meg and sam

Our first Quaker/Episcopalian wedding. In wild, wonderful, West Virginia. Overcast and cool. All day it threatened rain, high winds....we even dreaded a possible snow?!? no, not really, that cool! But of course, in the end it was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and once the celebration was underway no one even thought again of the weather.

The light was perfect and the scenery magnificent.

And if it would have rained they had certainly provided enough outdoor tenting, and umbrellas to protect us all.

The mother of the bride has been a friend of mine for twenty years. Our sons were in kindergarten together, we met out of need for car pooling...we studied bible together forever.

When her daughter, 'the bride' was in high school, she asked me to be her mentor for her senior independent study. She went on to art school, and is now teaching art.
after 20 years!?

Meg is one of the most beautiful and creative spirits I have ever known. And it showed in all the detail she poured into her wedding. The most unique invitation ever, hand marbled paper for the programs, oragami cranes, paper doves...

She called me several weeks ago asking me to design and do calligraphy for their wedding certificate. I was so honored.
Their vows were exchanged hanged under a 'hopa' made of 'homespun' made by great great grandmothers of generations gone by. (I'm not sure why there was a hopa at a Quaker/Episcopalian ceremony?!?)
But it was quite lovely.

The groom watching as his bride approaches him.

The bride coming down the aisle

the groom sang, the mother of the bride and father of the groom spoke and brought us to tears

"they took each other by the hand and exchanged their vow to each other then they set their hand in celebration of their commitment."

A beautiful tradition that I would like to carry over into our own traditon.
they signed she smiled
His mother read

On this day, Saturday the eleventh day of July, 2009

Meg and Sam

took each other by the hand and exchanged this vow

"In the presence of God and these our loving friends and family,

I take thee to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better for worse, for richer for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.

This is my solemn vow."

In celebration of this commitment we set our hands

and as members of a loving community,

we set our hands in caring witness to this union.

they kissed and took their first steps together... her in red shoes

there was much family and many friends...


mom and dad

Aunt Karen

and Aunt Miriam

grandma Helen

grandma Helen and Andy

mother of the groom, Priscilla

bright color was everywhere,

in the guests' faces,

and in their festive clothes,

in the wild flowers,

and in the 1000 paper cranes that hung from the rafters and peeked out from the little pockets that adorned the old door converted into a seating chart

There were handmade quilts made by the mothers running along each table, and draped behind each area of focus

there was much love



many children

hay to the rafters!?!?
delicious food, flowing drink, sweet cake, and much joy long into the twinking night....