09/16/2026
My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past Sunday.
Weddings were much different in 2003.
We held the ceremony in a little chapel, with red pews. I ran last minute to Walmart to get sheer curtains and a pressure mounted rod to cover the nature/jungle painting in the middle of the stage wall.
We used traditional, brass candelabras, one of the candles wouldn’t stay standing upright, so my uncle chewed some gum and put it in the bottom right before I walk down the aisle.
Our reception was at the local senior center. I couldn’t even remember what our tables looked like until I noticed them in a picture today.
Our cake was homemade by the sweetest older lady, who only charged us $150; drove it all the way from Houston, Missouri to Republic. She also unexpectedly set it up? stayed to cut it and serve it, pack it up for us and also made cream cheese mints complementary as our gift. It was Funfetti flavored. I loved it, including the functional fountain at the bottom.
As I was looking through pictures, I realized all the people who are no longer here. I would give anything to go back and have just a moment at our wedding at the little chapel and dance one more dance at the senior center.
Enjoy this season. Plan to your hearts content. Do not stress the small things. In 23 years, all that will matter is your spouse and those who gathered with you.
