:: the grooms (my dad on the right), and their ring bearers and flower girl
:: the setting (image via)
:: the ceremony
:: the party
it was all super lovely.
my sister and I walked our dad down the aisle (following the cutest ring bearers and flower girl EVER) and my dad's partner's sons walked him down the aisle. the minister from their MCC church in Key West flew up specially to marry them. the dinner was sooo good- i am waiting for a corn pudding recipe from their caterer. i will share...
the loveliest part for me however was what a few people said during the blessings ('guest participation') portion of the wedding.
my mom got a lot of laughs when she started with, "i feel a little like the mother of the bride" (my parents were married for 15 years and are close friends to this day, 20+ years after their divorce). But there wasn't a dry eye in the house as she thanked my dad (and now his partner) for saving a space for her in the events of their lives and for being happy they could share in the events of their children's lives together. She spoke of how we (including her same-sex partner of 15 years) are a family, despite our unusual circumstances. we were all laughing again as she finished with, "plus, you and B. are a better couple than we ever were." how lucky am i?
my dad's two older sisters came with their husbands. they are very traditional Vermont stock- my dad grew up on a dairy farm. both of my aunts welcomed B. to the family. this was HUGE: for them, for my dad, and very moving for me that they were there, and supportive and loving. i think they may have lost whatever residual hesitation they may have had about my dad's sexuality/"lifestyle" when they saw the love and support and joy at this wedding- and my dad and B's acceptance by their community- gay and straight.
Asa was bored out of his mind at the reception- "it's just a bunch of people talking and eating!" I should have brought some Lego!! Lots of ice cream was eaten by Maxine, and Lee charmed all the adults with his lovely 8 year old social skills.
i can't resist closing with a taste of my attempt to get a 'good' picture of all 3 kids. sometimes the series of 'off' ones is better than 1 good!
