park…thank you, Margie and
Tiffany.
Now, let the
recovery continue (perhaps a vacation will help, then seeing book three reach
publication). Onward.
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