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….
About Bo Mackison
*tears* congratulations to you all 🙂
It was a lovely wedding. And Jeff and Sara are very happy!
oh what a beautiful post! Congrats to the happy couple!!
Thanks.
Thanks!
What a beautiful and touching photograph and lovely poem. I love the way your son’s hands are holding that ring box… his whole future life is held in that photo. May he and his young wife be happy and blessed! Sandra
I love how you saw the photograph, Sandra. Yes, it does look as if he is cradling his future, and very lovingly, too.
Congratulations to you all. What a milestone for you!
It is indeed, Joanna.
Beautiful moments, day, lifetime, and magical memories for all. Congratulations to Sara and Jeff. 🙂
Moments do make lifetime memories, Joanne. You are so right.
This is simply beautiful! Such a wonderful photo and such touching words that will be treasured by your son and his new wife!! Contratulations to you all!!
Thank you, Cathy. These photos are the hardest I’ve ever had to work with — they mean so much to so many. But the day was so lovely, so many lovely moments captured.
Oh my, I need another box of klinex, wow THAT is a beautiful moment and a great memory to have. I can only say “Congratulation” from the deepest of my heart and gives you hope and happiness on your way of the path of Life!!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Mariane. Much happiness to pass around!
Sweet.
Thanks. 🙂
I’m not the sentimental type, but your post is very nice, and I thought the poem expressed “the moment” in a simple and meaningful way.
Thank you, Gandalf.
Such a lovely post, and what a lovely ring. Every time you see the ring, remember those vows and the day that you got it!
The ring is an heirloom ring, so it is doubly meaningful. 🙂
you are right, this is the only photo to share this month. your words that goes along with it fills my heart. congratulations.
Irene, for the first time, it was an easy choice!
I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair, reading every last word slowly as to take it all in. I agree, how could you share anything else. Your words are perfect…the photo touching!
Thank you for the kind words, Kim!
the photo touch my heart, even like your words, such a wonderful post.
Thanks, Elsie.
So beautiful, Bo! I was there with you, celebrating the day with Sara and Jeff, through your words. Extra connection for me as my brother just got engaged to a lovely woman we all love, and I’ll be joining them someday in the future for the same kind of moment. Thanks for sharing in the Photo-Heart Connection!
You are so welcome, Kat. And thank you for organizing the Photo-Heart Connection. It has added an extra dimension to my photography habit. 🙂
This brought (happy) tears to my eyes. It’s beautiful, Bo, and captured the celebration (as I know it from my own son’s wedding) so well.
Thank Robin. I cried a few tears , while writing the poem and remembering the special day. Amazing thing — I didn;t cry during the wedding, and I always cry then. 😉
Bo – What a great poem. Perfect. So glad that it came to you and you shared it on Seeded Earth! Hugs, H.
Thanks, Helen. And extra thanks for being a part of the special day. Love you!