happily ever after . . .

One of the things I get to do as a minister is walk with couples as they make the journey to a wedding. It is a privilege to be able to hear their stories about how they met and fell in love, their hopes, fears and dreams. I got to preside at a wedding last week and it was a joy. The young couple worked hard to make sure the day was truly about celebrating their relationship and their families and friends, not just a big show. It was held at a botanical garden and we were surrounded by flowers and trees. A friend of the bride serenaded us with lovely medieval music and we feasted on fresh local blueberries and cherries - yum! Shoes were optional for those in attendance, as they stepped upon holy ground and made promises together about love. What a gift in a time when we hear so much about sorrow, when weddings are often portrayed as another opportunity to spend money and impress others to be a part of a celebration that was about taking seriously the intentions of those involved; a day that honored the love of these two people and was honest about asking for the love and support of others as they begin their life together; a day that included both serious vows and crying friends as well as laughter and high-fives all around! I am so grateful to have been there to witness the beginning, and I hope their new life together is joy-filled!