Celebration of Commitment and Community

Some things take precedence over photography and blogs. We spent a week out in Seattle for our son's wedding recently. David and Sarah's order of service named it a "celebration of commitment and community' and indeed it was, and a lovely mix of solemnity, song, and laughter.

You see here pretty much the sum total of the photos I took. I'm looking forward to seeing the official ones, but I hope these share a glimpse of the celebration. They can't touch the music, which included prelude music for flute and organ,congregational singing, two songs by the Seattle Bach Choir (in which they both sing and where they met), another by a women's acapella singing group that Sarah is part of, and a recessional sung and played by Beth and Jesse, our daughter and son-in-law.

Whether at the front for the Declaration of Intent or in the midst of the worship space for the Blessing by the Community, they were surrounded by community -- congregation, family, friends, choir, co-workers. And I had the privilege of finding flowers for them at a nearby farmers' market that morning, choosing from among masses of Mothers' Day bouquets, and then adding some extra flowers, like some amazing yellow tulips that unexpectedly opened like lilies.

The reception brought more music, and contra-dancing and a couple llamas -- much to the surprise and delight of the children (and others!) present. The llamas were there because people kept asking David and Sarah what their wedding colors were, which they weren't particularly interested in. They decided to have wedding animals instead. David's favorites are elephants and penguins, Sarah's llamas and cats. They found several ways to include these (a pin, earrings and shoes, an inflated penguin at the reception), but the llamas were the only live ones. They are owned by a Portland woman who keeps therapy llamas, and was willing to bring them up to Seattle for the reception.

And consistent with their commitment to public transportation, they left the reception by bus -- with a crowd to wait for the bus with them and to send them off with a "Just Married" sign. Blessings, David and Sarah, as you continue your pilgrimage together.