Table 17

We went to a wedding this weekend, and as they say in the movie “Moonstruck” “Weddings are happy news!”

This one was no exception. It was full of love and joy and commitment. We gathered in little white chairs and all looked on lovingly as Bill and Kelly took their vows and promised to love and honor and “Pledge my troth.”

After the ceremony, we picked up our little place cards which directed us to Table 17 which held that moment of wonder when you are a looking to see who else it at your table. No worries, Table 17 turned out to be a great round of eight. There was a lot of laughing and celebrating. Lots of people watching. And one good dance to “Build Me Up, Buttercup.”

But in addition to the fun, Table 17 held for me this wonderful gathering of love.

At our table, we had a couple whose relationship was still new. They are in that magical early phase of a relationship that is full of promise and possibilities. There was another couple that had been together for a year or so and just fit together so well. There were great conversations around the table, but also these wonderful conversations that happened between these couples.

Then there was us. B and I have been married for 100, err... 13 years, together for 17. We were the old couple at Table 17, the elder statespeople of love. We didn’t have too many conversations between, us, mostly because we’d have to get out the ear horn to hear each other. We just used that special code that exists between us – where all it takes it a look to know what the other is thinking. He can make me laugh with a glance.

Every wedding ceremony gives us the chance to hold hands and remember when it was us who were pledging our troths, and touch the feelings we shared on our wedding day. That was true of this wedding too. But what was different about this wedding was how that affirmation continued on after the ceremony and into the reception. It was the feeling of love that was present at Table 17 that also made me stop and say “Isn’t love amazing.”