Mrs. Plum's POV
I just finish zipping up Valerie's dress when Stephanie comes down the stairs. I'm going to kill my mother. I can't believe Stephanie is wearing a dress like that. It is completely inappropriate. I hope there is a shawl for the dress because she cannot show her shoulders in church. It just isn't proper. She doesn't fit in with the other bridesmaids. I look at her closely, trying not to make Valerie upset. As much as I'm not pleased with the style or cut of the dress, it does fit Stephanie perfect. It looks as though it was made for her. I may not like her, but Mrs. Manoso knows her way around a dress.
"Mom, is the photographer here yet? We need to take some pictures. Where is Stephanie? She's the only one missing. The rest of my bridesmaids are here. We need to get started, or I'm going to be late."
"I'm right here, Val."
Valerie turns, seeing Stephanie. "Mom, what is she wearing? If I couldn't wear something like that, why can she? It's not fair. She shouldn't look that nice. Her dress is supposed to be big, like everyone else. There she goes ruining my day again."
"Valerie, can it. That is all that they had in that color at the last minute. You should know that only three styles came in Pepto Bismol pink. You are lucky that she is matching. Now shut up and be grateful that your sister is here." I can't believe my mother just said that. I need to restrain myself. I don't want to upset Valerie anymore.
"Valerie, it will be fine. You look stunning. At least now, you know the pictures will come out good."
"You're right, Mother."
Frank and I stand with Valerie to take some pictures, then Stephanie joins us. The photographer wants a picture of Stephanie helping Valerie with her veil, which, of course, is staged. Then, there are pictures with the other ladies, followed by pictures of Valerie with my parents. Once the photographer finishes, we pile into the limousine to go to church. Once we arrive, the ladies get out first, then my parents, Stephanie, Frank, myself, and Valerie last. We enter the church vestibule, where I make the final adjustments to Valerie's hair, veil, and dress. The girls line up, ready to walk down the aisle. The charming best man, Joseph Morelli, is escorting me to my seat. Once I'm at my seat, the procession starts. Stephanie will walk in before Valerie. She better not embarrass us. I hold my breath as she walks down, but thankful, she is okay. I see her face light up, though, when she sees those Cubans. She should look at Joseph that way. Joseph is the one she should be trying to woo. He is a good Burg boy.
Stephanie arrives at the altar, then turns to face the back of the church. The congregation rises, as the wedding march plays. I have to dab my tears with my handkerchief as I watch my husband walk his daughter down the aisle. I see that Steve's mother is doing the same. Valerie is the perfect Burg bride.
Frank hands Valerie off to Steve as Stephanie fixes Valerie's train. I see Stephanie's learned some proper etiquette in Miami since Stephanie is actually bending at the knees, mindful that about three hundred people are sitting behind her. Stephanie then takes Valerie's bouquet, placing it gently on the chair in front of the first pew. The priest, Father Carmichael, starts the ceremony. I once again, I dab my tears away as Valerie and Steve exchange their vows. My little girl is all grown up. After the Mass part of the ceremony is over, it is time to leave the church. Stephanie retrieves Valerie's bouquet, handing it to her sister before once again fixing her train. When those tasks are complete, Stephanie takes her own bouquet from AnnMarie, one of Valerie's bridesmaids. Stephanie takes Joseph's arm, following Valerie and Steven back down the aisle. I once again watch her smile brighten when she sees that Manoso boy. I need to fix this quickly.
I load Stephanie into a two-person car with Joseph. Val and Steve are riding in the other car. We couldn't get a limo to accommodate eight. I'm sure this will help Stephanie to see the Joseph is a wonderful mate for her. At least I don't need to worry about her going to college. Frank and I have no intention of paying for any tuition for her. Anyway, we spent her college fund on Valerie's wedding. Stephanie needs to follow in Valerie's footsteps and get married as soon as possible.
My husband and I get into a limo with Steve's parents, and soon we are off to the hall for the reception. The time passes quickly, too quickly. When we arrive, I see Stephanie standing away from everyone, clearly trying to ruin Valerie's day by being antisocial. Well, I won't allow that to happen. I start to walk towards Stephanie when Joe Juniak and his wife, Elisa, come to offer us their congratulations.
"Frank, Ellen, you must be so proud. The ceremony was beautiful. Valerie is stunning. She makes such a beautiful bride."
"Thank you, Elisa. Everything went off without a hitch, except for Stephanie's dress. That was a debacle. I should have known better than to allow my mother to pick something out for Stephanie. The two of them wouldn't know a proper dress if it hit them in the face."
"I think Stephanie looks stunning. The dress is fabulous. It fits her to a T."
"It does fit well. Thankfully, Mrs. Rizzi's mother is a seamstress and was able to alter the dress quickly."
"Mrs. Manoso certainly knows her way around a dress. Mrs. Rizzi's son, Lester, is an All-American soccer player. She must be so proud."
"I'm sure she is, he certainly wasted enough time playing that silly sport. I'm glad my girls aren't into activities like that."
Elisa looks at me like she wants to say something, but Joe quickly ushers her inside. I wonder what that was all about. Time to get Stephanie and Joseph together. I spot Stephanie, standing with that Lester and his no-good cousin Carlos. Hmph. They don't even belong here.
"Mrs. Plum, we need to line up. The bridal party is ready to enter the hall. You and your husband will follow the groom's parents."
We line up, but I'm too far away from Stephanie. She better not embarrass us. The DJ calls our names as we enter, to our family and friends cheering and clapping. The rest of the bridal party enters as couples until it is Stephanie's and Joseph's turn. Fortunately, the brat is smiling. She's doing the right thing, thank God. Valerie and Steve follow. I can barely keep my eyes from tearing. This is such a magnificent day. The dance floor is open to the happy couple. After a minute, Stephanie and Joseph are asked to join in, then the rest of the bridal party, then the parents and grandparents. After the second song, the floor is open to all guests. Frank and I walk to our seats, needing a sip of water when I spy Stephanie dancing with that Carlos. What is she doing? Doesn't she know that it is the job of the Maid of Honor to dance with the Best Man all night long? Why me?