I can honestly say that it was the most fun wedding I have ever attended. And it was beautiful, outdoors, on the doorsteps of the Rocky Mountains. Two of my favorite people were officially wed, a continuation of a committed relationship spanning seven years: my daughter, Debbie, and my new son-in-law, Jeff. More of my favorite people were there, joining in the celebration.
Mike Morran, the Unitarian Universalist minister, encouraged Debbie and Jeff to write their own vows, which they did. Morran added his own touch, with words that were downright poetic. I wish I could remember it all, but something he said sticks in my memory: Look at the beauty around you and think about whatever made it.
The wedding all came together, despite some tense moments beforehand. The day before, some of the gerbera daisies had frozen in a friend's refrigerator. The realization came that yet more granola needed to be prepared to fill the little bags for the guests. The bride and groom got busy and made some more. Amanda, the bridesmaid, was making decorations, and made countless trips to the arts and crafts store. The mother of the bride was trying to create "something blue" by stringing tiny beads together, and they all came off the string and she had to begin again.
Then, miraculously, everything fell into place. There was music, wine, food... There were even a few bats flying around outside the barn where the reception was held, but they added an element of interest and didn't bother anyone. There were toasts made by Jeff's brother, Andy; by Debbie's sister, Cindy; and a great slide show put together by Amanda. No favoritism here, but I must say that Cindy did a great job with her speech. I distinctly heard her remark, Debbie is the kindest person I know. I remember the old days of sibling rivalry and I think, wow.
As I write this, it has been about a month since the wedding. Today I was listening to a discussion from an online radio station. A minister and teacher remarked about weddings, saying something to this effect: I am asked to officiate at weddings, but I can't "marry" anyone. They do this themselves. It's a commitment, an inner thing, and most of the time it has been made well before the ceremony takes place.
I like that.
Best wishes to Debbie and Jeff.
