When I go outside on my back porch at this time of year the air is filled with the scent of lily of the valley. That fragrance transports me back to my wedding day. My wife had a bouquet simply made of hundreds of lilies of the valley which were picked by her Mom and grandmother from their gardens. It’s memories such as this, that sometimes originate from some unsuspecting taste, or fragrance that bring back powerful images and emotions. We were married 26 years ago and last year during the height of the pandemic we renewed our vows by ourselves at the Old School Baptist Meeting House. Our son, Henry, memorialized it on video and in fact he was the new witness to our vows!
26 years ago, we had a small homemade wedding. A friend was getting married at the Old School Baptist Meeting House the same day but early in the day so we shared the flowers used to decorate the church. Our wedding was a simple service in the golden light of the late afternoon, surrounded by family and close friends.
When we exited the church, I suddenly realized we hadn’t figured how we would get to the reception at our house on McEwen St. I mentioned that to my bride and she laughed and said of course we’ll walk. So, my wife and I, in our wedding finery, led the wedding party and guests down Main St. to our home.
In those days Main St. was a bit quieter. I felt so pleased to make this walk on a street that I had been on since a child and now as an adult with my beautiful and radiant wife. Although I did feel I should have been carrying a dowery such as a goat, livestock or sheaves of wheat – very Thomas Hardy!
A reception followed at our little home and in the garden. That evening the apricot tree in our back yard was ablaze with Chinese lanterns we had collected over the prior year. A beautiful way to start an everlasting commitment.
Now as Mayor, especially in May and June I perform many weddings! They come in all shapes and sizes but all share a common message of love and hope. After a year of sadness and sometimes madness it is reassuring that commitment and vows still have meaning. When I finish writing this I plan to walk outside on our back porch and take in a little morning sun and the heady fragrance that still knocks me off my feet.
