The Ceremony

(Before I go on with the Wedding Report, I did want to do a bit of reporting on the running front. For some reason (perhaps worldwide travel), I've been pretty tired this past week. As such, I only had one weekday run (a paltry 3 miler) and one weekend run (a 10 miler). 

Ed ran the 10 miler with me, which was lovely. It was on a paved pathway that goes by a reservoir south of San Francisco (Sawyer Trail). It was a beautiful day with perfect weather, but from about 3 1/2 onward, where my quad connects to my hip on the front was super tight. I felt a bit sick halfway through, after pushing up the big hill to the turn around point, so we rested for a little, and then headed back. I have to say that I was just hurting on this run. I haven't quite figured out why all my runs have been hard lately (ever since we left Mt. Tam, in fact), but I'm just trying to accept it, and have faith that it will eventually get easier. 

We did have a little excitement on the run though. Ed was running on the dirt to the side of the trail, when I saw something living right by hit foot.  "Careful!" I said. We went a few feet past, and then looked at what Ed came close to stepping on. It was a huge snake! At least 2 feet. I got a little closer (it wasn't coiled) to see what kind. I noticed the diamond shapes on its back, and, as it slithered down the hill, away from the trail, I could see it's rattle. Ed had almost come into contact with a rattlesnake! This is my first encounter with an adult one, and I'm glad that it was relatively friendly. Finally, we made it the 10, and I gratefully took a seat on a bench while Ed went out for 5 more. I'm glad that I was able to complete it, but it sure took a lot out of me. 

So far this week, I've been tired, but happy with my runs. I ran 3 miles Tuesday, and 5.6 miles Today. I've also been doing a dvd that Sarah recommended, "Pain Free Workout", which I've been doing every day since Monday. It's very relaxing and I'm enjoying it, and hopefully it'll help my leg :). Okay, onto the wedding!)

Walking up the aisle with my father, we chatted a little, though about what, I don't remember. I do remember having to ask a few times to slow down, as my dress was getting caught under me a bit and I didn't want to fall. As we approached the guests, I just remember being overwhelmed by just how happy everyone looked. I saw such beautiful smiles on everyone's faces, and I felt so happy with everyone's happiness. I had heard from other brides that the walk down the aisle is usually such a blur, but I think, especially with our aisle being so long, I had time to really look at all the guests. I remember sweeping my gaze back and forth, trying to see everyone, while also looking forward to see Ed. 

As we reached the front, my dad gave me a hug and kiss

And then Ed and I were together (as a side note, I absolutely love Ed's expression in this picture :))

Then, we both turned towards Jerome,

and he began the ceremony. 

For this part of the report, I'm going to let our actual ceremony words do a lot of the talking. Ed and I wrote our ceremony based on an excellent book, and were very happy to have this part of the wedding so crafted to our relationship. We even got to weave in our love of running and trails in the ceremony!

We are gathered here in this beautiful place

To witness the joining of Adelyn and Ed in marriage.

They have invited you here today

Because the growth of their love

Is connected to this place.

And, they wanted to share with you

The beauty of this mountain.

During their almost three years together,

They have come here on many days like this one,

And have run down the trails,

Through the meadows and the redwoods.

Their time spent in nature,

Traveling through the beauty you see here,

Has been a time of connectedness,

Of shared reverence for the world,

And a deepening respect

And love for one another.

It is this sense of timelessness and peace

That they wanted to share with you

On this, their wedding day.

As you look out over this vista

Please take a moment for reflection

To open your hearts and minds

To the love and togetherness

We are here to share

Through this ceremony.

Adelyn and Ed.

Today we have come together

To celebrate the love you have found with each other.

By being here with you,

Each of us is declaring our support

For your decision to join together in marriage.

(to guests)

As family and friends,

You form the community of support

That surrounds Adelyn and Ed.

Each of you, by your presence here today,

Is being called upon

To uphold them, in honoring and loving one another.

Always stand beside them and

Offer them your love and support.

Encourage them with your kindness and with loving hearts,

And honor this marriage

Into which they have come to be joined today.

At this time, Adelyn's mother, Debby,

would like to share some special words with you.

At this point, my mother came up and shared a beautiful essay, entitled, "The Art of Marriage." 

It was both beautiful and full of wonderful, loving advice. It was so special to have my mother involved in our ceremony is such a meaningful way. 

After my mother's reading, we continued on the with ceremony

Adelyn and Ed,

You have come here today

To surrender into the creation

Of something wholly new and transcendent-

Your precious, sacred, and unique marriage journey as husband and wife.

Today, you step into

A much fuller experience and expression

Of the mysteries and miracles of love.

Your precious, blessed union

Is lovely in its innocence,

 Mighty in its strength,

And abundant with possibilities.

It belongs to you both.

Over time you will give it an identity.

We wish for you the wisdom, strength of character, and creativity

To make this a happy marriage,

And a joyful journey to share. 

Ed and Adelyn,

please join hands and share your Wedding Vows.  

Something I didn't mention was that Ed and I memorized our vows. We both practiced hard, and felt confident in our ability to say our vows, and having them come from us was something we both felt strongly about. We did get a lot of positive remarks about how people were impressed with this, which was nice.

"Adelyn." Ed began. Unfortunately, those weren't the vows! After saying my name he stopped and smiled, and then we all laughed. He claims he didn't forget the vows, he was just making a dramatic pause. Thankfully, he soon began. 

I, Ed, take you, Adelyn, to be my wife,

my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day

than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you,

laugh with you and cry with you

I will love you faithfully through good times and bad,

Regardless of any obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand,

my heart,

and my love,

from this day forward

for as long as we both shall live.

Then, it was my turn. However, I thought that there would be some kind of transitional prompt before I was supposed to start (we had practiced, but somehow I remembered it differently). I stood there smiling and waiting. Jerome, thinking I had forgotten my vows, prompted me,  "I, Adelyn..." Again we all laughed, and then I started my vows. 

I, Adelyn, take you, Ed, to be my husband,

my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day

than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you,

laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully through good times and bad,

Regardless of any obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand,

my heart,

and my love,

from this day forward

for as long as we both shall live.

We were through the hard part (or so I thought!)

May I have the rings please?

Wedding rings are symbolic reminders

Of deep and lasting love.

Within the safety and comfort of true marriage,

Love given freely

Has no beginning and no end.

May these rings always remind you            

Of the freedom and the power of your love.

Ed, place this ring on Adelyn's finger. 

Adelyn, with this ring,

I give you my promise

To love you,

To honor you,

To be faithful to you,

And to share my life with you

In every way

Always.

(Jerome) Adelyn, place this ring on Ed's finger. 

Now, here I should point out that during the rehearsal, we did not practice with rings. So, when it came to be my turn, as Jerome passed me the ring, I dropped it! Luckily, Jerome (and perhaps Bill?) quickly grabbed it, and with more laughs, we continued. 

Ed, with this ring,

I give you my promise

To love you,

To honor you,

To be faithful to you,

And to share my life with you

In every way

Always.

And then, we were in the home stretch!

Adelyn and Ed

On behalf of your loved ones

Who are here with you today,

I would like to mention some of the things

We wish for you:

First, we wish for you a love

That is rich and deep.

Powerful enough to inspire others

And to support you both

In bringing forth the best that is within you.

May you fully love one another

And cherish being loved by one another

Today, tomorrow and always.

Second, we wish for you the kind of home

That will be a sanctuary for you both,

A place of peace, freedom, vitality,

Growth, and humor.

And in this home,

We hope that you are blessed.

Finally, we wish that at the end of your lives

You will be able to look back and smile

Upon the life that you have shared together,

Pleased, satisfied, and fulfilled

Beyond your wildest dreams.

And now,

By the power vested in me by the State of California,

It is my great pleasure

To pronounce you husband and wife.

Ed and Adelyn

You may now kiss as husband and wife

For the first time.

Congratulations!