Our Wedding

Bobby and I were married April 18, 2009, at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in South Bend. There were many reasons we chose this date- while the weather, work schedule and ND home games were all factored into our decision, we both wanted to incorporate our families and ancestry into our wedding. April 19, 2009, Bobby's parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, while we couldn't pick the 19th since it was a Sunday, we chose the day before- as close as we could get.

The church we were married in was where my fathers parents were married in 1941. This was the church that my grandfather attended when he was a child and where his parents had been members of the congregation. As silly as it sounds, being married there helped me feel more connected to my family and allowed me to feel as though I was honoring their memory.

The ceremony went well but everyone knows there will always be something special that occurs to help remember the day. During our pre-marital meetings with the pastor, he asked us if we wanted pew candles that the church provided and said that most people use them for their ceremonies. I specifically asked how safe they were. I wanted to know what kept them from catching things on fire or dripping wax on people. He said they were fine, the candles sat about 5 feet high and he had never had any problems, so Bobby and I said sure, why not?

After the pastor said "I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Price," we stepped down the steps to make our exit. As I was walking past my parents pew, my dress snagged on the bottom of the 5 foot pew candle holder and caused it to tip. Thank goodness my dad was on his "A game" because he caught the candle holder about 2 1/2 feet before it hit the ground, with the candle still in place. While he was sitting there holding onto this candle, contemplating what he was going do with it, my Matron of Honor walked by and very casually blew it out. Now that's a great friend! Besides, it would not have looked good for a FIREFIGHTER to burn down her great grandparents church!

Our reception was a blast! The cake was beautiful and the photobooth a hit. Before the night was over, the "'ole ball and chain" made it's appearance and the tradition continued. When my parents were married in 1970, his buddies took a bowling ball, filled it with cement, painted it black and made a ball and chain. Ever since then it (well a replica) has reappeared at his friend's weddings and then it was passed on to their children. It is a great tradition that will hopefully continue through the generations.

Bobby and I are very fortunate that we have come from very strong and loving families. One of the qualities that connects and bonds us to each other is the value and appreciation we have for our families; not only our parents, grandparents and ancestors, but also the extended family that has surrounded us through the years. Families help shape who you are. No matter what, they love and support you, even when it might be hard. Our families have helped mold who we are today and in essence helped us to find each other. I hope that as time goes on, the relationship that Bobby and I have is a testament to the love that has surrounded us through the years and that everyday we honor those whose memories we carry.