There were moments of Déjà vu as I entered the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown last weekend. I had flashbacks from three months ago when my husband, Tim, and I were preparing to exchange vows in front of family and friends. I was also taken back to a day two years ago in the same spot when my twin sister, Trish, and her husband, Justin, enjoyed their wedding day.
For both Trish and myself, last Saturday was a breeze in comparison to those previous days. We simply had to arrive on time, get our hair and makeup done all fancy, put on a shiny dress and stand next to our brother, James, and our soon to be sister-in-law, Ashley. There was no extra stress of being the bride or maid of honor. We were there to support two people we care about, and it was an awesome feeling.
James and Ashley completed the circle last Saturday as all three of the Rodgers’ siblings were married in the same church with our childhood pastor officiating.
It was a beautiful day, although a little on the warm side. It made the outdoor photos a little bit sticky; however, I’m sure the sunshine will make for some gorgeous pictures.
The ring bearers stole the show during the ceremony. Instead of the traditional ring pillows, Ashley and James chose to give them suits, security badges, aviator sunglasses and metal boxes marked with “ring security” on the front. Standing at the front of the church, I couldn’t see them come up the aisle, but I could tell the exact moment the congregation realized just what the boxes said and took in their appearance. The chuckles from the back pews had everyone toward the front of the church straining to see what was going on, then joining in on the laugh. The two boys really played it up once the crowd got into it. That will be a wonderful little memory from the day for everyone.
I love my brother. He was in many ways my second best friend in life. He put up with a lot having two younger sisters following him around all the time. It helped when we were willing to play “boy games” with him in the backyard. All three of us really latched onto baseball early in life. While Trish and my devotion to the sport is nowhere near James’s level, it’s a common ground we have always shared.
He found the perfect match in Ashley because she not only puts up with his baseball obsession, but is a fan of the sport herself. I can’t tell you how many baseball games they have seen together since they’ve been a couple. They have been on at least two trips this year and have already discussed future baseball excursions they want to plan.
This came into play at the wedding, of course. The baseball theme really suited both James and Ashley. I’ve never signed a home plate as a guest book before, but it worked for them.
I was joking around with Ashley’s Uncle Galen on Friday before rehearsal began. He had asked at what point do we stand up and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the service. Little did we know, the joke was on us. Instead of the traditional “Wedding March” recessional, the organist began a lovely rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as James and Ashley walked arm-in-arm down the aisle. I couldn’t have imagine a better end to the ceremony.
James and Ashley looked so happy the entire weekend. I am thrilled for my big brother. He deserves all the happiness in the world, and I’m glad Ashley and he found one another. Congratulations to the Rodgers family!
Contact Pam Pratt at
pampratt@newtondailynews.com