The Wedding
It was the Friday afternoon before the couple's wedding. Georg asked. "Maria, do you have any idea how we can make our wedding a surprise for the other children?"
"Let me think for a minute." After a long pause, Maria had an idea.
"Maybe we could tell them the church was having a reception for new members and we were invited to attend."
"Sounds plausible; but we need another idea on how you and Liesl can leave early for you to put on your gown."
Again Maria took time to think.
"Then let's tell them Liesl and I were asked to come early and help prepare a room at the church for a reception of new members."
"That's better. It shouldn't trigger any questions."
"And I'll alert Liesl as to our plan."
Liesl told her. "I was wondering how we were going to leave before Father left with the others. They're going to be so surprised you two are marrying."
When Saturday came, the plan worked. Maria and Liesl left without a single child asking any questions. And Georg would tell Maria later that no one asked why he was wearing his Maria Theresa's medal instead of a tie.
Maria and Liesl went directly to the Bride's Room. Maria became teary-eyed. "Liesl, I've never worn anything so beautiful."
"Father's heart will speed up when he sees you."
"Mine will too when I see him. And I might want to walk fast."
"Just remember to drag your foot slightly. Do you remember how to put on the gown?"
"Yes, I step into it and at the same time I find the sleeves and then you can pull it up as I put my arms into the sleeves; then you need to button all the buttons."
Then it was time for Liesl to place Maria's veil. She pulled the metal piece which was attached to the veil open enough to fit on Maria's head. Then Liesl checked to see if it was even all the way around.
"It's perfect Maria and I hear the music begin. Do you remember when to begin walking down the aisle?"
"I do. It's as soon as I hear three loud trumpet sounds."
"Yes, and I will leave you to join the others."
She noticed there was a large number of people in the church. The organist was playing a quiet piece of music. And her siblings were sitting in the front row. She sat beside Gretl who asked her. "Where's Fräulein Maria?"
"She's here. You will see her soon."
Very soon after Liesl spoke, the music changed. Maria heard it too and opened the Bride's Room door and walked quietly to the very end of the church's main aisle. She heard those three trumpet notes; took a deep breath and began to walk down the aisle. She kept her eyes on the aisle.
Georg could now see her and he too thought she looked like an princess. By now the older children knew why they were attending church on a Saturday. Their smiles were full and broad.
Now they watched Maria pass them and Georg stepped down to the first altar stair and offered his hand to Maria in order to help her join him on the altar.
The organist concluded the music and Father Paul began the Wedding Liturgy. He began with the words; "Dearly beloved." And then proceeded with the reasons of why a marriage is blessed by God. And was intended by God to bring joy to the couple, for each to comfort the other when needed as well as to bring children into the world to continue his creation.
Then he asked each to declare their consent to be married. Followed by readings from the Old Testament and the Holy Gospel.
They both took a solemn vow to stay married as long as they both should live. And gave each other a ring as a reminder of the vow each had taken.
Father Paul prayed the final prayer. And ended the ceremony by saying. "It is my honor to pronounce that you are now husband and wife. And to the congregation he said. "I present to you Georg and Maria von Trapp. You may applaud as they exit the church and children you need to follow them."
To the couple's surprise ladies of the church had planned a reception for them in the church's Social Hall. And Maria heard each of the children call her Mother for the very first time. She choked back tears she was so overwhelmed.
And Georg knew it was expected for him and Maria to share their first kiss at the reception. So he wasn't surprised when Liesl and Louisa both nagged him to kiss their new mother. But he did tease. "Am I supposed too?"
"Yes and stop teasing."
He went over to where Maria was standing. "Darling, the girls reminded me we need to have our first kiss in front of our guests."
"Is it really expected?"
"Yes darling it is and you may hear a wolf whistle or two; so don't be embarrassed."
"I've never been kissed by a man so I'm sure I will blush."
"That's okay; most brides blush."
The couple who Father Paul had asked to be the couple's sponsors went over to them and introduced themselves. The man spoke first. "Georg, I'm Helmut Hurtle and this is my wife Carole."
"Pleased to meet you both."
"Father asked us to plan a reception for you. Do you know how most wedding receptions begin?"
"I just told Maria and two of our children reminded me."
"There a platform which is used when there's an orchestra at a reception; it's raised so people can see you. Most couples share their first kiss there so everyone can see you. Helmut can get the people's attention."
His whistle sound was loud; everyone quieted and heard. "Georg and Maria will begin their reception in the usual way."
Maria was already blushing; she could feel her warm cheeks. Georg took her hand and helped her on to the platform. A drum roll got the guests attention. And Helmut spoke. "To officially begin this reception the newlyweds will share their first kiss."
The children were standing in front of all the guests. Georg continued to tease them. "Now, how should I do this? Shall I stand straight or dip her."
"We don't care! Kiss her."
Georg didn't make them wait any longer. With his fingers under her chin, he gently brought her face close and they shared that first kiss. There was applause and a couple of loud whistles.
Helmut then announced. "The couple with now dance together. Then the music will continue so Georg can dance with his girls and Maria with her new sons. Followed by music for everyone to dance."
Maria didn't tell Georg she had never danced to anything other than folk music. Georg suspected when he took her hand and felt a slight tremble. He whispered. "Your left hand rests on my shoulder and I take your right hand in mine and lead you across the dance floor."
The longer they danced the more at ease Maria felt. Soon this piece of music stopped and a simpler piece of music followed for each to dance with their children. Neither Friedrich or Kurt knew how to dance. Maria did her best to lead them around the dance floor.
Georg began with Liesl; she knew how to dance with him. Louisa was next, she too knew how to dance. Brigitta had to put her hands on her father's arms as he led her around the dance floor. Georg had to hold both Marta and Gretl; they were gigglers.
Now all the guests had their chance to dance. And Maria and Georg also danced with their guests. A drum roll got their attention. "Georg's son Kurt has asked me more than once. "When are they going to cut the cake?"
Maria and Georg exchanged looks before Maria suggested. "I suppose we should appease our son."
"We can cut it now."
"Then come take you place behind the cake table."
"Georg, do you know what we do?"
"I do."
The couple stood behind the table so all could see. The younger girls were right in front. Georg instructed Maria. "Take this knife in your hand; my hand will cover yours. We make the first slice and then step away from the table; the servers will cut a slice and give each a fork.
"Then we each put a small piece on our fork and entwine arms as we feed the other. And the photographer will capture it all on film."
Then the couple stepped away to allow everyone to have a piece of cake. And slowly the guests began to leave. Georg and Maria thanked Father Paul for a beautiful ceremony and Maria thanked all the ladies who had planned their reception. She also received an invitation to join their Women's Guild. And Georg would soon be asked to help the Switzerland's military.
