Some of this season's episodes have felt like product placement infomercials. Thankfully, not the wedding episode. In fact, the wedding was sweet–in a corny-Duggar kind of way. Especially the part where Josh busts out into a full-vibrato love song at the end of the ceremony. That was so cheesy and also so…guileless.
The entire family is so simple and sincere that sometimes it's hard to believe that good, honest people like the Duggars really exist. It's a remarkable act of courage for them to put their very non-mainstream lifestyle on display. It also provides a visible example to younger families that living differently in a secularized culture is possible–and can be done successfully. That's encouraging for those of us who are raising large families.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the entire church community rally around the young couple. It was great to see the generosity from Anna's church family. It was clear that this church valued the sanctity of marriage and offered it's unflinching support. No-one said, "oh, they're too young!" Everyone seemed to accept and support the validity of their commitment to each other.
That said, I did feel like some of the "no kissing until the wedding day!" was too scripted. For those of us who come from conservative backgrounds, practicing chaste behavior is nothing new. But I suppose the no-kissing issue sparked audience interest, so the producers hyped it up.
I was a little confused by the marriage vows which included a commitment to "allow the Lord to decide our family size." It appears Josh & Anna will be following in their parents' footsteps. Which is great–but do all these folks publicly announce their intention never to space their children? And why?
Lastly, my favorite part of the show was when the flower girls were wheeled down the aisle in a decorated wagon. That was such a cute idea!
I guess it's official. I'm hooked on the Duggars. Is anyone else?
