Inside a converted bank vault in Fowler, Michigan there is a room so special, it is referred to as The Magic Room. The combination of soft lighting and four walls of mirrors, reflecting eternity, create a feeling of awe; those that enter often feel the need to whisper. In the center of the room sits a marble pedestal, where thousands of brides have stood and fallen in love with just the right dress.
The Magic Room: A Story About the Love We Wish for Our Daughters by Jeffery Zaslow is more than a book about wedding fashion. Instead, Zaslow uses the Magic Room as a lens through which we can view the very unique relationships that women have with their parents and parents have with their daughters.
The Magic Room is located inside Becker’s Bridal, owned and run by Shelly Becker. Shelly is the third generation of Becker women to hold these titles; perhaps someday her daughter Alyssa will do the same. Family businesses can be tough, but in The Magic Room, we are able to see the way that each Becker woman has been able to forge her own way.
We also become acquainted with Meredith who makes the trip to the Magic Room accompanied by her mother. At nearly 40, Meredith is planning a wedding later in life than many new brides.
Erika brings her mom and three sisters with her. Each of the girls have made vows of chastity, not only preserving their virginity, but also vowing to not even kiss until marriage. Their parents are understandably proud, but a bit perplexed as they traded their fair share of kisses when young.
Days after Megan finds her perfect dress, she is involved in a serious car accident. With the love and support of her parents, as well as her fiance, she is able to cope with the physical challenges the accident caused.
Danielle’s story is different. For her and her grandmother, Cynda, the joy of the day is tempered by grief. Danielle’s mother passed away unexpectedly when Danielle was a young teen.
These women, and the others that Zaslow introduces in his book, are just regular people, but their stories are remarkable. I glad I got the chance to enter the Magic Room with them and get to know each of them.
The store where I bought my own wedding dress did not have a Magic Room, just a dressing room with a large mirror. Even so, I remember the feeling of getting into all those yards of white satin and seeing myself, looking like a bride. I was a nice confirmation to have my mom instantly agree that that dress was the one.
After 16 years, the dress is a bit dated, but the relationships: husband to wife, daughter to parents are stronger than ever.
Have you had your own “magic room” experience? Has your daughter? Share your experience on BlogHer Book Club’s The Magic Room discussion page.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by BlogHer Book Club. All text and opinions are my own.
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