Twenty-Two Years
"Marry me. We can go to Vegas this weekend," he whispered.
We'd been dating for less than six months in the fall of 1988.
"I can't. My parents will kill me if I elope. We need a little more time." I ached.
My parents wouldn't have killed me, and sometimes I regret my decision to not jump in the car that night, drive from Phoenix to Vegas and exchange vows with a young man who was crazy for me. I was crazy for him, too. We married a year later.
Even though I was 23 years old on my wedding day, I wasn't experienced in the ways of hair and make-up. The bridal magazines showed sophisticated gowns, fancy updos, and make-up suggestions that weren't me. I chose a Laura Ashley raw silk dress. It was simple and youthful. I did my own hair and make-up.
After getting dressed and trying to primp with my two bridesmaids—dear friends who respected and understood my wedding style struggles—I met my parents in a room before the ceremony. My dad said, "You look beautiful."
I asked, "Do I look too casual?" He laughed, but I was serious.
And away we went.
Chris and I exchanged traditional wedding vows in front of 100 guests, then we climbed a hill for some pictures. At the time I remember thinking we'd made a mistake by scheduling photographs after the ceremony. We missed some of the reception and I felt anxious, although guests didn't seem to miss us. We wanted the traditional element of surprise when I walked down the aisle—a groom's first sight of his bride on their wedding day. Now I don't regret either decision. We don't view our wedding photographs often, but I'm glad we have them.Sweet Wendy was with me for the entire ride. We were roommates when Chris and I began dating. We both miss her friendship. She's the one who took the photos of Chris carrying me over the threshold on our wedding night.
The morning after our wedding, Mom and Dad hosted a brunch for out-of-town guests at their home. Chris and I made a brief appearance before heading out on our honeymoon—a few days in Sedona, Arizona, at the Sky Ranch Lodge. As we were getting ready to leave my mother indicated she needed to speak with me privately.
A few days before the wedding I got sick and was prescribed antibiotics. I was also on birth control pills.
"Honey," Mom said. "A nurse from the doctor's office left a message yesterday. Antibiotics can interfere with birth control pills. She said you might want to use a backup method."
Awkward. And a little late.
Happy Anniversary, Chris. Just so you know, next time you whisper a request that involves Vegas...Yes.