Our girls - My sisters - Lisa & Krissy & Js sisters - Jill & Dawn
My brother Jimmy & our niece Maggie followed by our bff Derek & our nephew Kyle
Our nephew Matthew & our bff Courtney
Our nephew Eric the ringboy and our love Ally the flower girl
Js mom & her brother Rich
My parents
The final reading was followed by some personal closing remarks. At our first meeting back in March Rev. Daniel asked J & I to discuss our relationship. To give her a little history and insight about our lives. In the months that followed she asked us a bunch more questions individually. She took that information and wrote a beautiful summary of how we both feel about each other & our relationship.
Next up was the benediction....
Dearest family and friends, we are gathered together to joyfully witness and celebrate the union of two best friends, two bright spirits, two amazing women. Dawn and Jennifer, in their love, respect, admiration and appreciation for each other now choose to sanctify their relationship by joining in marriage. We are privileged to participate in this significant step in the continuation of their life journey together.
Today, September 6th, is a very special day, specially chosen for their marriage to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of Jennifer and Dawn being together. In this regard, as in others, I am sure Dawn and Jennifer are unique. Over the years they have grown closer while honoring and supporting each other’s individual growth. Their loving bond, forged when they were best friends in fifth grade, has strengthened and deepened, allowing each to develop her personal gifts and talents.
This ceremony is the outward demonstration of the inward union of their hearts, minds and spirits. They choose to publicly commit to each other now – to continue to deepen their ever-fresh, ever-inspiring, ever-challenging relationship – surrounded by all of you who mean so much to them. You have provided love, support and comfort through the years. By your presence here today, you signify that you welcome them into the community as married partners in life and in love.
Quite a few of you have made a considerable effort and traveled many miles to share their happiness this evening. You’ve come from California, Minnesota, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., as well as the tri-state area and Long Island. Whether you’ve come from far or near, Jennifer and Dawn extend a hearty welcome to you all.
At this moment, when the air around us is charged with love, Jennifer and Dawn want to take a moment to honor the memory of Jennifer’s beloved father, Donald, their dear friend Antoinette, and Dawn’s loving grandmother Theresa. While they cannot be with us physically, I am certain that they, along with other departed loved ones, are here with us in spirit, and that their blessings overlight this ceremony and marriage.
This was immediately followed by the Question of Intent. As I mentioned in my last post, J & I started to hold hands as soon as I got down the aisle. Our officiant didn't notice this and when she said "Since it is your intention to join in marriage, please join hands." everyone erupted into laughter.
Wedding Vows
The Question
Do you, Jennifer, choose Dawn as your wife, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor her growth and freedom as well as your own, to love and respect her, cherish and protect her, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep you only unto her so long as you both shall live?
Jennifer: I do.
Do you, Dawn, choose Jennifer as your wife, offering your friendship and loving care? Do you promise to honor her growth and freedom as well as your own, to love and respect her, cherish and protect her, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep you only unto her so long as you both shall live?
Dawn: I do.
The Response
Jennifer, please repeat after me:
Dawn, you are my true love and my best friend. I marry you to seal the commitment I have already made in my heart. I promise to trust you, to tell the truth to you, to laugh and cry with you, and to be your partner in life and in love for as long as we live.
The Response
Dawn, please repeat after me:
I, Dawn, choose you, Jennifer, in the presence of our families and friends, to be my wife and partner. From this time forward, as before, I promise to love you,to be a comfort and safe haven in your life to hold you close, to listen deeply when you speak, to nourish you with my gentleness and uphold you with my strength. I vow never to take you for granted and always to be grateful for your presence in my life.
The ceremony room. We wanted a stark contrast to the reception room which was filled with vibrant wines and aqua accents so we kept the room clean & white.
We had two of our crabapple centerpieces surrounded by votives on pillars at the front of the room and a simple white table.
Our ring pillow was custom made by the wonderful Cindy at Fascinating Creations.
We had a wonderful string duo for both the ceremony and cocktail hour. Our wedding party entered the room to Canon in D Major by Pachelbel.
My parents
My sisters
Our nephew Eric, the ringboy
Our flower girl Ally sprinkled pink rose petals in honor of her mother, our best friend Antoinette, who passed away this past April after a brave battle with breast cancer.
She melted everyone's hearts.
After the bridal party entrance our planners shut the two large entrance doors. Then the ceremony musicians began to play the Bridal Chorus as the doors swung open to reveal my beautiful bride. She looked absolutely stunning! After she entered the room, they shut the doors once again before my entrance.
My stroll down. It was so excited and happy, I couldn't stop smiling!
J watching my stroll down the aisle.
Once we were stading together at the front of the room, we immediately started to hold hands. We just couldn't help ourselves :)
Next up: the words of welcome & the vows...
Images: 1, 3, 4, 10, 13 - Daniel Krieger. All others - personal photos.
