When I sent an RSVP to a bridal shower a while back, little did I know that my life would be in turmoil on Saturday, April 27. As the day got closer, I felt a little panicky about losing a day’s work. But I woke up at 3:30 AM and got enough work done to leave it without any worry or guilt.

It was a very girly day and a welcome change after weeks of being a slob slogging through the house remodeling project. I was not very well put together. My hands are a disaster – rough, chapped, and scraped up. I look tired and haggard, and I swear I’ve aged exponentially in the last few months.

Immediately upon arriving at the party, I was out of my head, away from my misery, and immersed in all things beautiful and happy. The bride was beautiful, absolutely radiant with happiness. It was truly uplifting to experience all the creative ways this diverse and fun group of women feted the bride and lavished her with love and good wishes.

Coincidentally, the day before the party, I was doing some work in my closet. I know this sounds made up, but it’s the truth: I came across a Christian Dior silky bias-cut pink spaghetti strap nightgown that I had received as a gift for my own bridal shower – ahem! many years ago. Do you think badly of me that I would have such an old garment still in my closet? It’s just a slip of a thing, doesn’t take up any room at all. And it’s a classic.

My good wishes for the bride is to have such a long, happy marriage that she would come across a memory of her early newlywed days and embrace it with love and fondness.

As I’m working on my house, I’m coming across all sorts of things I haven’t seen in a long time. Seeing bits and pieces from living my entire married life in this house inspired me to wish the bride a lifetime of deep love and unwavering friendship with her husband to get through absolutely anything in life together.

Wishing you all the best, you lovely young bride. . .so much in love.
~ From a not so lovely older bride. . .but one that is still happily very much in love.

Original art available for sale. Inquire via my Contact Page.

Illustration for an article in Detroit Magazine titled Older Brides.
Oil pastel, oil bar on Strathmore paper. 13 H x 13” W $425.00