42 Years ago

42 Years ago today, rain showers poured over the streets of Mobile, flooding cars and closing roads. But it couldn't stop the wedding bells. On August 17, 1974, at St. Pius X Church in Mobile, Al, Sam and Debbie tied the knot in front of hundreds of family and friends - who braved the rain to celebrate the couple. There may have been a bridesmaid with a dress that was all sorts of colors, and a groomsman that passed out during the mass, but the show went on!

Mom wore a beautiful simple white dress hand made by my grandmother herself. With a full length lace veil borrowed from Aunt Sissy. The ten bridesmaids wore a rainbow of colorful dresses, 2 blue, 2 pink, 2 yellow, 2 green and 2 purple. Off the shoulder with a ruffle top - who knew my mom was so stylish?

Even though my Dad begged to were his baby blue suede suit, with a ruffled shirt - the men wore simple black tuxes, and Dad saved the blue ruffles for the going away outfit. Thank goodness mom put her foot down on that one.

A reception followed the mass in the fellowship hall, where pimento cheese sandwiches and champagne punch was served. {Man, things were so much easier in those days.} My grandmother also made their beautiful 5 tiered wedding cake that also had a fountain underneath. It was so beautiful!

So much has happened since that hot, rainy August day - 3 kids, 9 grand-children.... countless first days of school, family beach vacations, graduations, weddings and lots of lots of sacrifice. I hope that today you celebrate YOU.

Today they are celebrating 42 years at Margaritaville in Pensacola Beach. Their favorite 'stay-cation' spot. Cheers to you, Mom and Dad!