Thursday, June 3, 2010

My Mother’s Wedding Dress

Over 60 years ago – my Mother wore this dress proudly down the  aisle on her special day.

For years it sat in an old trunk along with other ‘stuff’ I had saved for whoever knows what reason.

I knew it was there all along but I don’t know how I ever became the owner of it in the first place. Perhaps I asked – perhaps she gave it to me one day in the hopes that I would wear it like she did. I don’t know – parts of my memory are blank pages and although always frustrating, I’ve come to live with it.

What I do know is that I could never have worn it no matter what. I could never even get the sleeve over my arm let alone the dress over my body! Food wasn’t as plentiful during the war and they were married shortly afterwards.

Once renovations were finally completed on the third floor of the big blue barn, I dug it out of the old trunk and took it to a special dry cleaner to have it restored. Then my house guest built a stand for it so that the train of the dress would not touch the floor and get dusty and dirty once more.

Unfortunately the pictures do not show the tiny 3 cluster pearls sewn into the lace bodice here and there. Nor did I take pictures of the tiny satin covered buttons that run down the back of the dress. I often wonder who did all those buttons up for Mom when her hands would have been shaking with anticipation as someone settled the veil on her hair.  Who did up the tiny snaps on the sleeves? I never got around to asking or perhaps it’s one of those blank pages again.

It stands beside my dresser – the stains and dirt gone – the old satin beautiful as it shines in the morning sun. And even though there are blank pages, I’m hoping that looking at it every day when I rise will write new pages that remain forever scribbled upon with the thoughts and dreams of my own that my Mother’s dress causes to impress upon my memory.

 

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One picture with flash – one without.

 

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18 comments:

Akelamalu said...

What a beautiful dress! It's a shame you never got to wear it but at least you can look at it in all it's splendour. :)

Daryl said...

Lovely ... I am always the spoilsport .. move it away from the sunlight or it will become discoloured ... xo

Maggie May said...

Beautiful dress.
It might go yellow in the bright light though.
I think the second picture without the flash is the best.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a beautiful dress, in it's satiny simplicity. Your mother was a lovely bride.

It is sweet that you have it on display to enjoy each and every day.

Hugs ~ FlowerLady

Moonroot said...

So lovely - the dress and the blog post.

My Mum & Dad will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next week. They are re-taking their vows and we're having a big party for them!

Mean Mom said...

It's a wonderful dress and I think it's great that it has been handed down, saved, treasured and displayed. So many disappear. I suppose that some are given away and some hidden away.

Bernie said...

Oh what a lovely dress, your mom was so tiny.....I do agree though it shouldn't be placed in front of the window, its too pretty and you have had it restored so well. Loved reading this post....:-)Hugs

Leslie: said...

What a beautiful gown! I like it so much better than the "slip dresses" or strapless ones some brides wear these days - they show too much skin. (in my humble opinion)

Irene said...

People were smaller back then and your mom must have been a tiny woman. It's nice that you have this dress. I don't know how I would feel about having my mother's dress.

bichonpawz said...

A very lovely dress Aims! I see everyone has already warned you about the sunlight. I sure can relate to not fitting in to my Mom's dress. She was tiny too!!

Rachel Green said...

How lovely!

grandmamargie said...

Beautiful. :)

Lane Mathias said...

How beautiful - both the dress and the fact that you now have it on display. I hope it prompts many memories for you.

Love you wall colour too:-)

Anonymous said...

Lovely dress Aims. It's great that it was kept in the family. I see a lot of wedding dresses in charity shops around here and wonder why they weren't kept.

ADDY said...

What a lovely post. I'd be worried, though, about dust and insects destroying it.

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

What a beauty Aims. Not terribly unlike the dress my mom made for me. (My neckline wasn't quite so high up though! LOL) There is something so peaceful and lovely about the way it looks on the stand. I hope it brings back the memories to your blank pages and helps to fill the gaps you feel you have in your life. Take care, Cindy

Living the Dream said...

Just beautiful. Enjoy it in all its glory. My parents are celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary on the 28th of this month. There can't be many couples who make that can there. They are so happy, I am very, very fortunate.

Saz said...

wonderdul...dress and post...honouring the memories...

the dress is the story...

saz x