August 27 & 28, 2010
When James and I were planning our wedding, there was one venue that we really liked for our reception. They only had one day available for us and it happened to fall the day after Neal’s death anniversary. I couldn’t decide how I felt about this. In the end we determined that it was going to be good. Every year as we remember Neal and feel the sadness and loss that doesn’t seem to diminish, the next day we can celebrate something happy and be thankful for this new life we’ve started together.
We planned to have all the events in and around Neal’s condo, to really include him on this important day. The rehearsal dinner was in his condo building and continued up to the roof garden. The Reds happened to be playing and got a few home runs and actually won the game. It was almost as if we planned to have fireworks going off throughout the night.
The ladies got ready in Neal’s condo. It was really important for me to be close to my big brother on my wedding day.
The program explained: The candle and flowers to the right of the altar are in memory of Neal Joseph Aquino, brother of the bride. He is with us today in spirit and remains in our hearts forever.
Also, at the very beginning of the ceremony, Father Casey said a few words about Neal to our friends and family. “Today, we have come together to celebrate the love of these two people and the life they are building together. In times like these it can be more important than ever to honor love and family. I know Aileen’s brother, Neal, would have been so happy to see James find the love he has with his little sister, Aileen. He would want to see all of us happy, celebrating and full of joy. So today, let’s remember how precious life is, and be thankful that Aileen and James are creating a new family together. The candle in front of Mary is Neal’s light shining on this special day.”
Right before I walked down the aisle, I showed my dad the photo of Neal on my wedding bouquet.
