Talk to the Goat
Weddings seem to happen in clusters. And who knows what makes one successful? We've made it to 25 years and never considered divorce - it was never that bad even though neither of us is perfect. I would not say either of us "work" at it either. We honeymooned in Niagara Falls. And went home early because we ran out of money. What an auspicious start! We still run out of money.
WOW!
I know what you mean. Life never seems to happen the way we want it, but sometimes you get lucky.
My grandparents too are still married, and all of their children divorced, and most of their grandchildren divorced.
Why couldn't life be like it was then?
Ah I love the story of the 3 weddings! Pretty bride you are too Jay. I hope for you both to be wildly crazy about each other still when you finally DO get that Harley when you're in your 70's. 
I love the family pics with all the confetti and stuff!
And don't feel bad, I'm not getting married this year either. I don't THINK anyhoo 
*sigh*
You aren't left out. There are far more people attending weddings and buying presents than actually getting married.
You're the majority.
Beautiful brides in your family.
Just my opinion, but I think the motorcycle is the key. I'm on my third marriage. The first two-no motorcycle-end in destruction and pain; lots of pain. This one- two motorcycles, is happily ever after.
You and Jason need to get a bike. It's not too late.
A slice of life!
Great photos, I especially love the one with your mom and sisters. It's spring--doesn't everyone feel a little more hopeful about their marriage in the spring?
I am enjoying your blog. I just started combing through it.
We have been married 37 years.
In your life it's marriages, in mine it seems to be babies. They're sprouting all over the place. Seriously, in the passed six months, there have been 6 babies born to people in my life.
Maybe it's cause summer is fast approaching. Spring is in the air and everyone's twitterpated.
Such a sweet post. I remember my grandparents' 50th anniversary party--I had similar thoughts. Look at all these people, these families (this one big family, rather). None of us would be here if these 2 people hadn't fallen in love...
My head is hurting just looking at your hair in your wedding photo. You looked fabulous, but sometimes I wonder if a head full of bobby pins secured with laquer is actually worth it.
My parents got married in 1967 and also honeymooned in Niagara Falls.
They don't have a bike, however.
Great essay. I love the questions:
Was it the bike?
The non-proposal?
The flats?
As someone who also accepted a proposal in bed, that ain't a bad place to see if it might last either.
18 years later, we've out-lived two toasters.
# of bobby pins in my head: 0
Beautifully written Jay. And you were a stunning bride!
3T
you looked so nice. The year your parents was married was the year I was born
it seems like everyone I know is getting engaged. Seriously. 4 couples in the span of just over a week. Maybe it's something in the water?
Now the real question is: do you have to find a different outfit to wear for each wedding? cuz that's the real work!
I never got a toaster. 
I did get a fabulous husband though!
I enjoyed the photo's and the stories behind them Jay. Well done!
I've got a toaster, now I just need a husband.
This is why i love reading your site...the love stories are great and moving
I hope you buy me a toaster if and when I get married.
Marriage can be over rated. The human nature in us always makes us want what is on the other side of the fence. Once we get there we look back and woder why we even wanted to come over there.
Love your post. Nice photos.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER! It's like one of those cautionary anouncments at woodsock. "There's some bad water going around people..."
Men are such romantics at heart. Like many women, I too am still awating my marriage proposal. I've been wearing the ring for almost a year now and he still has yet to propose. I was headed out the door for a trip out of town to celebrate a friends birthday and he said "here, wear this" and put a ring on my finger. What can I say, he's mushy like that.
You know, there IS something about a man on a motorcycle, then again I think it is the black and white photographs, they make everything look better, maybe that is the key to a lasting marriage!
I love all of the pictures and stories! I hope your friends do stand the test of time. Divorce seems like a popular sport these days. Almost as popular as these darn weddings. (lots booked here too - and the new batch of babies should hit in 9.2 months)
Lois Lane
HA! I love the answer to those weird questions in your profile section - Carleton! HA! That is too funny.
I am also a Torontonian. And a long time ago I was actually debating whether or not to attend Carleton for Journalism. I went to film school instead.
Around here, it's not marriage that's in the water, it's pregnancy. So don't drink it whatever you do!
The Wife and I have been married going on 17 years this June and we've been together over 20. What keeps us together now? Besides the fact I'm totally crazy about her, it would be WAY too much work to get another woman. And far too expensive. Much cheaper to stick with the one I've got than to upgrade to a newer model.
One day it'll happen it just sucks not to know when.
hey, i've already attended one (my mother's) and i've got ya beat on this one....i'm in a wedding in a couple of weeks.
so i too feel the pain
nice family stories though and thanks for stopping by "my space"
I like your love story. It's sweet. Plus you look great in that dress and cement does wonder to a persons hair apparently because you look divine!
LMAO....ok so i am confused i think the blonde in my hair is starting to soak in...are you or are you not still married????
BTW thanks for visiting my blog
I simply can't read all of those comments right now so don't think me unoriginal if I repeat.
I love the stories of your generations...and doesn't it all seem like much simpler times they endured?
I am one of the masses getting married, but it may not be this year. The reason for that is because EVERYONE else is getting married! 5 of my core group of girlfriends are planning weddings for this year so I decided being the las tot get engaged that I'd wait until next year so that when the time comes I'd actually have guests =) THere is something in the water and pregnancy is next. I've got 4 friends due between June and July and two others who just had their bebes.
I can't marry again. After the two divorces I just know that it is destined to NEVER happen again. I don't even miss it now. I never missed being dragged to a wedding either because they were always for his family too, and they were a pain in the ass. I never realized nobody cared that much if he was there or not, but now I know. Now that kids are older I am finally having some peace again.
It's baby season here. I suppose that will hit where you are in a couple years now that everyone's getting hitched.
I don't think I have a wedding photo of either of my grandmas. I should look. I never knew my dad's mom (though it sounds like that's prolly just as well) and barely knew my mom's. It would be fun to compare pics, though, like you've done here.
Is that Jason in your wedding pic? If so, your cooking has done good thinks for him.
I gave up giving lasting gifts to people whose marriages won't make it past the warranty phase. Now I give spices, hoping to guarantee at least a little spice in tehir marriages, LOL!
On second thought, I might start giving The Avenging Unicorn sets.
Yes, well, it would be fitting for the groom to be in the pictures too you know
It IS Jason. He looks so young, although, we WERE young...I think puberty had not quite finished with him.
And yes, we are still married. We were just well ahead of the crowd, and we've been waiting for friends to play catch up ever since.
I married early as well, and only now does everyone else seem to be catching up with babies and all. It's weird. But whatever works, right?
You made a lovely bride.
Hey Jay,
I've spent the afternoon getting to know you and reading your blog. Forgive my audacity in asking but I would like to know about your relationship with your mom. You say it has been 15 months since you talked to her. What happened?
Ann
Yeah, it's that time of year. Mating season, ya know. I'm not overly fond of marriage, but to each his/er own. I've got tons of toasters to buy myself. What I want to know is about those who invite you to the shower and demand gifts, but don't send an invite to the wedding. Hey I wanta dress up and eat bad food, too.
The pictures are wonderful. I had a blast picking you out and comparing the Jay now and the Jay then.
all three beautiful brides.
my husband and i celebrate 27 years this june, hard to believe and we honeymooned in niagara falls as well.
don't be too sad!
Marriage in German means Ehe and some old wise man found out why it came to this word in German while in all other languages it is different!
He found out that it is an abbreviation of the latin phrase:
Errare humanum est!!!
You look beautiful, and now I wanna get married. Too bad I have zero prospects... thanks A LOT Jay!
Jay, I have a lot of things to say about this post but don't want to end up crying on my keyboard or sounding like a complete loon. A man has to keep an aura of mystery after all, especially in these times of rampant marriages. Besides they are a bitch to replace on a laptop. I will say this: I love your writing. You are fast becoming one of my favorite daily reads. Thank you.
TG
This happend to me in 1999 and 2004. I got everyone the same thing. Money!!!!!
hi missy, thanks for stopping by. i loved this post, the pics too add to the whole visual. have fun at those weddings this summer!
you look more like your mom.
i'm in a wedding in chicago this summer. the first one ever. damn, those are expensive, and you can't quite enjoy your time by yourself and explore a new city. i didn't sign up for this.
e+
Whoa, I wish I knew how my grandparents met and stuff (let alone still have pictures). That's awesome. Your drses is so pretty and I never knew your hair was that blonde! Forget the new weddings, you're the guru and they'll be turning to you for wedding tips XD
Wife and I hit 20 yrs married in '07 .. no motorcycle, no hot sex ..well somtimes .. just plain happy love ... enjoy the weddings .. wait until all the births happen at the same time .. thats when it gets scary.
Hey Jay, you may hate me now, but
your TAGGED!!
Head on over to my blog to see what to do next.
Sorry, I suck ass I know.
In case you don't remember, moving impedes your ability to blogread. thank goodness, I've learned to stay up all night. Just got caught up, and as usual, it was worth it. We did not dine on chicken either, yet here we are 32 years later, happy as clams. Two food references in one sentence!
Yeah, I'm not getting married. So there.
awww... *rushes off to elicit romantic whisperings from the chubby one still in bed*
I like the perspective you took here. You just never know what will last. My first marriage started with a huge expensive wedding. That marriage turned out sucking. My second wedding was in a sport coat at the JP after my wife and I took a half personal day off from the schools we taught in. We get happier every year. All 23 of them.
Now while thinking about it, i think I better buy a motorcycle.
You look very purty missy.
I missed out on the gown, and ceremony and all that...:{
Maybe in a couple of years from now, we will be able to afford one of these and go all out.!
Great post!
I think these things go in cycles... next you will have 1 million baby showers! If you think the wedding circut is bad wait for that...YIKES!!!
I have been married 17 years (I got married at 23...) I wonder if I will live to 50 forget whether I will be married that long! lmao!
BTW I think the key to the long marriage is a motorcycle or at least a convertible... I think I am gonna work on that!
You looked lovely on your wedding day!
cheers Kate
weddings give me the hives. i'm terrified of them. i come from a damily of divorcees. but the BF is getting restless... LOL.
Beautiful story Jay It's always nice to hear about the special success stories. Both of you keep those happy grins on your faces
DB
What great stories.
And 55 years - that's amazing. Fifty-four years and eleven months longer than most Hollywood weddings.
Aww, Jay! You were/are very beautiful!
Wow, you look lovely with that hairstyle and pretty red lipstick! So pretty!
And also, everyone has already gotten married in my life, I think. I have been a bridesmaid six times. And also done the guestbook once, the gift table once, and been a "wedding coordinator." I am still unwed, so you should weep for me.
I'm glad we don't have any known weddings to deal with this summer. Gah. The year before last though, I think we had five or six....
My grandparents on my dad's side met because of motorcycles, too
55 years????HOLY crap that's awesome. It's rare these days marriages make it 5 years.
I love the lit pig frame - I've never seen one of those before.
You are such a beautiful bride in that final pic. Great post Jay.
Great post. And you are beautiful!
Lovely post. Beautiful picture too.
Nice to see I'm not the only one that got married "young". I tied the knot at 21 and all my friends thought I was nuts. Now I've been married for 16 years and they're divorced. Is it still called "shadenfreud" if it applies to a friend?
I love old grandparently love stories. My grandparents met in a back-room casino in Seattle. My grampa was dealing blackjack and my grandma was the coat-check girl. Top that Match.com!
You were one hot bride! they are fab pictures.
congratulations. lucky you!
That happned to me one year I went to 10 weddings it was horrible! and here its the registry at Fortunoffs at least they had free gift wrapping...Im still waiting for my wedding.......tick tock
WOW Miss Jay, may I just say, that you are totally working it on your special day! Hey! That almost kinda sorta ryhmed...
Anyways, yeah, I cant say I know all the secrets to a perfect marriage, since I'm not married...but I think conversation plays a major part. At least in my eyes. Marry someone you like to talk to, and carry on a lifetime conversation, you know?
Congrats to you and your friends but I am not sure about the idea of getting married. Proabbly my exeperiences and my cynism though...
I'll go to my first one this summer, maybe I'll change my mind, at least about the celebration itself.
Nah...
Your timing and your whole post were right on for me lol. I am getting married in less then 2 months..JUNE 9th to be exact!...I however am 43 yrs old...and although I had previous relationships and even a daughter with one...I never married. Untill now ...I found THE ONE!!..and after 4 yrs together we can't wait to tie the knot. But also..I have to mention that my maternal grandparents, got married on the same date...they adored eachother till death...then my parents actually got married on the SAME date... and will probably hate eachother till death lol...(they divorsed over 20 yrs ago) and married different ppl. So I figure the good carma skips a generation so I will be the 3rd generation to marry on this date. We love that it worked out that way.
I am not wearing a traditional dress, its actually a beautiful bronze and ivory one, and he will not be wearing a tux...we have scoffed at most traditions and made this day about what we want ...nor did we invite aunt pinchy or uncle drunky.. cause they are related lol...ours is just very close friends and family that we really want to be there..so only approx 30 ppl...WE are so looking forward to this and we have had a really great time planning it to be honest...every little detail has been fun to pic and chose and there has been NO stress involved at all, I would wish it on anyone. I have heard so many horror stories and stress laden bridezillas its not funny lol.
sorry this was so long lol,
Aww, you look GORGEOUS!!! Including your hair -- shellaqued or not.
Definitely been in the "always a bridesmaid" category. I swear, weddings go on sale once a year but I don't have any money...
That was a horrible little analogy, wasn't it?
So did you keep the tradition alive and honeymoon at Niagara Fall?
"He proposed to me in bed". Seems interesting
It's funny how many people ask me if I made money at my wedding.
It's also funny how many of these people shake their head when I tell them that I lost money.
Most of the people that laugh at me are italian or portuguese.
Speaking as a multi-wedding'ed bridesmaid in the 70s and 80s, all I can say is, not a fashionable time to get married. For the clothes, I mean.
I said it at the time, but who was going to listen to the kid who was forced to wear a green polka dot blouse, green shorts and a purple, velvet bow-tie (hey, she FORCED me to wear it!).
Hows yer finger btw?
Lovely lovely blog. I have a very precious collection of family wedding photos - going back to 1918!
23 years for me about 6 weeks ago. I hope we make it to 24! I think we will, we're working at it.
It does take work sometimes, but I think its worth it.
Oh look! So many pretty pictures of happy, shiny people who love, er... holding hands and being in love.
Your wedding pic is awesome, Jay.
A great story! I hope all your weddings this summer turn out to be good ones!
Great post, Jay. You looked stunning - cemented hair and all. Very sweet and got me to thinking about my family's beginnings, and endings, and new beginnings. Now I'm feeling very - well, i don't know the word, but now I find myself pondering.. Your writing is good for that!
This was an entertaining entry. Really cool rendition of your family tree there.
Especially liked how you and Jay got together because that is how my wife and I were. We were friends for years and then fucked one day and it all went from there. We've been together 13 years, married for 11.
Chris
My Blog
No, we did not honeymoon in the Falls. We've never been there together - yet.
My finger still effin hurts.
I live far enough away from my family not to be expected to attend events. Nice hairdo.
Ann, where have you gone? I'd answer you but I don't know where to reach you.
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