18 February 2013
This is what the Chapel looked like when we pulled up. What a gorgeous, gorgeous sky! I think we arrived around 4pm for our 4:30 ceremony, and there were already guests outside – yikes! I would have liked to arrive a few minutes earlier (per our schedule!), but we were able to sneak in through a side door, so it was okay. While we waited downstairs (everyone together), guests were treated to a few surprises upstairs. Ladies were invited to take a bell to ring at the end of the ceremony… …and gents, a boutonniere to pin on for extra festiveness. I made all of the boutonnieres out of velvet ribbon and hand wrote the tags – DIY instructions coming soon! I designed our two-sided, single sheet ceremony programs in Illustrator and had them printed through UPrinting. We had five helpers at the front of the Chapel — my brother in law, John’s brother in law, our friend, and two of my cousins — and between them, they handed out programs, facilitated the bells and bows, and helped guests to their seats. Soon enough it was time for us to line up. When I was standing next to my Dad in the narthex, I felt the first flip in my stomach. I got another one when the string trio began to play the first song of the processional (more about our music here). After the last bridesmaid had begun her walk down the aisle, the doors to the sanctuary closed, and my Dad and I moved into position. I had specifically asked that the doors not be opened until about fifteen seconds into my song, so that we would hit the top of the aisle at the right point in the music. My emotions started to build, and I couldn’t
15 November 2012
For the last part in our four-part series on the decisions we made for our ceremony, I wanted to talk about our choice to serve communion. (See previous posts here: readings, music, vows) We made the decision to serve communion early on, and felt peaceful about it, but were a little… interested to see how our guests would react. Not all of our guests share our faith, and we didn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable or imposed upon. Thankfully, the United Methodist Church offers communion freely to all who “want Christ in their life,” regardless of religion or denomination, while also recognizing that approaching this table is a personal decision and doesn’t question those who choose not to partake. Our pastor, Carl, introduced this part of our service beautifully, inviting those who chose not to come forward to offer a prayer or good wish for us from the pew. Photo by the fab Tanja Lippert We served communion directly following our vows. We chose to see the symbolism in our first act as a married couple being one of serving others while honoring our Lord, especially since we chose to serve our parents and grandparents first. We were pleasantly surprised to see all the beloved and familiar faces coming forward during communion, and it was really special to have a brief moment with each individual. A few notes: For some reason, I chose to hold the juice, and John, the bread, but based on our sartorial choices, we probably should have switched. I’m happy to say that not a drop of red was spilled on my gown, but that’s probably because our guests were hilariously, over-enthusiastically (but kindly!) careful to avoid the possibility — in fact, I think many of them dunked only one corner crumb in the juice :)
6 February 2012
As you may recall, John and I are getting married at the Memorial Chapel at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. It looks like this: Ahhh, so beautiful. Aside from being gorgeous, however, this lovely spot holds much significance for me. It’s on the base where my Dad went to school as a cadet, and where he worked as an active duty professor for more than twenty five years — from before I can remember to after I graduated from college. So many of my memories from growing up involve the Academy, from football games on Saturdays to sponsor cadets that became bonus big sisters, Easter egg hunts on the lower field, many windy Saturdays on the sidelines of the softball diamond eating extra box lunches (my Dad was the assistant coach), countless days spent in the auditorium amusing myself through my older sister’s musical rehearsals, trips to have lunch with Dad at the Officer’s Club (famous among my sisters and I for its “fancy bathroom”), and accompanying him to work when we stayed home from school (when he took us into the classroom with him, he would sometimes introduce us as the “visiting expert on Play-Doh” — a funny joke when you’re a Western Political Theory instructor). I also love that we’re holding our ceremony at the Academy because in a small way it’s a gesture of appreciation for all who serve in the military, including my Dad, several other family members, and one of my and John’s best friends from high school. I am so proud of my Dad’s service, and all those who serve, that I always knew I would want him to wear his uniform for my wedding. And wear it he shall! It won’t be the first time he’s worn it for a wedding, either: Some