English
EspañolThe joy of love, which is the foundation of the conjugal union, is the reason why a wedding is a celebration. The more complete and definitive the union of love whose foundation is celebrated, the more beautiful it is.
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“Fiancés have the courage to be different. Don’t let yourselves get swallowed up by a society of consumption and empty appearances. What is important is the love you share, strengthened and sanctified by grace. You are capable of opting for a more modest and simple celebration in which love takes precedence over everything else.” (The Joy of Love, n.212)
Commentary
Ricardo and Diana announced their wedding would take place in a year. It would be a time when both families would not be able to have a big party. Ricardo and Diana told their parents that the important thing was that they loved each other, wanted to unite in marriage and that the party was secondary, to be held with what they could afford. While they both decided to look for additional jobs to help their parents with the reception expenses, the preparations for the marriage were an occasion for both families to support them with whatever they could.
One of Ricardo’s sisters offered to provide the bride’s floral arrangements and bouquet. Diana’s brother promised to hire the choir. Ricardo’s godmother offered to lend them her house for the celebration, and Ricardo’s other sister hired the music for the reception. It was a small gathering, very family-oriented, enjoyable. The joy that Ricardo and Diana had for their wedding, and the joy that both families had for them was evident. Joyous not so much about the wedding celebration, rather the marital union of the new spouses. The importance lies in the substance, not the form. For Ricardo and Diana, nothing else was needed.
