June 12, 1971

We were married 38 years ago. While I still wear my wedding rings, they no longer have the cross-hatching, but are smooth from wear. But, at least I still have them. . .Dave's ring was stolen 8 years ago and we've never replaced it.
We were married in the church we had both attended for 15 years---since we were 9 and 13 respectively.
My bridesmaids were my sister Jane, my "cousin" Susan and my aunt Rose. Susan's mother Bitsy made all of the dresses. Our nod to the hippy culture, was natural greenery in our hair---the brides maids and I had ivy, but I had gardenias, also, to match my bouquet.
Dave's groomsmen were his two brothers Harry and Tom with his friend Elliott. We had planned an outdoor reception in our church courtyard, but it rained. We were married the same day as Tricia Nixon, the daughter of President Nixon.
Our ushers were Harry Provost (above), my sister's husband who escorted my step-grandmother Lena followed by my grandfather, Roy Long.
Here, Harry is escorting my mother, Louise---notice she and Lena are both wearing gloves although it was June. I'm not sure why Jim didn't escort Mom---he was one of the ushers, but maybe he didn't want to do it---he was just 15 years old.Dave's friend Jack is escorting Dave's mother Eloise with Grover following.
Finally, my dad and I---we had no ring bearer nor flower girl---I wanted a simple wedding and would have been happy in a park as some of my friends had done. But, we did have a very traditional wedding for the 1970's.
I wish I could say the ceremony was lovely---I wish I could say we taped the wedding, but neither is true. The minister said, "We come here for the marriage of Linda and Grover." Giggles rippled through the sanctuary---some wondered if they were in the right place. Rev. Johnston had called me my sister's name and Dave by his seldom used first name. After the ceremony was over he announced, "I now present Mr. and Mrs. Long" (my maiden name) Again, there was laughter. People teased us for years that we weren't really married.

Of all of the wedding photos, the one above is my favorite!

The Receiving Line: starting with Aunt Maxine (in short dress and white heels), Uncle Bob, Karen Delaney, Michael Delaney, Lucy Morgan, Lowell Morgan, George Morgan(the little guy in blue jacket)