Wednesday, March 14, 2012

A Beginning and an Ending

On January 20, 2012, during a big snowstorm, my oldest son was married to a beautiful woman. Both the wedding and the reception were held at Salvage One in Chicago.

The ceremony was delayed for over an hour, as the guests--and the musicians--straggled in from the snow. Luckily, the liquor was already there and the bartender started serving immediately. Above, my youngest son (the best man), my husband, my oldest son and I hang out and try to manage our excitement.

I wore a DVF dress, Jimmy Choo heels, and borrowed a gorgeous blond mink wrap from my husband's colleague. (Was sooo sad to give it back!) My husband had given me vintage Chanel earrings for Christmas, which went perfectly with my outfit.



Finally, most of the guests were in from the storm and seated. We walked our son down the aisle, and waited for the bride. This photo was taken by one of my son's college friends and I stole it from his Facebook page. This is the very moment my son saw his soon-to-be wife in her wedding dress, starting down the aisle with her parents. I stole this one too (thanks, Nick!):


Later, the newly married couple dancing:



And my husband and I dancing:


It was a wonderful night. The venue was amazing, and the falling snow outside the loft windows made the evening even more magical. What a beautiful beginning for a loving, loved couple.

Three days later, my Dad passed away at the age of 88, having been very ill for a couple of years and unwell for many years before that. He died at home, with my mother, several of my siblings and the next-door neighbors by his side. I happened to be on the phone with my sister-in-law, who was there with my parents, at the time he took his last breath; my brother took the phone and passed on the news.

Although too unwell to attend my son's wedding, my Dad was able to watch it via Skype from his living room in Pennsylvania, sitting in "his" leather Lazyboy chair. We really weren't surprised that he passed on only days after the wedding. Everybody just felt he was holding on to see his Joshua get married.



Here I am, at two months, sitting on my Daddy's lap, reading the evening paper with him. Love you, Daddy!

KLH 1923 - 2012

10 comments:

Petunia said...

I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. How sweet, though, that he was able to see his grandson getting married.
You looked absolutely gorgeous at the wedding. I die for that blonde mink stole!!! And what a beautiful couple!
xoxo

M.Lane said...

It really does look like a great wedding. Everyone is so good looking!!!

I'm sorry about your Dad. It is cool that he could watch on line. I miss my Dad every day.

ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com

mamacita said...

I'm so sorry, Amy, about your dad. But I am glad that your son found a 'help mate' for life. That must be a good feeling, having them settled down like that.

LPC said...

Wonderful photos. I agree. What a lot of good-looking people! You look so beautiful, and far too young to have a grown and marrying son. He looks happy and stylish, so does his new wife. I am sorry for the loss of your father, and just glad he got to see your boy married so happily.

debbie bailey said...

Our son got married in Chicago, February of 2011. Boy were we glad to get back to Georgia! Skype is a wonderful invention, isn't it? I was able to talk to my son while he served in Iraq, and my parents (who are in their mid-70's) Skype me several times a week. I'm so glad your dad got to see his grandson married.

I found your blog through A Bloomsbury Life and have enjoyed the visit. Bye!

Chic Noir said...

Is that really you in the red dress? Are you really old enough to have a son who is married?
Wow, you are very youthfull looking.

If you have a post with you diet, lifestyle secrets, please provide me with a link.

P.S. I found your blog via a comment you left on a daily conniseur:)

Belle said...

I'm so sorry. What a precious pic of you and your dad. The wedding looks like pure perfection. I so love it. You, as usual, are beautiful.
~Belle

Karena said...

Amy such a beautiful occasion for your family. You look gorgeous as does the entire family!

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. I am glad though that he could watch your son's marriage ceremony.

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Congratulations! You looked absolutely gorgeous xo

The Daily Connoisseur said...

And I am so sorry to hear about you losing your Dad. I had no idea. My condolences to you and your family. xx