(No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth just yet!)
Today was the long-awaited wedding of my former roomie, Carissa, and her beloved, Kyle. Through our year living together, Carissa told me a few things that are characteristic of Mennonite weddings, so I had an idea of what would be happening, but it was still a little different than I am used to.
I was a little nervous when I first drove in, until I realized that there really were quite a few non-Mennonites there (Carissa's family isn't Mennonite, which is something I didn't really think about). After that, it was smooth sailing. I entered the church, and to be honest, it really didn't look like a wedding was about to take place. The only thing that really looked wedding-ish was the guest book in the middle of the entry way. After signing in, I got the opportunity to talk briefly with Kyle & Carissa. Carissa looked beautiful in her dress, although it wasn't a dress like you would think.
Side Note: You see, Mennonites are very much about simplicity and modesty in women's dress, especially when in the church sanctuary. Most every day, Carissa wears a short-sleeved dress, but her church dresses are all long-sleeved; thus, her wedding dress was long-sleeved. Also, it was purple, not white, like you would think. Carissa told me once that the church actually frowns upon wearing white. Why, I can't remember, but that is their belief. Also, when in the sanctuary, the women have to wear another head covering over their usual head covering. The only difference is that this one is more like a head scarf. It is pinned to the top of their prayer cap and ties below their chin.
I digress...Kyle and Carissa both were excited to see me, and I think a bit surprised that I made the Sunday morning trek to Fairview on Father's Day. As I entered into the sanctuary, I was surprised at the lack of decoration. There were no candles, floral arrangements, or anything, which seems odd to me, although I know that it is the norm for them. There was also no wedding party, giving away of the bride, photographer, or videographer (They also don't believe in taking pictures). It was quite simple, to say the least. The wedding began at 10:15 sharp, with their 20-person male choir singing selected hymns. Another thing, Mennonites do not believe in the use of instruments, so all of the songs they sing are a cappella and in four-part harmony. I have never in my life heard anything more beautiful. With a simple hum on a pitch pipe, they erupted into a beautiful symphony. It really felt as if the entire space of the church was consumed by the sound of their singing. The only real downside of the singing is that they sang a total of 12 songs through the whole service, with a minimum of three verses per song, which meant that it took a while. The wedding itself was about 1.5 hours long, which is pretty long for a wedding, even by Catholic standards.
They had three officiating ministers: one for the introductory prayer, one for the sermon/benediction, and one for the exchange of vows. The vows were pretty simple, nothing like what many weddings are today. Kyle and Carissa both said a total of six words apiece during the whole exchange (aka "I do" three times). At the conclusion of the wedding, they also didn't kiss, which I really didn't expect them to do, but, even so, that was a difference.
Afterwards was the reception at the Fairview community center. For as simple as the wedding was, the reception was very much like many that I have been to, if not even more ornate. Thankfully I got there pretty quick, because there was already a long line to enter the building. I wasn't in line that long, but it was long enough that my present was getting very heavy. (I ended up getting them two pie plates and a cupcake pan that they registered for.) Also, it was feeling very much like an Oklahoma June outside. Just when I was on the verge of heat stroke (not really), I felt the rush of the A/C from the open door. When I got to the end of the receiving line, I talked with Kyle & Carissa again. They were still glad to see me, and curious as to my thoughts on the service. I asked Kyle if his friends hired out to sing for other events, because I loved their singing that much! Basically, from there out, I became known as "Carissa's good roommate". I was introduced to Kyle's parents, who were very nice people, and I got to see Carissa's parents again. Her mom thanked me profusely for being a good roommate to Carissa, as opposed to her previous roommate, and for being a good friend to her. (I heard that Carissa and her other roomie didn't get along, but I never realized that it was that bad...)
I came not knowing if I was going to eat or not, because my mom was making her traditional Father's Day fried chicken feast, and that sounded pretty good to me. However, once I saw the food there, I couldn't resist! I was amazed at how organized the entire reception was, because the church members all stepped in to serve. They had a kitchen crew plating the food, a drink crew getting cups ready, and a horde of youth members who served the tables (refilling drinks, bringing dessert, etc.). The menu included pulled pork, pasta salad, pistachio salad, bread, and cherry cheesecake. No, they didn't have a wedding cake, punch, or anything else of that sort. After you got your plate and drink, an usher sat you at a table, which was decorated simply but beautifully.
I ended up sitting at a table with some friends of Carissa's grandparents, whose names I cannot remember. Later, a Mennonite couple who had ties to Kyle joined our table. We had a nice conversation throughout our meal. During the meal, I got to meet Carissa's paternal grandparents and one of her aunts, all of whom lit up at the mention of me being her "good roommate". (Their words, not mine.) The food was delicious, and I was stuffed! I later learned that they would be opening presents after the meal, but I didn't feel like waiting around that long, so I said a few goodbyes, and I made my trip back home before I got too drowsy.
There is something about a wedding that brings out my sentimental, romantic side. I love seeing two people who are so in love with life and each other join together as one. Kyle and Carissa are a good example of this. During my year as Carissa's roommate, I got the chance to be witness to the evolution of their relationship. I know that their relationship has not been without its struggles, because they have had to deal with some difficult things that I don't know that I could handle. The fact that they made it through those obstacles and came out no worse for wear is proof enough that they really have what it takes to have a strong, lifelong union. I am happy for them, and I wish them many, many years of wedded bliss!
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