I don't watch the Duggars all the time, but I was home sick Tuesday and watched a the whole marathon leading up to the wedding and then the wedding itself.
I have to say that I really think Jill and Derick make a cute couple. They really look good together. To me, you really can feel the love between them. There is actual chemistry between them. (I really don't see that with Jessa and Ben at all. I hope that maybe they just aren't as outwardly affectionate like Jill and Derick. So much of their stuff seems forced to me. But mabye they just aren't as comfortable with the cameras. I hope that they really are in love!).
I also don't think its so bad that that Jill is already pregnant. Honeymoon babies happen all the time (some planned, some not). What's meant to be will be! But, I think they will make wonderful loving parent.
A few things about the wedding that struck me:
- First, I thought it was a lovely wedding and true to who the couple is. Not too flashy. Even though it was a large wedding, it was still down to earth with nothing too extravagent. I loved the couple of glimpses of the little kids during the ceremony fidgeting around, bored (such typical kids!)
- I'm so happy that Dericks Mom made it to the wedding. I'm sure that was a very emotionallly trying time for them. What a blessing and relief it must have been for everyone to have her there!
- I kind of liked the idea of the low key reception. I love root beer floats, but I don't think I would have done that at an outdoor June reception for so many guests. I can't imagine keeping up with that!
- The fascination that they all had with the first kiss and the not so subtle hints of what comes next and all the baby talk was just a little strange to me. It almost seemed like the kiss was the most important part of the wedding. (Obviously everyone knows what goes on during the wedding night, but do the parents and everyone have to keep talking about it? Ewww. I don't want my parents thinking about that...just like I don't want to think of my parents in that way. Lol).
-I personally find it hard to imagine going from being engaged to someone that you aren't allowed any physical contact with except some hand hold and side hugging and someone that you cant' even have a private conversation with, to being married, sharing a first kiss, and then being totally alone within a few hours. I think that would be very awkward.
- If you watch very carefully, you can get some hints of how controlling the parents, particuarly Jim Bob really is. I noticed when in Nepal with Jill, that he would physically insert himself between the two so that they couldn't get too close. They had to have a chaperone go with them the morning of the wedding to go to church and call Dericks Mom (I thought that was a little over the top. Its their wedding day, let them have a few private moments together. Its either control or total lack of trust in his daughter.) Also, he and Michelle went on and on in several talking heads about how hard it is to give away their daughter. I just found it odd how much emphasis they put on that. I know its hard to have her move out and not be there. But, the talk was about giving her away to another man. Its not like they sold her or something.
- For such a happy day, there seemed to be a lot of sadness from the family. I know people cry at weddings. But, some of her sisters as they were getting ready to go down the aisle actually seemed sad. They said it was happy tears, but their faces just seemed so sad to me. Again, I know that they will miss her and they must all be close. But, they are goiing to have a really hard time as the others start to get married and move away as well. At least Jill and Derick still live close by.
I agree with some other posters, that I think the parents are much more controlling than what is portrayed on TV. I think that the kids are held back from things. If one of the girls wanted to go to an actual nursing school and become and RN, I don't think that would be allowed based on what I've heard about the family and the Gothard lifestyle that they follow. But, I do think that no matter what, they do love each other and will look out for each other. So, I have to give them credit there.
ETA- I really liked Jills dress and the bridesmaid dresses. However, I really did not like what Michelle wore at all. It just didn't fit with the rest of the wedding attire for a June wedding. I wonder if they dress and a really low neckline and she had it modified...but if so, went way overboard. It looked like she was wearing a turtle neck. The dress was just so bulky looking. Not a fresh spring look at all
