Even after all these years, the moment is saved in my heart. As I stood that afternoon at the bottom of the church stairs, leading up to the narthex, I told myself to be in the moment. Release the nerves; let in the joy. And walk. Just walk up those stairs, take my father’s arm and go up the aisle to my future husband who was waiting for me—and our new beginning—at the altar. I listened to myself and took it all in: the look on my father’s face as he escorted his fifth daughter up the aisle; the rows of beloved guests there to witness our vows; my childhood church decorated with bouquets of white tulips and a Claddagh banner, blending our Dutch and Irish heritages; and my groom, looking properly handsome (and shyly nervous) in his tailcoat tuxedo.
There were other memorable moments from our beautiful April wedding day, and I’m grateful that we had the foresight to capture those in our memory banks to replay over the years. And now, I love hearing how other couples create their own memory photo albums of their special day. Lilli and Kieran Knightly recall their most treasured moment of their Wayzata wedding. Their wish to spend some time alone between the ceremony and reception speaks to their desire to make their celebration uniquely their own.
While no two weddings are the same, our other featured couple shares something in common with the Knightlys. The St. Peters were whisked away after their vows for a few quiet moments. And each wedding was guided by special, familial officiants.
Readers, I hope you find inspiration and joy within our annual wedding issue. And it’s never too early to extend a “save-the-date” message. Watch for details coming soon about when and how you can submit weddings for consideration for our February 2027 wedding issue.
Until next month,
Renée Stewart-Hester
