I had just sauntered down the aisle, and met up with Mr. G under the beautiful arch at the end. Here is a complete shot of the room.

See how all the lights are on? My original vision for the ceremony room was to have dimmed lights. I wanted it to be romantic and dreamy with only twinkling candles to light our way. That obviously didn’t happen. But, after looking at the great pictures our photographer got, I am actually happy the lights were left on. Post-wedding bridezilla tantrum averted.

The Exchange of Vows. After the music stopped, Judge H (our family friend and the officiant who presided over our ceremony) greeted the crowd with a welcome. He spoke about our love for one another, and our desire to affirm and honor our devotion through the covenant of marriage. We then exchanged simple and traditional vows.

Reading #1. After the exchange there was a reading by my bridesmaid, Megan. She read “Union” by Robert Fulghum (a beautiful passage that I found by way of Mrs. Duckling’s post).

Exchange of Rings. We recited a few lovely words about the symbolism of the rings. Also, remind me to show you our wedding bands in a future post!

Reading #2. My brother read “i carry your heart with me” by e.e. cummings; a favorite poem of ours since early on in our relationship.

Parents and Grandparents Recognition. This part of the ceremony was one of the most important to Mr. G and I. Perhaps just as important as our vows to each other. It was the greatest blessing to have all of our parents present on this day, and even my two grandparents (despite health issues) made it. We wanted to honor their attendance by giving them each a gift and recognizing them. The gift part didn’t work out (because the gifts accidentally got left in the bridal suite), but we still took a few moments to embrace each of them.

During this time, the string quartet played a piece, and we had Judge H ask our guests to read a quote we had included in the program. The quote is by Vietnamese monk, author, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. It reads:

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”

My parents.

Mr. G’s parents.

My grandparents, and relationship role models. They will be married 58 years on Valentine’s Day 2010.

My favorite picture with my mama.

Hugs.

To me, family is everything. It is the reason Mr. G and I exist. I was so happy to be able to pay tribute to the people that got us to where we are today. We also included a special section in our program listing the names of all our loved ones that couldn’t be with us. Their presence was missed, and not forgotten.

The Kiss.

Pronouncement of Marriage. For the first time…Mr. and Mrs. Glitter! I made sure Judge H said both of our first names with one last name. I wanted my first name in there!

Recessional. A few moments of pure joy!

Mr. G and I often talk privately about what we mean to each other, but it felt really good to say those words out loud. Sure, we forgot the parents’ and grandparents’ gifts. Yeah, the lights were left on. Maybe the microphone acted up a few times. It wasn’t perfect, but it really felt like us. What more could we ask for?

All pictures courtesy of Toby Morris Photography.
Florals and event design by Flush Designs.

Other chapters in this story:
Once Upon a Time
Up in the Bridal Suite
Pre-Ceremony Excitement
The Walk that Changed My Life