Life is so interesting. I knew when I was getting ready for
my fall beach trip that I would be officiating a wedding. (Other than the one I
had scheduled in Ocean Isle last week.)
I was not disappointed.
Allen called our retreat center last week. He and Sarah had
been planning a wedding and life just kept getting in the way. They already had
one marriage license expire and there were not about to let that happen again.
I asked where they wanted to get married and Allen said they really loved the
beach and would like to have a simple ceremony on the coast. Well, surprise,
surprise that’s exactly where I was.
Even though we only had a few days, I prepared a personal
ceremony that not only married two people but joined a family together. It was
a wonderful day!
We stood in the center of a large heart that had been drawn
on the sand. After everyone was in place, Madeline, scattered flowers, following
the outline of the heart. No doubt, we were surrounded by love.
Sarah said that she would like to include Madelyn and Phoenix in the ceremony.
After rings were exchanged, she and Allen made promises to their children. Then
the family participated in a sand ceremony. Since I was convinced there would
be a short-notice wedding I was prepared and had my supplies ready. I brought a
heart shaped vase from home and had purchased whelk shells earlier in the week.
Sarah and Allen scooped up sand from the very spot they made
their vows and then the children added their sand. Love declared, hearts
united, lives joined.
The timing was perfect. My friends, Pat and Roger, were
visiting for the weekend and they were more than happy to serve as witnesses
and photographers. Each one had a camera so there are many photos of this
special day.
After lots of photos, we headed to the house to sign the
paperwork. On the way in, I asked Sarah and Allen to wash each others feet to
symbolize they would always take care of each others needs. A nice finale for
a wonderful wedding.
The future is theirs…
I always love hearing back from couples and was so pleased to receive this email:
Victoria, I'm not sure a thank you, does justice to what you have
done for me, Sarah, Madeline, and Phoenix. Sunday was more than we
could have ever hoped for, everything turned out perfect, almost like it
was meant to be. The pictures turned out beautiful, both the ones we
have and the ones we have seen on your blog. Weddings are meant to be a
day you will never forget, and because of you, ours will be a day we
look back on with the fondest of memories. Once again thank you very
much for everything you did for us. Allen and Sarah
