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Musings from the Mother of the Groom…
Sending your first-born son into the world stirs many emotions. Most of all, you worry is he prepared to meet the challenges that will most certainly be sent in his direction? You believe that somehow, due to your “unique” parenting techniques and efforts, he will be spared life’s anxious moments, sadness, despair. In your heart, you know that instead he will face all types of challenges, and in the end, you as a parent, will be measured by his success. If that is not enough to worry about, your parenting skills are then magnified before friends and family as your protégée walks proudly down the aisle with his loves reflection at his side, for the first time as a husband and wife. As you gaze into their smiling faces you think, “will it be enough, will they be able to sustain this moment’s wondrous joy and excitement throughout their lives together?” Ever the realist, you are aware that life somehow intervenes with its own plan, and that the rapture felt on this day is soon only a fleeting memory, a memory that, if wise, must be drawn on regularly to succeed as a couple. Gratefully, you sigh and smile with the realization that indeed the hard work, hours of preparation, countless details, timelines met, have led to just this perfect point in time and YES! it will be enough, for they have begun their lives together surrounded with family and friends, filled with words of guidance, strong with the support that only love can provide. None of this, however, prepares you for “the wedding.” The frantic last minute effort “to get him to the church on time” is an experience. Gathering key members of the wedding from airports, collecting the priest in route, driving four and half hours, non-stop, with two cars filled with seniors, sandwiches and treats to avoid diabetic reactions, is no small feat. Traveling north, the motley caravan gratefully arrives safely, registers to designated rooms, dresses, and grabs that final photo opportunity. Suddenly, it all becomes a blur lost to the demands of the clock. Gone are the moments to reflect, this is a time for herculean action. There is no time to spare, because what seemed like endless waiting, suddenly changes to NOW. I am not certain who coined the phrase “It is what it is.” but it certainly is true. No matter the plan, or the hope, in the end, “it is what it is.” and in this case “it is” was so much more than enough. Every detail is complete, from the softly draping champagne fabric enveloping the bridesmaids, to the classically suited groomsmen, Michael Domitrovich, Jason Septic, Demitri Kerasiotis, and Best man, Costa Dedes. The setting sun’s light through the stained glass window gently diffuses its radiance over waiting guests, all straining to find the best viewing position. The hour arrives, to the glorious lilting tones of a classic string ensemble, and the much-awaited event begins. First the grandparents, stately Grand Father from Greece, George Kerasiotis, who has traveled 5,000 miles to attend, on the arm of his youngest Grandson, Demitri, followed by Athena and George Hanzakos, guided by treasured grandson, Michael Domitrovich. The bride’s Grandmother, Ruth Freshen, resplendent in pink with a matching cane, designed for the occasion, continues the processional with grandson, and brother of the bride, Jason Septic. With eyes shining, the mother of the groom, Elena Kerasiotis, on the arm of her youngest son, Demitri, begins her much-anticipated journey down the aisle, followed by her husband of 33 years, Apostolos. Glancing with love at her youngest, she musters all her strength to carefully find her seat, adrift in flashing memories of the curly-headed, blue eyed tot, of not so long ago. Next, the mother of the bride, Laura Septic, a vision of calm collectedness, smiling with an embracing graciousness, a matriarch of distinction in satin pastel green, accompanied by her son, Jason. The groom, Yorg Kerasiotis, flanked by his groomsmen and ushers, Chris Sterr and Andrew Mellos, hesitatingly takes his position. Officiating reverends, David Van Dam and Father James Stathakios, enter and stand before the crowd. The first of the lovely bridesmaids, Gonca Gurcel, gently clutches her bouquet, filled with the softest of pink and white roses and slightly tinted hydrangea, slowly proceeds to her position at the altar, followed by dear friends, Sara Stertz, Jill O’Rielly, and Maid of Honor, Jennifer Panackia. Now the much-anticipated moment, the crowd rises, as the charmingly distinguished father, John Septic, stands with a radiant bride and daughter, Jennifer. Hesitating for a moment to bask in the attention warranted such an auspicious occasion, father and daughter begin their practiced stroll to the altar. The bride, gliding toward her groom, wears a shimmering white gown, draping in luscious tiers from her petite waist, encircled with a champagne satin sash. Her veil gently frames her face; her eyes are enormous pools of brown, focused on her ardently waiting bridegroom. As they near, Yorg, respectfully approaches, and with a heartfelt handshake of appreciation to a generous and devoted father, retrieves his prize. Reverently the couple turns and approaches the altar together to accept the blessing of two faiths, Presbyterian and then Greek Orthodox, on their union. Vows exchanged with obvious sincerity, Father James approaches to perform the traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, beginning with the blessing of the rings and culminating with the symbolic crowning of the bride and groom with their washed white flowered “stefana” gently passing from head to head forever joining them as one. Humbly stepping forward, Koumbaro and God Father to the Groom, Constantine Panageas, joins the couple and warmly grasps his godson’s hand, accompanying the couple in their first “wedding dance”, spiritually guiding them, as he had throughout Yorg’s young life, on their circled path before God. With obvious pride, Father James, commends the couple on their commitment to one another and to their families. He acknowledges the parents of both, and offers words of guidance for a solid future. Reverend Van Dam offers a closing blessing. “The Lord Bless you and keep you. The Lord be kind and gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.” The couple seals their love with a kiss and turns to meet their adoring audience as Mr. and Mrs. Yorg Kerasiotis. Entering the Club, guests are greeted by a profusion of color and refinement. Fresh flowers fill every corner of the elegantly appointed rooms. Guests are encouraged to meander from room to room, to select from a wide array of appetizers, while they await the bride and groom. The patio, facing the richly manicured fairway, contains seating, as well as, a spacious dance floor. As the sun gently sets onto the greens, the band announces the arrival of the trolley and grandly introduces each couple as they enter. Jennifer and Yorg join the throng of well-wishers as all eyes turn to welcome with cheers and applause. Maid of Honor, Jennifer Panackia, who aptly chooses song titles to describe the couple’s feelings for one another, offers the first toast. The Best man, Costas Dedes, toasts the couple, humorously reminding all that their first born son is destined to be named, Apostolos Yorg Kerasiotis. The dapper fathers then step forward, the Groom’s father, Dr. Apostolos Kerasiotis, acknowledges the contribution of the officiating clergy. He invokes the spirit of those missing, remembering Yorg’s grandmother, Vasiliki Kerasiotis. He informs the crowd indeed this is a very special occasion as it is also marks the date of his own thirty third wedding anniversary. He acknowledges the bride’s family and thanks them for their generous reception. He raises his toast along with his wife, Elena, to honor of the couple, wishing them a long life together. John Septic, the father of the bride, welcomes everyone gathered to celebrate the union of Jennifer and Yorg and recognizes the merger of the two families. He raises his glass to the couple with a smile and offers them health and happiness together. The dancing begins, as the guests flow from station to station, overwhelmed with the selection of entrees. Room after room, is filled with a different selection, showcased by filet of beef that “melts in your mouth like butter.” Not to be overshadowed by the Lamb Chops broiled to perfection and served with a sprinkling of lemon ala Greek. The unique shrimp cocktail presentation in individual liquor glasses allows guests to “legally” double dip the jumbo delicacy. The dessert table filled with endless sweet selections, highlighted by a mini-crème brulee whose size encourages the selection from the countess other offerings. The homemade baklava and Greek Honey-nut dainties (melomacarona) made by the groom’s mother and grandmother were also a hit. The traditionally decorated wedding cake towered before guests begged to be sliced by the loving couple, revealing a chocolate fudge filled batter. “Koufeta”, Jordan almond filled favors, prepared by the bride and the groom’s friends and family were presented to each well-wisher. Tiny baskets filled with dried cherries from the area, bound with a single satin bow, were offered as a keepsake reminiscent of the Northern Michigan destination. Dancing well into the night, friends and family gathered from all over of the world, to make this day a once in a lifetime event. Blurry-eyed guests gather at brunch the following morning, each savoring their individual memories. All agreeing “The wedding” was spectacular! With a final toast to the newly weds, the weekend closes, leaving only the sweet memories to last a lifetime. Survival summary: Keep busy; gather friends around you, making baklava, koufeta, goody bags, these are much needed therapy for a life altering experience. When participating in destination wedding, pack your rollers first. Make a conscious effort to visit the location prior to event to avoid feelings of loss, and most importantly, tie you hand bag to your waist to avoid, losing your mind along with your son. Carry plenty of tissue, and know that in the end, you have done your best and that, Yes, it was enough. Oh, yes, wear beige and smile, if you are lucky, you gain the daughter you never had. Welcome them with open arms, for they are your future. Malista |
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