What People Are Saying About
Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul . . .
“This thoughtful and deeply moving selection of stories reminds us that love is the cornerstone of marriage, family and life itself. I smiled, laughed and cried my way through the book.”
Rosanna McCollough
editor in chief, www.WeddingChannel.com
“After a hectic day of wedding planning, reading Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul is the perfect way to unwind and be inspired by incredibly emotional stories of love’s triumph before, during and after the wedding ceremony. These wonderful stories should not be missed by any one who has any part of the wedding planning process, including Mom, Dad, attendants, and especially the bride-and groom-to-be.”
Debbie Hansen
director, Bridal Show Producers International
www.bspishows.com
“Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul grounds us. It is a moving and gratifying book, full of real-life stories that give us a kind and warm reminder of what love and marriage are all about. This is a perfect book to be shared with anyone involved in a wedding—its message will also touch those with relationships that need reconnecting.”
Sherra Meyers
editor, Southern Bride Magazine
“Being huge fans of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, we were genuinely excited to hear about Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul. To have a loving and fulfilling marriage takes much more than just planning a wedding. This resource of heartwarming and inspirational stories will definitely help couples in the first stages of a long and happy life together!”
Erik and Beth Kent
copublishers, NJWedding.com
“Of all the things brides need—a little laughter and encouragement are what they truly cannot do without. This wonderful book will take you there with stories that will have you holding your sides and wiping away a few stray tears. Let Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul help you make this the start of a lifetime together. . . .”
Paula Rinehart
author, Strong Women, Soft Hearts and
Sex and the Soul of a Woman
“Well-written and moving, the stories in Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul will help readers reflect on what’s really important in their lives—light-hearted attitudes and a lifetime of loving commitment.”
William S. Doddridge
CEO, The Jewelry Exchange
www.jewelryexchange.com
“After reading Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul, the first thought that came to my mind was: Thanks for the memories. This book is a warm reminder of how precious life and the relationships we have are, and how they never should be taken for granted. Get together with someone special, light some candles, read Bride’s Soul to each other and just enjoy each other’s company.”
Steve Dines, “BridalMan”
www.bridalman.com
“What an ideal gift for a future bride to turn to while planning her big day! Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul is the perfect remedy for a chaotic time in a woman’s life. These true tales will inspire an emotional bride, remind her to enjoy time with loved ones and cherish her day with the love of her life.”
Matteo Bossio
vice president of planning, iweddings.com
“The Chicken Soup series has done it again—this time for all things wedding! From the proposal to the honeymoon, these heartwarming, funny and enlightening stories will inspire and entertain all readers involved in virtually any aspect of a wedding. You’ll get a kick out of these fantastic stories.”
Cynthia C. Muchnick
author, The Ultimate Wedding Idea Book and
The Frugal Bride
CHICKEN SOUP
FOR THE
BRIDE’S SOUL
Stories of Love, Laughter and
Commitment to Last a Lifetime
Jack Canfield
Mark Victor Hansen
Maria Nickless
Gina Romanello
Health Communications, Inc.
Deerfield Beach, Florida
www.hcibooks.com
www.chickensoup.com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file with the Library of Congress.
© 2004 John T. Canfield and Hansen and Hansen LLC
eISBN-13: 978-0-7573-9976-3
eISBN-10: 0-7573-9976-2
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
HCI, its logos and marks are trademarks of Health Communications, Inc.
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
3201 S.W. 15th Street
R-12-06
Cover design by Larissa Hise Henoch
Inside formatting by Lawna Patterson Oldfield
This book is dedicated to brides of the world!
May your wedding day lay a foundation of
lifelong commitment, love and happiness.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword Beverly Clark
Introduction
Share with Us
1. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE
Twenty-Six Years—An Unfolding Romance Kris Hamm Ross
My Love Is Like a Red, Red Marker Carrie St. Michel
A Second Chance Ariana Adams
Roses Not Required Rachel Wallace-Oberle
A Change of Heart Denise Jacoby
Dancing in the Aisles Amanda Krug
The Porsche Factor Mitali Perkins
2. PROPOSALS
Treasure Hunt Steve Manchester
The Last Quarter Ward Nickless
The Changing Tide Michelle Marullo
Until Death . . . Barbara Loftus Boswell
Storybook Proposal Matthew Cummings
Love Is in the Air Lynette Baker Helms
Hidden Treasures Michelle Isenhour
A Trail of Love Shad Purcell
Taking Care of Business Leigh P. Rogers
Popping the Question Elizabeth L. Blair
A Friend, Indeed! Sylvia Suriano
Never Say Never Sally Kelly-Engeman
3. THE PERFECT DRESS
She Did It Her Way Julie Firman
Priceless Nora E. Kessel
Given the Green Light Jeanne Hill
Holding It All Together Adele Noetzelman
Tagged for Delivery Pat Phillips
The Blessed Dress Sandy Williams Driver
Keepin’ the Faith Greta Montgomery
4. THE BIG DAY
A Snow Cloud’s Silver Lining Annmarie B. Tait
Kiss and Tell Theresa Chan
A Bouquet to Remember Cindy L. Lassalle
Flower Princess Nicole Owens
What Could My Country Do for Me? Carlienne A. Frisch
Dismally Late Jeanne Hill
My Love Is Like a Mountain Eileen Chase
At Ease Carol McAdoo Rehme
Should We or Shouldn’t We? Raegan Holloway
He Completed Us Michelle Lawson
Coming Full Circle Denise N. Wheatley
Built on Love Miriam Hill
Raining Love Kelly Stevens-Hartley
5. WHO GIVETH?
A Tale of Two Fathers Kimberly Ripley
The Best One Michelle Marullo
The Unconditional Step Donald R. Novakovich
Bedtime Fears Charlotte Lanham
Going Home Liza G. Maakestad
Angie’s Wedding Day Judit
h Givens
The Music Played On Nancy B. Gibbs
This Is Our Dance Amanda Parise-Peterson
The Unlikely Best Man Jenn Dlugos
Given Away Renata Waldrop
6. FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
That’s Entertainment! Maryellen Heller
Of Blue Jeans and Buttons Maria Nickless
House to Home Mike Zeballos
Princess Bride Veneta Leonard
Te Amo, Te Quiero, Cariña Patrick Mendoza
In the End Barbara M. Johnson
A Second Chance at Remembering Becky Knutson, as told to Jeannie Kim
What Matters Most Shonna Milliken Humphrey
Old Love Turned Brand-New Vicki Frizzell, as told to Janet Matthews
Got Match? C. Capiz Greene
7. TREASURED MOMENTS
A Bridesmaid’s View from the Altar Kathy Passero
At the Ritz Cathy L. Novakovich
Chain of Love Kathleen Happ
Through the Beholder’s Eyes Keith A. Wooden
Arm-in-Arm Michele Wallace Campanelli
Sisterly Love Ann Cooke
Heart of Friendship Michele Wallace Campanelli
Guest of Honor Cindy L. Lassalle
The Look Patty Swyden Sullivan
Stepping In Penny Perrone
Joan’s Bouquet Julie Messbarger, as told to Charlotte Adelsperger
Pennies from Heaven Holly Jensen Hughes
Silverware and Sauces Carol Mell
Budding Hope Elaine G. Dumler
Grandpa’s Gift Nicolle Woodward
Oh, What a Catch! Kaylen Pierce
8. KEEPSAKES
The Ring of Love Ginger Boda
Kitchen Cache Lucy Akard Seay
A Tradition in the Waiting Lorraine Cheeka
Golden Slippers Charlotte Lanham
The Wedding Gift Carol Sturgulewski
Keeping the Tradition Dr. Denise Enete
Showered with Love Lisa Solomon
9. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
Our First Meeting David R. Wilkins
Ode to My Mother-in-Law V. J. Coulman
Final Approval Lad Moore
Just Like Hazel T. Suzanne Eller
All in the Family Marie S. Lyle
My Big, Fat Pig Wedding Debra Purdy Kong
What’s So Funny? Peggy Purser Freeman
10. TIMELESS WISDOM
His ’n’ Hers Gwen Rockwood
The First Freeze Paige M. Kolb
Dot-to-Dot Pamela Doerksen
Advice from the Groom’s Dad Gary Lautens
Time for a Tune-Up Caroline Pignat
Someday My Prince Will—Bring Coffee Deborah Thomas
A Husband for June Cleaver Carla Riehl
Small Beds, Soft Hearts Norris Burkes
Until Death Do Us Part Kelly Gamble
The Trophy Daphne Dykeman
Love Everlasting Annette Paxman Bowen
More Chicken Soup?
Supporting Others
Who Is Jack Canfield?
Who Is Mark Victor Hansen?
Who Is Maria Nickless?
Who Is Gina Romanello?
Contributors
Permissions
Acknowledgments
The path to Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul has been made all the more beautiful by the many “companions” who have been there with us along the way. Our heartfelt gratitude to:
Our families, who have been chicken soup for our souls!
Inga, Christopher, Oran and Kyle Canfield, and Riley and Travis Mahoney for all their love and support.
Patty, Elisabeth and Melanie Hansen, for once again sharing and lovingly supporting us in creating yet another book.
Ward Nickless, for his faithful love and encouragement, which made all those long hours endurable. Madison and Jack, Maria’s blessings from God.
Doctors Werlin and Grouse, who took care of Maria through two miracle pregnancies and births. Maria’s mother, Eileen—”Don’t forget to mention your mother!”— I love you, Mom! Mum and Dad Nickless. And Maria’s friends, Linda Yates, Jennifer Steward and Jenny Smith, for all their prayers and encouragement.
Gina’s parents for always encouraging her to “just be me.” I love you, Mom and Dad! Her big sister Dee Dee for always taking care of her, and her wonderful nieces Maegan and Gabby. Her cousin and roommate Michelle for her constant support. All her devoted friends and family—lucky for her, too many to name. Her dog Mattie, for keeping her toes warm those endless nights of working.
A special thanks to Patty Hansen and Irene Dunlap, whose mentorship, love and support gave us the courage and confidence to take on this project.
Carol McAdoo Rehme, who is brilliant with words, our thanks for her incredible editing gift and her endearing charm. She made the stories come to life, and we could not have done it without her.
Brittany Shaw, for always making us laugh, and for her loving support and all those banners for the Web site. You rock! Our staff, Junah Kim and Tracy Downs, who helped launch the project. Nicole Barber, for her loving dedication and consistent help with Madison.
Our publisher Peter Vegso, for his vision and commitment to bringing Chicken Soup for the Soul to the world.
Patty Aubery, for being there on every step of the journey, with love, laughter and endless creativity.
Russ Kamalski for his kindness, wisdom and creative inspiration.
Heather McNamara and Tasha Boucher for producing our final manuscript with magnificent ease, finesse and care. Thanks for making the final stages of production such a breeze!
Leslie Riskin, for her care and loving determination to secure our permissions and get everything just right.
Nancy Autio and Barbara Lomonaco, for nourishing us with truly wonderful stories and cartoons.
D’ette Corona for being there to answer our questions along the way.
Patty Hansen, for her thorough and competent handling of the legal and licensing aspects of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. You are magnificent at the challenge!
Laurie Hartman, for being a precious guardian of the Chicken Soup brand.
Veronica Romero, Dana Drobny, Kathy Brennan-Thompson, Teresa Esparza, Robin Yerian, Stephanie Thatcher, Jesse Ianniello, Mike Foster, Jody Emme, Trudy Marschall, Michelle Adams, Dee Dee Romanello, Shanna Vieyra, Lisa Williams, Dena Jacobson, Tanya Jones, Mary McKay and David Coleman, who support Jack’s and Mark’s businesses with skill and love.
Bret Witter, Lisa Drucker, Susan Tobias and Kathy Grant, our editors at Health Communications, Inc., for their devotion to excellence.
Terry Burke, Tom Sand, Lori Golden, Kelly Johnson Maragni, Elisabeth Rinaldi, Randee Feldman, Patricia McConnell, Kim Weiss, Paola Fernandez-Rana and Teri Peluso, the marketing, sales, administration and PR departments at Health Communications, Inc., for doing such an incredible job supporting our books.
Tom Sand, Claude Choquette and Luc Jutras, who manage year after year to get our books transferred into thirty-nine languages around the world.
The art department at Health Communications, Inc., for their talent, creativity and unrelenting patience in producing book covers and inside designs that capture the essence of Chicken Soup: Larissa Hise Henoch, Lawna Patterson Oldfield, Andrea Perrine Brower, Lisa Camp, Anthony Clausi and Dawn Von Strolley Grove.
All the Chicken Soup for the Soul coauthors, who make it so much of a joy to be part of this Chicken Soup family: Raymond Aaron, Matthew E. Adams, Patty and Jeff Aubrey, Kirk Autio, Nancy Mitchell Autio, Marty Becker, John Boal, Cynthia Brian, Cindy Buck, Ron Camacho, Barbara Russell Chesser, Dan Clark, Tim Clauss, Barbara De Angelis, Don Dible, Mark and Chrissy Donnelly, Irene Dunlap, Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, Dorothy Firman, Frances Firman Salorio, Julie Firman, Bud Gardner, Patty Hansen, Jennifer Read Hawthorne, Eve Hogan, Kimberly Kirberger, Carol Kline, Tom and Laura Lagana, Tommy Lasorda, Sharon Linnea, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, Janet Matthews, Hanoch and Meladee McCarty, Heather McNamara, Katy McNamara, John McPherson, Paul J. Meyer, Dan
Millman, Arline Oberst, Marion Owen, Maida Rogerson, Martin Rutte, Amy Seeger, Marci Shimoff, Sidney Slagter, Barry Spilchuk, Robin Stephens, Pat Stone, Carol Sturgulewski, Jim Tunney, LeAnn Thieman, Diana von Welanetz Wentworth, Sharon Wohlmuth and Wyland.
Our glorious panel of readers who helped us make the final selections and made invaluable suggestions on how to improve the book: Barbara Lomonaco, Carol Rehme, Pat Evans, Laurie Hartman, Cindy Hoffman, Kim Aguilar, Carrie Boeing, Sonya D. Hammond, Val Coulman, Maria Harden, Betty King, Lynn Parker, Nancy Pardo, Ashley Rice, Shawna Wilson, Crystal Clark, Colleen Moulton, Ranee Foster, Heather Cook-Lindsay, Melanie Johnson, Brenda Thompson, Karen Rivera, Penny A. Troutman, Angelea Evangelista, Renee King, Kerri Meritt, Robin Tuthil, Beth Tobey, Crystal Anderson, Jody Emme, Cheri Sherman, Carrie Pierce, Susan Herron, Joy Stevenson, Winter Eberstein, Linda Osmundson, Nancy Pelletier, Shiloh Godshall, Sabrina Black, Polly Andrews, Heather Burkett, Donna Cummings, Vania Hudson-Perkins, Steve Ruzicka, Cathi Calato, Jaime Hickey, Janice Bashman, Emily Thayer, Maria Vanderkolk, Donna Godsell, Janice Roque and Heather Cole.
Those partnering Web sites that graciously helped gather stories: Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, Association of Wedding Professionals, International, Watermark Weddings, iweddings.com, southernbride.com, weddingchannel.com, njwedding.com, lovemagazine.com, bridesguide.com, weddingquestions.com, www.weddingsbeautiful.com, weddingshowergifts.com, aweddingday.com, heartswithsoul.com, bridalshopdirectory.com, aweddingdept.com, poemstogo.tv, candlesbynily.com, virtuallymarried.com, frameyourday.com, marilynskeepsakes.com, ssbridal.com, askginka.com, plannersguide.com.
And, most of all, everyone who submitted their heartfelt stories, poems, quotes and cartoons for possible inclusion in this book. While we were not able to use everything you sent in, we know that each word came from a creative place deep within your soul.
Because of the size of this project, we may have left out the names of some people who contributed along the way. If so, we are sorry, but please know that we really do appreciate you very much.
We are truly grateful and love you all.
Foreword
Dear Future Bride,
You’re one of the lucky ones. Lucky to have found your best friend; lucky to be in love, lucky to know deep in your heart that you’re ready to share your life with him; and lucky to be holding this timeless treasure in your hands— your personal “Bride’s Diary.” Refer to it in your time of stress. Read the stories for inspiration. That’s what the book is for.