THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Has an important job to support the bride through the journey of planning the wedding and giving emotional support. As I approach my 40th anniversary, I remember my mother wanting the wedding to be her way. My favourite colour was purple but she did not like purple so the bridal party could not wear that colour. I wanted different music at the church but she wanted- Here Comes the Bride- or she would not attend. Some family members were excluded because she did not want them there. When my daughters were married in 2002 and 2006, I was not the control freak mother that many brides have. Actually, with my oldest daughter, we would be going to halls, stores looking for ideas and planning, that many people started to say, you are such a nice mother! Finally, after hearing the comment several times, I asked what are the other mothers doing? I would be met with rolling eyes and you wouldn't believe the nonsense that goes on! For me, there was a budget that my girls were very conscious to follow and able to find the deals and adhered to it. Both their weddings were beautiful events! If you are planning a wedding in your family, there does not need to be fighting and controlling. Are you a control freak mother- well let it go! Can you trust the decisions and ideas your daughter wants to make? Can you work well with the groom's family? When the day comes, you will be the one keeping things on track- probably quite gorgeous in your own outfit but able to stay in the shadows for the bridal party to shine. As a last comment- both my girls selected my mother of the bride outfits for their weddings and if I should say so- I looked quite good for my age. Good luck with any bridal planning or any large events you are doing!

WEDDINGS

I love weddings. There is such a romantic feel that two people decide to love each other and be together. It takes courage to commit to a relationship. Every wedding takes so much time to plan, the details, the dress, the seating arrangements, who to invite, the speeches, the cake, the food, the drinking. Looking around the room at a wedding there is a jovial feel. Many people have met their future spouse at a wedding.So many pictures. There are the photographer's official ones but the friends, the relatives with the endless cameras and pictures click away capturing many different moments. The family group shots. Can I take a picture of the bride and groom? Can I have a picture with you? I love taking pictures at weddings as I try to look for those moments others miss. It is a wonderful time for family members to be together. The people that come from a distance to be there. My favourite pictures of my daughters' weddings are those family group shots. Have you been to a wedding lately? Do you love to take photographs? Do you let others take your picture?