'I Do'

My cousin Hannah and her new husband Jordan started off their married life early this June.  They are both at that point of glowing youth, of extreme potential.  In keeping with the 21st century, the minister asked us to text bomb them happy thoughts.  Showing my age, I went for the advice cards that were circulating instead.  My advice was to keep going on dates.  Charles filled out more than one.  His last had something to do with letting the Dr or Midwife catch the baby (Ariadne's midwife had asked if he wanted that honor, to which he replied, 'no, that is what I am paying you for.')

At the ceremony, the minister requested that not only they, but all of their guests, help them hold to their marriage vows in the years to come. While by far the most work and love and effort that go into a marriage come from the couple themselves, I found I agreed that there is a community component to marriage.  Marriage does not take place in a vacuum.  It is a cultural institution.  Small overtures and little bits of advice add up to acceptance and encouragement, reinforcing the pair's commitment on all sides.   We get to know someone new and gradually they become part of what that family is. And so each family expands.

During his father of the bride speech, my uncle Bob talked about how his mother knew Jordan was a good match for Hannah.  She said he reminded her of her own husband at that age.  Our lives do span a considerable arc.  I wonder, with that hindsight, what she put on her advice card (or text bomb--people in their 70s have been known to beat me out in technological savvy).

Katrina and Heidi were both at our table.  We got to visit with the quit music of a waterfall right behind us.

Caitlin, Hannah's sister, invitation creator, and maid of honor extraordinaire hand lettered all the invitation and place cards as well.  She is pictured below with their brother, Mathieu. 

We talked and danced the night away.  The ring bearers had some serious break dancing move.  As midnight neared, everyone gathered with sparklers to see the newlyweds off.

Brynn was in town for the wedding.  We got in a good visit, both at the wedding and the next day with the kids.  The summer day was perfect.  We ate outside and the kids climbed the tree (or Grandpa put them in the tree, depending on age).