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#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Second Wedding

February 13, 2014 By Lena

In 2014, I will be participating in #tbt courtesy of the Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One printer, the ultimate choice for scanning and printing. Ultra powerful and ultra slim, it produces stunning borderless photos and documents quickly and affordably. Featuring the ultimate in wireless printing, the XP-810 makes it easier than ever to print from your iPad, iPhone, tablet or smartphone, whether in your home or out and about.

Not many brides are lucky enough to have two weddings, but due to circumstances and faith, I was destined for part deux.

My husband and I were originally married in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Prince of Wales Hotel. We selected the date based on luck (07-07-07); unfortunately, as luck would have it, we were not able to have a church wedding on our special day. Hence, we were married at the hotel and planned a smaller, Catholic wedding in October. My mom sewed a simple, flowing dress and I ordered a small bouquet of roses from a local flower shop.

Yet something happened between my first wedding and my second – a honeymoon baby! But as I was only about 10 weeks along, we weren’t ready to announce the good news just yet. I crossed my fingers we could keep it secret for a little while longer.

However, a few days before the wedding, I slipped on the dress and had a UPM (ultimate panic moment): the dress stretched across my tummy! A small yet defined bump was clearly visible through the sheer fabric. EGADS!

(Could I blame it on a few extra pounds? Not likely, when my rib cage was showing!)

In the end, my mom and I came up with a solution: she attached a cascading drape of fabric to the front of the dress, which camouflaged the tummy area and drew the eye away from the tiny baby bump we now call Ryder.

And you know what? Since we were blessed with a baby, and finally married in the eyes of God, I actually think my small, simple and serene second wedding was the one that brought me the most joy. Oh happy day!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #tbt, #throwbackthursday, Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    February 13, 2014 at 10:24 am

    beautiful, my grandmother knit my wedding dress, two pieces, a top and then a long skirt. she came to visit one time I was about 17 she brought knitting patterns to try. I saw this dress on it and said whenever I get married I want that for a dress. (I didnt even have a bf) when she got home she started knitting it!.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm

      Oh, that does sound absolutely beautiful Chandra. Such a loving gesture from your grandmother!

  2. Parent Club

    February 13, 2014 at 10:46 am

    You looked beautiful in that dress! What a great story for you (and Ryder!). We always thought we’d do a 2nd wedding…instead we renovated our house! Maybe one day…

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm

      Thank you Caroline :) It was an impromptu wedding and ceremony – designed specifically to get a church certificate – and yet, turned out so well :)

  3. francine

    February 13, 2014 at 11:22 am

    beautiful dress. I still haven’t had my first wedding. hubby and I have been together for almost 7 years and I don’t even have a ring. (although to be fair having kids was more important to me than having a big proper wedding and I don’t really wear the jewelry I do have.)

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      I think kids are very important :) And it’s just a ring…

  4. ALLIE

    February 13, 2014 at 11:31 am

    You both look very happy and glowing !! Nice story :) We have never married (i’m just not into it) we have been very happily unmarried for 30+ years now and three teenagers..

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      Happily unmarried! Ha! And wow, I didn’t realize you have 3 teenagers!!

  5. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    February 13, 2014 at 11:31 am

    A simple but very beautiful dress! Good thinking on your mom’s part to cover that little bump!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Hahaha thank you Judy. We had to be a little creative to keep the secret!

  6. Darrah Bailey

    February 13, 2014 at 11:33 am

    VERY beautiful, You both look gorgeous <3

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much Darrah :)

  7. jaimeem

    February 13, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Beautiful picture, you and your hubby look so happy :)

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you Jaimeem, we were and we are!

  8. Guppy5700

    February 13, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    How cool – my Mom sewed my wedding dress too. And like the hoarder I am, I have it packed away over a decade later. Did you keep your dress?

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      That is awesome! And yes, I have both my wedding dresses! The big fancy one is still in my mom’s closet, but the one pictured in this photo is with me :)

  9. Tricha

    February 13, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Oh what a beautiful story and something to share with Ryder when he is older. Your mom is so talented and you certainly look happy.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you Tricha! Yes, I always giggle when I think that Ryder is in this photo too!

  10. Flora M

    February 13, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Your 7th year anniversary is coming up this year too (and if you use the original 07-07-07 that’s another “07” to add to it). Your dress is gorgeous, the “bump camouflage” is perfect and you both are absolutely beaming !! Fabulous TBT photo :)

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      I know – so it should be lucky, right?? Fingers crossed! And yes, it was such a happy moment.

  11. NT

    February 13, 2014 at 7:23 pm

    You look so happy! Love the short hair on you. I’m looking hard and I don’t see a bump at all – so it is very well camouflaged.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      Thanks NT! I think I may go back to short one day. I miss it!

  12. loriag

    February 13, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Well done Mom for saving the day with the dress! You look beautiful!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you Lori!

  13. Cici G-H

    February 13, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    You look stunning and oh so happy!! What a beautiful story!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks so much Cici!

  14. Victoria Ess

    February 13, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Beautiful dress and that’s such quick thinking on the part of your mother! It’s very sweet that Ryder got to share in the day with you two.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      I know, I love it! I have so few photos of our second wedding (since it was a low key event) so I treasure the ones I have!

  15. Nicole W.

    February 14, 2014 at 1:23 am

    Beautiful dress, and clever ladies! :)

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      Thank you Nicole!

  16. Lynda Cook

    February 14, 2014 at 6:55 am

    very nice dress, excellent thinking on your mom’s part and I don’t see no bump whatsoever you look very stunning and so does your hubby!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you Lynda! It was a tiny bump, but because I was so skinny at the time, it was fairly obvious if you know what I mean. So yes, camouflage was in order!

  17. Donnas

    February 14, 2014 at 7:32 am

    Both you and your husband look very beautiful and your mother did a wonderful job on your dress. Stunning.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you so much :)

  18. Darlene Schuller

    February 14, 2014 at 11:02 am

    Absolutely stunning Lena!! Your Mom is an amazing seamstress, you and hubby look smashing!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thanks Darlene, I’ll let him know! :)

  19. nicolthepickle

    February 14, 2014 at 11:42 am

    Aww, what a sweet story. You both look so happy.

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you Nicoline!

  20. angie smith

    February 14, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    mommy to the rescue!! beautiful photo you are glowing

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you – I think you’re absolutely correct! (Glowing with baby, that is!)

      • angie smith

        February 19, 2014 at 12:57 pm

        :) that’s one of the best parts of being pregnant!

        • Lena

          February 19, 2014 at 1:06 pm

          I know! I had such great skin and hair when I was pregnant :)

  21. Marissa

    February 15, 2014 at 8:19 am

    You and your hubby are a stunning couple Lena! Beautiful picture!

    • Lena

      February 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much Marissa!

  22. Heidi C.

    February 15, 2014 at 11:23 pm

    You look stunning! Love the simplicity of your dress! Looks amazing on you!

    • Lena

      February 16, 2014 at 9:14 am

      Thanks a bunch Heidi! It was in stark contrast to my very BIG and traditional first wedding dress, LOL!

  23. Soozle

    February 16, 2014 at 6:45 am

    You look stunning, Lena :) Once again, your mom’s amazing sewing skills save the day! hah

    • Lena

      February 16, 2014 at 9:14 am

      Hahaha you’re right! I see a theme here!

  24. Melinda L.

    February 18, 2014 at 11:46 am

    Awww that’s so sweet! Love the dress, it looks beautiful. And as always super grandma to the rescue ;)

    • Lena

      February 18, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      LOL it’s true! I owe her big time :)

  25. Debbie S.

    February 19, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Absolutely beautiful dress! Gorgeous!

    • Lena

      February 20, 2014 at 7:22 am

      Thank you Debbie!

  26. Susan T.

    April 27, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    I love that dress! You look beautiful and glowing!

  27. Debbie White Beattie

    October 26, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    You guys look really happy, your dress is rockin and your mothers addition looks great. I have to say, you look great with shorter hair as well as long.

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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