by Ron Johnston
She was perfect in pink.
Patty Podgers attended Ron and Becca’s August 15, 1970 marriage in a delicate colored dress that symbolized love and splendor.
The 10-year-old school girl from Hilton was so pretty and perky, especially at the outdoor reception at the bride’s home in Fremont, Ohio. She was just so happy to be there as a witness to the vows. I doubt she ever sat down once, except of course during the actual candlelight ceremony at the Tiffin United Presbyterian Church.
Patty is my first cousin, and I, the groom, was so pleased to see her. Everyone was invited to the wedding, but I never expected her to make the long trek from Hilton to northwest Ohio. Thanks to Charlie and Betty Podgers, my maternal grandparents, for making it all possible. They drove Patty there.
From what I learned later, Patty was so excited to be traveling and going to the wedding. I guess, what kid wouldn’t be? I know when I was 12, my grandparents drove me from Rochester to Florida. It was a journey I’ve remembered to this very day.
I think Patty may have similar feelings of her first trip to Ohio.
In some ways, Patty was Becca’s shadow at the lawn reception. Everywhere Becca went, Patty seemed to follow her. Patty just loved Becca’s “silk organza gown of floor length sporting a bouffant skirt over satin edged at the hemline with four layers of chantilly lace. The full sleeves were gathered and had wide matching lace cuffs with heart-shaped buttons. The stand-up collar had an attached chapel train of matching lace. The waist of the gown was also accented with the lace and a smocked cumberbund.
“Becca’s headpiece, fashioned by her mother (Ellen Kincaid), was of organza petals and held a fingertip veil of illusion.”
Fast-forward to 2025. Today, Patty still resides in Hilton. She is single with two sons and a daughter named Becky.
And, yes, Patty’ll always be to Ron and Becca, “the pretty girl in pink.”
Note: Ron Johnston, Churchville-Chili Class of ‘66, is the author of One-Game Wonder.
