the scallops are covered

it was my third wedding day, but not really. the second wedding day never really happened because i halted steadfast at the top of the aisle with my arms clenched around those of my two brothers. my knees buckled and i screamed

i'm not ready.

a few years later it was time again to get married. the flower arrangements for the church were lined up in the living room, each as tall as the mast of a ship - lillies and lilacs and roses and stephanotus, and i wondered how much we were paying for these things?

how much are we paying for all of this??

a kind but urgent voice told me,

you guys are only paying for the scallops at the reception, the rest is covered.

upstairs with my bridesmaids i wondered how i should wear my hair when one of them sent my gown sailing down onto the king size bed -- a floating and lovely mass of pink and ivory toille, so elegant.

but when it landed we noticed the stains. oh god, too many to count.

quick!

someone said

hit the closet!

miraculously there were several gowns in the closet, one of which was the perfect size and did not need ironing.

but by this time, we were 10 minutes away from the walk to the altar. no time to shave my legs or even shower. the black socks i was wearing would have to do.

along with the birkenstocks.

i am not the elegance i had imagined,

but i do love a good scallop.