Wedding Memories

Orv had been part of the occupation forces following World War II, and during that time, he had sent home many souvenirs, including white silk to be used for making a wedding dress should he ever find the right woman – so perhaps he was not such a confirmed bachelor after all. 

After sitting in a drawer for nearly 25 years, the white silk was put to good use. I made a rather simple dress, partially covered with lavender lace. 

Since I had passed the age, in my opinion, of needing to be given away, Orv and I chose to walk down the aisle together. There were a few minor glitches the day of our wedding, but nothing major. In fact, everything was going well, when suddenly an approaching roar interrupted the ceremony. It built to an ear-splitting crescendo before fading away. 

It seemed an Air Force pilot, who had once lived in Hartley, had chosen that quiet afternoon to buzz over the town as he passed from one base to another. 

When the sound died down, we proceeded. We made our vows to one another, and we were pronounced husband and wife. That was nearly 41 years ago. 

Betty – Hartley, Iowa