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The Wedding of Linda Jean Johnson and Lloyd Carl Mertens
February 9, 1963
From left to right: Helen and Ernest Johnson; Linda and Lloyd Mertens; Albert and Sylvia Mertens
(This was written by my 14-year-old sister (and bridesmaid), Mary
Ann, as a school assignment.)
MARY ANN'S ESSAY ON OUR WEDDING
February 9, 1963, Saturday, a day none of our family will ever forget,
especially me. The day started out very hectic as can be expected. We had
company and everyone was running around trying to get ready. Around 8:30
Judy Meyer, the maid of honor came to help Linda get ready. We were very
excited and the whole house was a buzzin'. All of our preparations and
careful planning was for today and everything had to go right. There was a
photographer here taking pictures while we got ready and were leaving.
Before we were ready to leave, Rita and Larry came. We had a time keeping
our wits then. When Larry said happy birthday, it was the first that I
realized it was my birthday.
When it was time to leave I remembered that I had forgot Judy's and my
overskirts on a hanger on the door knob upstairs in my room so I had to go
back and get them. Linda, Judy, Ole and I went to church in Meyer's station
wagon.
At church I had butterflies in my stomach, and I can just imagine how Linda
and Lloyd felt.
Going up the isle (sic) first was Aggie, Mrs. Dennis Mertens. Next was me
and that isle never looked longer than right then. By the time I got up
there I was just shaking. Next was Judy and then Linda and Daddy. I think
that Linda looked simply beautiful in her dress. She had made her whole veil
and it complimented her ensemble to a T. Her bouquet was a single orchid
with feather carnations around it in a crescent shape. I thought the whole
ceremony was beautiful. After the Mass was over Linda and Lloyd put a
bouquet at the statue of the Blessed Virgin's alter. Then Mr. and Mrs.
Mertens left the church. Following them were Judy and Harry Schantz, then
Ole and me, and last Aggie and Denny Mertens.
We went in the wedding cars to Medford to the Legion Hall and had dinner.
After dinner we went to the Dake Studio to have pictures taken. When we were
through at the studio, we went back to the reception. Everyone enjoyed the
reception and we got to help open up the gifts. Supper was served at 4:30. I
won't forget that supper for a long, long time. For a surprise, Linda had a
birthday cake made for me and when they brought it out everyone sang happy
birthday to me. I was shocked. It was so pretty. It had 14 candles on and I
got them all out with one blow. I wished them all the happiness in the world
and they deserve it. After everyone was through with supper, Linda threw her
bouquet. I tried to catch it, but didn't make it. Kathy Weber caught it.
Linda and Lloyd left Medford then and came to our place. Soon after that
Rita and Larry and all of us left for our place and our whole family was
there to see Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Mertens off on their honeymoon.
