A Prince and Princess Wedding

Yesterday we, as family and friends, gathered to witness the marriage vows of Andrew and Naomi. We sat near the front, with his side of the family, including another uncle and aunt and numerous cousins.

It's a wonderful feeling . . . this feeling of family gathered to celebrate. And as we do, we remember . . . I'm sure it's something different for each of us. But for me, as I watched him - tall and handsome - standing front and center, I thought of the time we took him camping with our family, as a four-year-old. For this trip, we had four kids, with him as the youngest. 

As the piano and violin began to fill the room with more nostalgia,

I was caught by surprise at the tears that threatened to spill.

So many "pasts" converging into this special day!

 

It was not long ago, yet so many moons ago, 

that the two musicians were flower girls at Andrew's parents' wedding . . .

 

and now their daughters were walking down the aisle.

There was a smile just for Grammy as they passed by.

The bride, so beautiful, followed on the arm of her proud father.

He looked like he was rather enjoying this walk.

But her eyes focused on the one standing in the front . . . the one whose eyes shone at the sight of her.

A tissue was passed.

The ceremony included a time of focusing on the God who brought them together. The God who
exemplifies love and will continue to be faithful in their lives.

It was her father who challenged them with what the Bible says about marriage.
His Gaelic lilt of the tongue adding some sense of humor,
but not leaving out the seriousness of the occasion.
 They each said "I do"
They lit the unity candle.
They signed
(there was a spring in her step when that was done)
and it was sealed with a kiss.

From the limo, the bride and groom followed a Scottish tradition of throwing money as they left. This came as a welcome surprise to the lucky kids.

I kind of like the idea myself.

The idea of giving and it will be given unto you...

full measure and bubbling over.

The flower girls also got to ride in the vintage Rolls Royce.

Their most interesting comment about it was that there were no seatbelts.

Never mind carseats.

Life used to be so easy.

The reception at Northview Golf and Country Club was a perfect setting on this beautiful afternoon,

with some time to play while the bride and groom were otherwise occupied.

Finally it was time for dinner! Everyone enjoyed great food and visiting around tables as Andrew and Naomi made their way around to meet their guests.

And the day they have prepared for -

for so long -

 came to an end.

May they live happily ever after.