HH The wedding

Our wedding, May 24th, 1911 (old calendar). The day before the wedding coaches from Griessental, Smolenskajia and Belenjkoje were sent to the railroad station Miliradoroka to bring grandfather Dirks, grandparents Dietrich Friesens, father and sister Helena and I cannot remember if any of the older half sisters were there. Uncle and aunt David Klassen were fetched by oh. Suderman, Selenjkoji. Dietrich Weibe and wife, and Jacob Weibe were there also and many others. The carpentry shop was transformed into the sleeping quarters for the men. The coach house was changed into a large hall where the wedding took place. A large tent was set up in the front garden.As it was close to the kitchen and dining room, it served as the dining room for all.

In the large family room, a table was set up where all the presents were placed on display. I cannot remember much about the “Polterabend” the night before. Nothing out of the ordinary must have happened then. It rained on our wedding day as the corsages and flowers were pinned on the ladies and young men.

Susanna pinned a small bouquet on me with a short white ribbon, a lot shorter than usual. It was very pretty. It is said that it means luck if raindrops fall on the bride’s veil. Well, we wanted luck and so we went in a fast step across the yard to the wedding hall and all the young couples followed us. We sat down on the front, decorated chairs and the couples behind us. Grandfather Dirks stood behind a small table and announced the songs while we entered. The Friesentalers all loved to sing and also had very good voices. Especially those that were related to the Lachariases. We also took a hymn book and sang along. Most bridal couples keep quiet while the congregation sings.

Grandfather gave us a very nice and sincere sermon that was based on a Bible verse, Psalm 31:5, “Give yourself to the Lord, trust in him, and he will help you.”H. Admonished us to clear up every disagreement and every misunderstanding before the day was over. And then really forgive and forget. Because a marriage is not all sunshine. There are also dark days and hard days ahead that we would not like. But if we would be faithful to our Savior, all would be well. We have always followed this advice and prayed together out loud. Love and faith have always brought us closer. We were truly one heart and soul. That is why through all sickness, hunger and danger, our marriage was a very happy one.

We had to kneel down and grandfather laid his hands on our heads and blessed our union. For us it was a very holy act. The customary questions were asked to us. If we would accept each other in marriage and if we would be faithful to each other until death parts us? We happily said yes and he pronounced s man and wife in front of the gathered witnesses and God. We exchanged rings. After a hymn sung by the congregation we left the hall and my father and mother-in-law kissed and congratulated us.

The rain had stopped and the sun was shining on the clean fresh blooming shrubs and trees. It was so mild and smelled of flowers. It was as if even heaven was blessing our union.

We are then invited into the tent for coffee and fresh-baked goods and zwieback and raisin bread. The tables were covered with white table cloths and flowers all over. Before we had a noon meal of the traditional Friesental speciality of lamb borscht and rice pudding with cinnamon or jam.

After the coffee, the young people went into the garden to play games. The flowers were in full bloom along the walks and the lilies-of-the-valley bloomed below the trees and spread their fragrance along with the violets. The songbirds and nightingales sang in the trees. But there were not as many as on Reimerhof for lack of water and protection from cats. While in Reimerhof there was plenty of water and lots of protection from cats in the large lilac bushes, hydrangeas, hazelnuts, large oaks, and jung evergreens. 

In the evening, we had a cold meal of potato salad, cold meats, cheese and wine and beer. Afterwards, the bride’s flowers were played off but I cannot remember who got it. The bridal couple toasted with wine and more social games were played.

As soon as it got dark, the fireworks started with rockets. The company had sent a very large and select assortment of rockets. The guests were all very impressed and liked it very much. Next morning, I paid the expert off and sent him to the rail station where he took a train back to Ekaterinoslav.

At 11 pm, everybody left for home. Grandfather Dietrich Friesen and my father went to Engbrests on Smolenskoja and grandfather Dirks left to go back home in Gnadenfeld the following day. Susanna now became a member of the Gnadenfeld congregation to which I belonged.

Grandfather D. Friesen presented me with a sizable check of 12,500 rubles as a wedding present. I thanked him warmly as I had not expected it. Later, I learned that all his children had received a check of 25,000 rubles. Now it did not seem as large anymore. But I knew he loved me very much alone because of my mother who had always been his favorite.

Father and I consulted with Mr. Engbroht and decided that he could start the construction of Widnaja, our new home. The bricks had all been made and stored on Smolenskaya.

The plans and style were to be the same as Marienskaja, which I loved very much.