When presenting programs, one of the first questions I'm asked is "how did you get started collecting bridal gowns and other wedding things?"  My Aunt Charlotte was probably responsible for planting the "Wedding Seed".  She worked in an office with a number of young ladies and there was no shortage of weddings to attend.  Beginning at the age of six or so, armed with little bags of white confetti, Aunt Charlotte and I would happily be escorted to our seats in one church or another. We'd wait with anticipation. 

     Then the groomsmen would unroll the white runner. The organist would begin playing the "Special Music", and we'd watch as all of those "maids" in their beautiful pastel confections led the way for the "Beautiful Brides" dressed in their flowing gowns of silk and lace and satin and pearls and yards and yards of net tulle veils floating down the aisle. 

     Since I had been blessed with the gift of drawing, I soon began to include pictures of brides.  A high school classmate wrote in my yearbook... "To the girl who is always drawing the beautiful pictures of brides...".  At that point, I was well on my way to a really wonderful hobby. 

     Then came my own wedding in 1966, followed by children, and the wedding collection was set aside and replaced with Lego’s and books and school and trucks and cars and sports and all of the things that little boys encounter on their journey to becoming young men. 

     My interest in wedding collecting was rekindled sixteen years ago, when my future daughter-in-law decided to wear her great grandmothers 1903 wedding dress.  Since then, the collection has grown to include not only the gowns, but also accessories such as veils, shoes and stockings, headpieces and trousseau pieces.  In addition, photographs, invitations, place cards and even men's vests, top hats, gloves and suspenders have become interesting additions.  Children's things include early ring bearer or page outfits, ring pillows, flower girl dresses and bonnets along with shoes and stockings. Cake toppers and vintage photographs of wedding cakes round out the collection.  

     Add to all of this, a husband who is very supportive of my hobby and has been at my side for forty-one years. The wedding collection is great fun to share with anyone who is interested but the Marriage is truly the real Blessing.