"I do."

My sister is getting married in a few weeks. July seventh of 2007. That whole lucky 777 thing. Michelle is twenty.... four? Yeah. Sean is older, but I don't know how old. Not terribly so. But I'm a bridesmaid, and I have to wear... pink. A tea length dress, strapless, one of those dresses that pushes everything where it is supposed to be, even if it's not really where it's supposed to be. Should be fun. Michelle's really stressed out, very emotional. They're getting married outside, and it should be fun.

We'll see.

Weddings are usually fun, but I'm not looking forward to standing up there next to her. Even though the bride and groom are supposed to be the center of attention, you know you're being scrutinized as well. It's going to be pretty tradtional.

I personally wouldn't want a traditional wedding. I'm an atheist, and I don't want a wedding with a pastor or minister, even if I marry a religious person. I don't have a desire to be united by the power of a fantastical god or omniscient being. I don't think we need the blessing of a higher power to be happy and be married. Is that so wrong?

The whole process of walking down the aisle isn't for me either. If I marry someone, it will be as an equal. I want to walk down the aisle WITH that person, not have them wait for me like I'm going to give them a precious gift they've been waiting their whole life for. I'm not something to be given away. And if I'm marrying them, they'll already have been given the most precious gift I could ever give: my heart. So why be hand-delivered to them by a male figure? Women are not property, to be handed off in some inane ritual. I'm walking with my love, not to them like I have to stand the trial of the guests to be deemed fit to marry them at the end.

And as for the bride and groom being separated before the wedding. POINT? I would want him to be there to comfort me when I get stressed out, not have to rely on other people who don't necessarily know exactly how you're feeling at the moment. Comfort in the arms of your lover.

Don't let your husband-to-be see your dress before the wedding. Frankly, I'd want his opinion. It's his day too. I want him to remember everything, but not that he didn't like the dress. I'd want him to help me pick it out. He may see something that I passed over that I like better than what I found.

And no man and wife either. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. __________! Not "I now pronounce you man and wife." Husband and wife is okay. Man and wife, no thank you. Again. I'm not property. We're equals, not valued differently.

So "I do."