I knew it would come and go just like that and it did. I tried to savor the moments, the conversations, the hugs, the smiles and all of the love that was part of that weekend.
The Wedding of Lance and Shayna is now in the past. But, never will many of the memories be far away. The good news included, great weather, fantastic fall colors, over 250 guests, and so many many friends and family who stood by me and my family, supporting, caring and loving all of us. It truly became a community event. As friends recently said about the day, "it just felt so full of love"
First of all, know that Lance and Shayna are not of the mold of what you think a wedding in 2008 should be like. The outdoor setting, beyond church walls was intentional. As Shayna said, "what more does one need beside being in nature to know that our creator is in charge?" Their non-traditional theme included cost as well. Their practical nature is proof positive that a wedding can be beautiful and classy without taking out a second mortgage. Their day was how they envisioned to begin their life together. I honor their beliefs. It centers around the RIGHT STUFF - that is LOVE.
The lone old oak tree stood in the middle of this vast lawn. Fall had done it's magic on it's leaves. Golden Brown to Muted Rusts, weathered and drying, a few of the branches bare... a few leaves falling ever so randomly, but yet, the tree stood tall, like an old friend full of wisdom, it loomed over the crowd of 250 on a sunny windy Saturday in October. Under it's branches a garden arch had been erected and decorated with grasses,weeds and artificial flowers. Surrounded by pots of yellow mums, this was the stage for the beginning of a life of love for two.
The attendants ... Shayna's three sisters and her childhood girlfriend wore Cognac - this cinnamon color matched the leaves on the old oak tree. Orange, yellow and ivory roses were the icing they carried. Our friend, Marcia played a song that Lance and Shayna had selected, Haylee, one of Shayna's sister's sang the beautiful but simple six minute long slow melodic song, "To Build a Home" by the Cinematic Orchestra. As Haylee continued to sing, a horse pulling a carriage trotted into the drive with Shayna and her dad in the back. Soon Shayna and her father were making their way down the aisle of grass. They wrote their own vows and promised their love to one another. Ty accompanied Haylee on his guitar to one of our favorite Beatle's tunes, "In My Life". Shayna's brother officiated this simple ceremony of LOVE.
The Stables barn at Voyager Village had been turned into a reception hall. Shayna's family including her grandparents and aunts provided delicious home grown garden food. Catered and served, it included home canned green beans, frozen sweet corn, roasted turkey and roast beef. Homemade dill pickles and bread n butter pickles were the extra touch to this wonderful meal.
Lance's dear friend Romaine whom he had worked with for years at the Sears store in town made an elegant and delicious wedding cake for them, the top tier tied with a bow. And, friends and family volunteered to put together an Appetizer and Dessert Bar. Wine was drunk, the kegs were tapped and the songs were spun.
On Friday night, we ordered Pizzas for the grooms dinner and tapped the keg and began to open a few bottles of wine. Family members and friends of Lance and Shayna pitched in to hang lights, table skirts, steam table clothes and decorate. Laughter was everywhere. Then, three of my friends went with me over to Randy and Karen's home to get a lesson from Wendy, my daughter-in-law (a horticulture major) on corsage and boutonniere making.
I had this crazy idea to make two Fall looking scarecrows - a Mr Groom and Mrs Bride. ...First, I had climbed up into my little crawlspace in search of my own wedding gown that was homemade 35 years ago. I made a garter for her leg, and found Bruce's old leather blazer from the 70's. I filled up two pair of pantyhose for the legs with stuffing, used a wooden hanger and a pillow stuffed into the bodies ...then with the help of my good friends, Marcia, Christy, Sandra and sister-in-law Shirley - we created these characters on the morning of the wedding. It was a fun diversion and will be a good memory as I insisted - the bride "look like she had boobs" and these friends took me seriously and even enhanced her with "DD." - ie double dixie cups! They even went on a "field trip" in search of leaves to make an oak-leaf-wreath for her head'.
Yes, Bruce was missed. Remembrances and toasts were made to his memory. A few tears escaped many a family member's eyes.
Yesterday as I viewed the link to their photos, love did look like it was shining down from the heavens. Yes, it was probably just the sun shining through the fusion of orange, yellow and brown trees that reflected off of Lance's beautiful red hair. But, well, maybe it could have been Bruce's spirit that felt so present that day!
See for yourself! http://eslockphoto.com/proofs/tokheim/
With Loving thoughts on November 1, 2008
Deb
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2 comments:
Fall is a perfect time for a wedding and your description of it made me feel like I was there!! I checked out the link to the pictures and oh my, they were wonderful!! How fun to add a new daughter-in-law to your family!
Great pictures of your family. That does look like a great setting for a wedding.
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