Jeff and Mina love poetry. They selected three readings to include in their ceremony, beginning with "Nothing Twice" by Wislawa Szymborska.
With smiles and kisses, we prefer
to seek accord beneath our star,
although we're different (we concur)
just as two drops of water are.
The bride and groom are different yet they have found common values and qualities with which to craft a happy and fulfilling union.
Their ceremony was truly a family event. In fact, all three of the "ring bearers" are Mina's and Jeff's grandsons: Kyle, Cole and Erik.
The flower girl was Eliana, their granddaughter.
(I was tickled pink to be officiating since I also officiated for Jeff's son, Andrew, and his daughter-in-law, Brandy, a number of years ago. They now have two children -- Erik and Eliana. It was so heartwarming to see their children and the happiness they shared.)
The second reading is the whimsical "The Owl and The Pussycat" by Edward Lear.
"The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea green boat ....
....And hand
in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon."
Then, just before the vows, Jeff presented "The Rose of the World" by W. B. Yeats (which he had memorized).
"Bow down, archangels, in your
dim abode.
Before you were, or any
hearts to beat,
Weary and kind, one lingered
by His seat;
He made the world to be a
grassy road
Before her wandering feet."
It was very moving. Mina took in every word! To be compared to Helen of Troy is no small thing.
Mina and Jeff selected readings that meant something to them, that conveyed the feelings they shared, that communicated various aspects of their personalities. Having them in their ceremony made their ceremony so much more "them."
Afterwards, we all gathered for a group photo. I love this tradition. One image that includes everyone.
This is a wonderful couple and a wonderful family. Wishing every one of them all the happiness in the world.
Many thanks for Kurt Smith for these images, to the Seattle String Quartet for their lovely music (it set the tone perfectly), A Platinum Event for the catering and The Columbia Winery itself.
To plan a ceremony that includes your favorite poems and readings, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website: www.aheavenlyceremony.com.
