With This Ring . . . I Thee Wed

With This Ring… ©2012 Bo Mackison

We gather together.

I.

Only days past the summer solstice, the sun
slides towards the horizon, but refuses to lessen its intensity.
Sun-glow settles on this gathering of family and friends.

Barest of breezes waft a flutter through overhead branches.
Leaf-shadows dance on the gazebo’s roof, on the white slatted chairs in rows
and rose petals are strewn on the stone path.

II.

We gather to celebrate the marriage of this couple.

The young man – our son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin.
A loyal friend, one who offers a kind word and a helping hand to all in need.

The young woman – our daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece, cousin.
A confidante, a true friend, loving teacher of the youngest children.

Hazy heat-waves rise from the dry grasses.
Bumblebees seek nectar in the nearby spiraea
and ignore the processional of satin red dresses and black tuxedos.

The groom waits in the shade of the gazebo.
The bride comes forward on her father’s arm.

III.

Time lengthens. It sharpens our memories,
intensifies our awareness, focuses our senses.
Vows are read, repeated.

We listen. They promise to love, respect, and be there for each other —
as best friends and wanderers – together – on this life journey.

We stand together, in affirmation, as Jeff and Sara pledge their love to each other,
each of us a witness to their promises, to their joy, to their love.

We watch as they each, in turn, slide a ring on their partner’s finger,
a symbol of their eternal love.
They whisper the words, “With this ring, I Thee wed.”

We celebrate with laughter, cheers, and good wishes:
the couple is introduced.

Mr. and Mrs.

Husband and Wife.

Best of friends.

IV.

Congratulations, Sara and Jeff.

—————–

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Bo left her camera at home yesterday, as Sherpa and she attended the wedding of their son. Later, Bo wrote this wedding day poem.

This is my photo-heart connection photo for June. I took this photo a couple of days ago as my son was showing me the wedding ring he was giving his June 30th bride. How could I choose anything else….

Reflection on Two Branches – A Wedding Poem

Refection as Two Branches Join

Refection, Two Branches  © 2011 Bo Mackison

My family and I traveled to New York for a special occasion this past weekend.

We attended the marriage celebration of my elder daughter, Jeanne, and her partner, Judy.  (Now often described by their joint nickname, JeJu.)

It was a lovely weekend — perfect weather, a meaningful ceremony, indescribably awesome food mostly prepared by JeJu, many heartfelt and touching toasts,  a colorful and so-very-much JeJu-setting for the ceremony and dinner.

It was about as perfect as anyone could hope for.

As mother of the bride, I was in charge of the collaborative poem read during the ceremony.

A quick explanation — I asked everyone who was at the pre-ceremony wine tasting event to fill out an index card on which I had written a few prompting words. These words became the bulk of the celebration poem.

The prompts included:

  • a word or a phrase to describe the ocean or something you might find on a beach (It was a Long Island wedding and we were very close to the ocean and many beaches.)
  •  a word or phrase to describe Jeanne
  •  a word or phrase to describe Judy
  • a word or phrase that describes a healthy, happy relationship

Everyone was really great and filled out the index cards. Then I spent 30 minutes compiling everyone’s words – plus a few of my own – into a wedding poem.

(The words printed in color are words taken directly, or slightly paraphrased, from the cards.)

A COLLABORATIVE POEM OF CELEBRATION

We gather together.

Nearby, the ocean roars,
tides send waves crashing against the breakwaters,
scratched sea glass sparkles on the beach
illuminated with memories of the summer sun.

Moonlight scatters light across the ripples of water.

The beaches expand, recede,
Inhale. Exhale,
rhythmic breathing, the sea on the earth.

We gather to celebrate the marriage of two women,
as they promise to respect each other,
to love each other,
to be there for each other.

We see one woman —
lover of nature and all things natural,
handy with crafts and tools,
baker of scrumptious cakes and pies,
tax guru – extraordinaire.

And another woman —
artistic genius
filled with positive energy,
natural nurturer,
holder of wisdom of the ages,
healer.

We offer to these women gifts to strengthen their lasting relationship –
respect, courage,
trust, a sense of humor,
comradeship, growth,
and the willingness to work together.

Today, we witness Jeanne and Judy
as they express their love for each other
with elation, happiness, exuberance, joy.

We sense their anticipation to walk together on their life journey
encouraging and assisting each other.

We all congratulate you,  JeJu.

p.s. The water is cold.
p.p.s. The water isn’t that cold.

———————–

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. She just took a few days off to celebrate her daughter’s wedding. Bo left her camera in the camera bag for most of the wedding festivities, as mothers of the bride do not make good wedding photographers. She did, however, manage to keep her creative muse happy by writing a collaborative wedding poem!

Sunlit

Sunlit

Sunlit © 2011 Bo Mackison

Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress. ~ Bruce Barton

Change is in the air, and it’s not only the changing of autumn trees.Though the change in the trees has been spectacular this year.

In a few hours, I’ll be getting on a plane and traveling to Long Island to celebrate the wedding of my older daughter. There will be a wine tasting, dinner under the stars, a clam bake and picnic on the beach, oh yes, and a wonderful marriage ceremony. Another spectacular event for this autumn.

If I’m not around for the next few days, I’m either traveling, taking photographs on Long Island, drying my eyes, or eating wedding cake!

Congratulations to the happy couple, Jeanne and Judy!

——————–

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Bo is taking a few days off to celebrate a special family occasion.