Singing Legend Judy Collins Recalls "My Most Memorable Special Occasion"

She recalls the joy of the brief walk from the church to Synod House. "There's a picture of Louis and me going through that outdoor pathway to the reception. When my little nephew saw the picture a year later he said, ‘Oh look, there's Aunt Judy in the rainforest with a man.' Louis looked so handsome," she says.

Food, Fun, and Friendship

In anticipation of the big event, the caterers had come to Judy and Nelson's apartment about two weeks beforehand to prepare the meal that was to be served at the wedding. "I'm so glad they did that and that we had an opportunity to taste the food, which was phenomenal. We didn't have one minute to eat during the whole wedding!"

The cake was huge and multi-tiered, and flowers were everywhere, Collins recalls. Not only were there flowers specially chosen for the occasion, but also vast amounts of flowers remaining from the Easter Services that had taken place a week earlier: garlands of white roses and freesia among them.

"It was just spectacular," exclaims Collins. "All my bridesmaids-and my granddaughter, who was a flower girl-were dressed in lavender silk capes over simple lavender dresses, which looked great against the white of my wedding gown, and my long silk coat. I got a white veil from Vera Wang-it was the greatest veil ever."

Merriment ruled the day. Everyone was smiling, and Collins makes it a point to note that the good cheer had nothing to do with alcohol, as no alcohol was served. "I thought it set a good example for those of us who can't handle the hard stuff," she says.

"We had a ball," she says, fondly. "There was dancing and singing and music and friendship."

Thinking about her most memorable special occasion, Collins reflects: "We've been together for 29 years now, and we've been married 11 of those years. I'd like to do it again-reconfirm our vows."

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