Here Comes the Bride, Again!

Weddings seem to be a prominent theme in my writings these days, but hey, it is the season! On Saturday, we attended a very unique wedding held at an equally unique setting.

The ceremony: Held at the Dingle! (for you non-Haligonians, a lovely park setting on the North-west Arm, overlooking the water.

The bride: Stephanie Rowsell

The groom: Phil Prendergast

The reception: Held at the St. Mary's Boat Club, a beautiful marina overlooking the same pisturesque body of water.

The details: Of course, the bride was radiant! The groom - handsome! We have come to love Stepahnie and Phil and it was a joy to be part of their special day. She was attended by five lovely bridesmaids and her matron of honor, and three adorable flower girls. He had four grooms men, a ring bearer and a bell ringer comprising his share of the bridal party.

It was a delightful ceremony rich with the presence of God as these two pledged their love to each other and committed to keep Christ at the center of their relationship. Instead of the traditional unity candle ceremony, they did a very unique thing with sand. The bride's mother and the groom's mother came forward, each carrying a glass container of sand, collected from the beach where each lived; the places the bride and groom knew as home, at least in recent times. The minister then held out a larger glass cylinder into which the mothers slowly poured the sand from their jars. Of course, the symbolism is clear.

The day was sunny and warm with a playful breeze - picture perfect for a summer wedding. The Boat Club was enchanting with its light, airy decorations and the sounds and smells of the nearby sea.

I came away from the day delighted to have spent six leisurely hours with the love of my life! (Note: Since my husband is a minister, a wedding is normally a working event for him as he officates the ceremony. He has performed hundreds of weddings during his years in ministry, but we believe this may have been the first one we have attended at which he was a guest only.) Once again, it was an opportunity to silently renew my vows to him and to give thanks in my heart for the twenty-four years that we have happily enjoyed together since our walk down the marriage isle. We met some lovely people and had rich fellowship with the other guests at our table while enjoying a delicious meal.

There was a strong sense of family and tight friendships which permeated the day's festivities, as well as a keen awareness of the rich spiritual heritage both the bride and groom had come to this day with. What a wonderful foundation for the life they would begin together that day.

The older I get, the more keely aware I am of the treasure I possess in my close relationships. Those friends, both new and old who are there for you "through thick and thin"! Family who have nurtured and supported you, loved you unconditionally, yet held you acoountable to certain things, when necessary. What would we do without them? Who can navigate this journey of life without others there to cheer them on, to shoulder their burden and pain, to celebarte their joys and accomplishments? I guess I'm just not a loner. I love people to much; I need people too much, to ever try to go it on my own. Will people sometimes let you down? Ocassionally. Will people ever be plain annoying? For sure. But so will you! Is it better to make the investment inspte of the risks? I believe so! I'm grateful for the many people who enrich my life. I could fill pages with their names! I celebrate each one today!