No one asked my about a dowry

My youngest brother, Bruce Vail, was married on Friday August 10^th, 2012. Bruce and Trudy Broad were united in a civil ceremony at the Woodstock court house. While the service might have been undemonstrative, the emotions were not. Bruce and Trudy were, and are, high on love and the promise of a bright future together. Assembled family and friends were there to support them in that goal.



love Trudy's hair and bouquet

While it is still summer for us, the newlyweds were planning ahead when choosing their attire. A fall theme was in place and the bride looking smashing in full length mocha champagne, two piece gown. Trudy carried lush orange roses which were repeated by the ones carried by her maid of honor and worn by the groom and groomsman.

Broad and Vail family members

After the ceremony, and a few candid photos in the court room, we adjourned to the couple’s home in Fielding.  Now Fielding is Bruce’s birth place and he lives next to the ancestral land.  As we pulled into the driveway I could view the hard work and careful thought that preceded the event.  There were containers of flowers and balloons, the lawn was manicured and the road sign scrubbed.  Even the vegetable garden was picture perfect and included flowers as well as veggies.

A lovely picnic reception was served from the deck, the food prepared in advance by the bride and the groom.  There was cake and a speech or two.  Then my brother called for the Bride’s Father.  Bruce proceeded to explain dowries, their history and use.  (There is not a Vail or Rogers, our Mother’s family, who cannot make an impromptu speech at any public occasion.)  “Usually a dowry would be a horse, or several cows, or a flock of sheep”, Bruce explained.  “But I have no horse, no cows no sheep.  However I truly want Mr. Broad to understand how much I value his daughter Trudy, so here is my dowry of a pair of chickens!”

Like is not always happy, love does not always come early (Bruce is now fifty), but laughter and a sense of humor will see you through.  Many happy returns Bruce and Trudy; there is no doubt in my mind that your marriage will stay the course.  And if you have an argument – go fishing!

And no one asked me about the dowry.