Handfasting Ceremony at Dry Falls

Dry Falls. A strange name for a waterfall.

This waterfall is unique since you can actually walk behind the falls. 

But trust me, you don't stay dry.

October 31st was a cool fall day and because of other issues the ceremony took place at a platform above the falls. Lea Ann looks happy, doesn't she.
Little does she know that's she's in for a BIG surprise.

The handfasting cord arrived in a beautiful wooden box.

Handfasting has origins in ancient Scotland and Ireland. It was a period of betrothal or engagement lasting for year and a day. The ceremony symbolized the binding together of the couple’s lives and fates, and their commitment to be bound together in love. When a couple joins hands their destinies are tied into one future.

Lea Ann and Robert chose a handfasting ceremony to mark their engagement.

The year and a day promises provide the opportunity for spending time, giving thought, and growing together into people who are good and considerate partners, lovers, and friends. The year and a day promises are a commitment not only to one another, but to the quality of life that a couple intends to make last a lifetime. 

And now the surprise, an engagement ring to mark the occasion.

Oh yes, Lea Ann had a big kiss for Robert.

 And family members were there to celebrate.

I believe in you.

I believe in us.

We can not be divided.

In your darkest days

In your brightest light.

We are one.

Received this sweet note:

Victoria, I can not begin to tell you how very grateful we are that performed our ceremony.  It was so very beautiful, beyond words.  Thank you, thank you , thank you.

Shotgun Wedding - NOT!

I love it when couples add a bit of their personalities to their wedding ceremony. Abigail asked if she could bring a few props for photos. Little did I know that it would include a shotgun. What fun! However, the smiles give it away. Just hard not to smile during this wedding.

Gun or no gun, "She's mine!"

October weddings have become very popular. Warm days, cool nights.
Yesterday was a little rainy and cool, not perfect weather.

But it was a perfect day for Abigail and Ryan's wedding

Heartfelt promises were made.

Rings were exchanged.
I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, 
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

With this ring, I thee wed.

A Unity Sand ceremony is a great way to include children.

 

I always suggest couples take a few minutes to be alone
immediately after the ceremony. I didn't have to tell these two. 

They were so happy to be married I'm not sure they even remembered we were nearby.

First dance. Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum 

'It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe
Caught up in this moment
Caught up in your smile'

Time for pictures.

 

 So happy that I added this empty frame to my wedding props.

It's true, "All because two people fell in LOVE"

This sign will be displayed in their new home.

And even though it was a little rainy, Abigail was determined
to get close to the water for a few photos.

 Oreo wedding cake with bride and groom duckies.

The wedding is over but the marriage has just begun.
Best wishes to a wonderful couple.

Beth and Harold - Ready for Love (and Marriage)

I am ready for love
If you'll take me in your hands
I will learn what you teach
And do the best that I can
I am ready.

'Ready for Love' - India.Arie 
 

Does this bride look happy or what.

And the reason she is so happy. Today was the beginning of always.

Holding on tight. Just a little nervous.

Wedding rings. To seal and bind their love.

Ring Blessing

Air for hopes and dreams; 

Fire for the spark of love; 

Water for harmony and healing; and 

Earth for strength. 

May these rings be so blessed.

 Unity Cross.

What God has joined together, let no one separate.
 

When I found you...I found somebody who cares
When I found you...I found my most intimate prayer
When I found you...I found what every heart dreams of
When I found you...I found love.
'I Found Love' - Bebe & CeCe Winans

Terrence and Sonia are Married - Unity Cross Ceremony

July 5th, a day full of anticipation and excitement.

I met Sonia and Terrence a few months ago so I knew just how ready they were to get married. In fact, Terrence was ready to get married that very day! Sonia would have none of that. She was going to make him wait just a little longer.

Sonia stopped by a store on the way (the W one) and picked up bouquet of loose roses. I wasted no time gathering some ribbon and tying them into a bridal bouquet, keeping one out for a boutonniere for Terrence.

Sonia mentioned she wanted white roses but this color was lovely and made great photos.

 

Now here's the handsome groom. Does he look happy or what?

And this is the reason. His beautiful bride. Soon to become his wife.

It is important to have God as the center of their marriage so Sonia and Terrence chose the Unity Cross to symbolize this. 

The outer cross is placed in the stand.

And then the center cross is placed inside.

There are three pegs that hold the crosses together.

'What God has joined together, let no one separate'.

This is what he had been waiting for. Terrence could finally kiss his wife.

Smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

 

The happy Mr and Mrs.

Family Wedding - Family Love

Family weddings are always so much fun. There are many ways to include children, escorting the bride, holding the rings, and unity ceremonies.

Nina and Brian realized the importance of including their children in their wedding ceremony. They love each other, and their children, dearly and it was important to have a ceremony that included everyone.

Brian and his best man are waiting.

Everyone's in place. Don't you love the dresses? Perfect for a July 4th wedding.

 A sand ceremony is the perfect way to symbolize 'blending' a family together. Each child picked their favorite color.

And they have a lovely reminder of 'their' wedding.

Nina surprised Brian with a 'first dance' while the children blew wedding bubbles.

 Then time for a family dance. 

No doubt there will be lots of dancing at their house.

And a few photos of the bride and groom. 

Love this one. 

He's not going anywhere, she's holding on tight.

 This is my favorite!

Love will keep this family together.