I know that my parents were married in March, that was why I decided to write about this now. I don't remember the day but you can't really go wrong with writing about a wedding, so, there really wouldn't be a better way to start the month.
My parents met on a blind date and knew each other for 1 week when they got engaged and after only 5 more weeks they were married. As crazy as that sounds they were actually a good match and were very good for each other. They could show so much support for each other and would work hard to help each other to reach their goals and work toward some of their dreams. There were obvious things that shouldn't be a part of a marriage that they had to contend with but they were wonderful and have also gave my sister and I so many good stories to share with each other and my children. Humor was a large part of our family and part of their marriage. They could always get through the tough times with humor (okay, that was after the yelling). In that regard, what marriage doesn't have a little of that?
Growing up there was only one picture that I remember of my mom in her wedding dress. She had a short, above the knee white wedding dress. I think it was similar to the dress below but not exactly like it. It was just the best reference picture I could find that reminded me slightly of her dress. My mom likes to say that something is just like whatever, but not. That is kind of like the examples below. I remember her dress having an empire waist and her dress being simple with some decoration and I think some lace.
With her dress she wore a beautiful white hat that had a similar shape as the hat below. The big difference is that her hat had stripes of soft white and then a sheer white that you could see through. I think it could have had a design similar to the hat below in the fabric but I could be wrong with that part. I just remember thinking how pretty she was in that picture and how much I wanted a similar dress when I got married. I also know that her bouquet was made of daisies. The entire look was one of simple beauty and grace.
Below is the City and County building that is located in downtown Salt Lake City. This is where they were married by Senator Jake Garn. My Grandpa (paternal) was a security guard at the building and knew all the people that worked there and was able to arrange to have them married by the Senator. By the end of the afternoon, LeRoy Mayo Shiflett II and Shauna Diane McCleery were married and ready to start their new life together.
Now, we get to enjoy the true redkneck part of our family. My dad's father thought it would be funny to handcuff them together as they left the building. For years I thought that they were handcuffed together until they were on their honeymoon, I finally found out from my mom recently that it was only until they got outside and then they were removed. As a child I always wondered how they got them off once they were gone. For what ever reason, my dad felt that a romantic honeymoon could consist of driving out to Ely Nevada and staying with family. That was their honeymoon. We still like to tease my mom about this and she even laughs and agrees that it was an uncomfortable way to start their marriage.
However it happened and even with all the quirks that came with it, I will always be glad that my parents met and were married. They brought 2 wonderful daughters into this world and taught them well (mom is still teaching us even though we think we're adults now).
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