It was a darling idea. Guests were invited to wear their wedding dress or other special outfit to a shower. The bride to be was in her mother's dress, and in her hair was a peachy rose flown in from a volcano in South America. Three newly minted wives wore their own lacy gowns. One lady wore her grandma's dress, and others settled for everyday gorgeous. Two women who have been married for twenty five years still fit their poofy dresses, which were trendy in the nineties. Several including myself brought their dresses to display without actually squeezing in. One of those had a skirt slimmer than most, in deference to her husband's request that it not be billowy enough to hide six balloons. But there was a different dress present that could accommodate balloons in its puffed sleeves should the need arise. 

For one shot, the photographer went for serious. Which was somewhat successful. The thing with photographing beautiful young women, is that you can't really get it wrong. These girls are precious.... to their parents, their brothers, their doting aunts, husbands, and gentleman friends. It would be hard to quantify just how many people adore them. It is entirely possible that they themselves have no idea. 

The afternoon was one of laughter, and conversation, fruit salad and sparkling juice. The people who gathered with gaily wrapped blenders and silverware, spatulas and an ivy twined pitcher brought more than housewares. They brought heartfelt wishes for a blessed life between two people who have elected to share the path. 

And there is nothing more serious than that.