Andy and Megan's Wedding, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster, MA

It was another hot day for a Cape Cod wedding on the front lawn of the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster, MA, but for Andy and Megan they were so excited to have arrived at their special day, that the excessive heat did not appear to even dim their exuberance.

Special custom readings were delivered by family and friends, expressing heartfelt feelings of support and love for this handsome couple. Megan and Andy performed the symbolic union of their lives in the spiritual sand ceremony. As they poured their sand from their individual vases into the one central vase that now held their combined sand crystals, Megan smiled and laughed and Andy did, too. They were so delighted as they decanted the sand into the single vase, creating a new color pattern signifying their new life together in marriage.

This couple was so enthusiastic about being married, I noticed that they were beaming as I got closer and closer to the final pronouncement of "You may kiss the bride!" Pictured here, one can see the glee of anticipation in their eyes, each with their outreaching arms, ready to embrace their new union as husband and wife.

What a fun couple Andy and Megan were, too. Immediately following my introduction as husband and wife, the DJ started up the stereo system and they proceeded to do a dance down the lawn's aisle! Bubbles were blown by they guests, and applause and laughter and joy permeated the front lawn of the natural altar in front of the resort's estate house.

It was a privilege to officiate your wedding, Andy and Megan; thank you for including me in your special day. When you broke out in dance, it made me feel so fortunate to do the work that I perform, helping you to celebrate with family and friends your joyful love for one another, in a backdrop of the beautiful Ocean Edge mansion by the sea.

Congratulations Andy and Megan! May you always dance together in your life's journey ahead, hands clasped, and with so much love and happiness in your hearts!

Vinny and Adrienne's Wedding, The Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, MA

This weekend, Vinny and Adrienne celebrated an elegant wedding at the boat house of the Chatham Bars Inn, in Chatham, MA. Though it had been unusually hot for Chatham, this lovely couple was fortunate enough to have offshore breezes usher them as they spoke their special vows and shared their commitment to one another beneath the flowered trellis that framed yachts in the distance.

A reading was given by Adrienne's sister, Paula Dygert, that was prepared for this special occasion. "Now you will feel no rain," she said, "for each of you will be shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves... may beauty surround you both on the journey ahead and through all the years."

Adrienne's sister, Holly Dygert, sang the beautiful song, "From this Moment" by Shania Twain

I give my hand to you with all my heart,
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart,
My dreams, came true, because, of you

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing, I wouldn't give
From this, moment, on

Vinny's daughters, Raquel and Jordan, joined with Adrienne and Vinny in celebrating the Unity Candle Ceremony. The ocean breeze decided to gain some strength just as they were performing this sacred ritual symbolizing the union of this new family. Pictured here is their sheer joy in keeping the flame of their four individual candles lit onto the single candle of the engraved glass vase.

Everyone laughed and cheered with joy as Vinny, Adrienne, Raquel and Jordan overcame the elements to the flicker of one bright flame!

Congratulations Vinny and Adrienne! May your days together be filled with love and light.

Bradley and Amanda's Wedding, The Seaview Restaurant/Resort, Dennis, MA

Again we had a scorcher of a day for a wedding ceremony, but nothing could diminish the smiles and excitement of Bradley, Amanda and their family and friends! The beach opposite the beautiful Seaview Restaurant in Dennis, MA, offered a gentle off-shore breeze, happy beach goers and and the sounds of gentle waves in the distance. Wooden benches and a beautiful flowered trellis created this natural altar by the sea.

There were moments that were highlighted with humor, too! One of the groomsmen carried a baby boy for the service; as they processed up the sandy aisle, the boy's pacifier fell out of his mouth, into the sand. Pictured here is the outcome of that most unfortunate event for this child. We all laughed in recognition of the human condition that we all share - not all goes as we plan. He did recover quite quickly, however, and he was smiling and happy within a few minutes.

Amanda was walked down the beach and up the aisle with her dad and her beloved dog. The dog's collar was adorned with beautiful flowers that matched those of the wedding party. All was very cheery and happy on this special day.

Beach goers looked on as Brad and Amanda shared their custom vows and their relatives gave special readings for their wedding day.

Back at the reception hall, Brad and Amanda had custom nautical photo pillows laid upon a white Adirondack chair. Black markers graced the arm of this chair, and pictured here is mom and dad's first message to this newly wedded couple: Dear Amanda and Brad, Laughter, happiness, & health always. Lots of Love, Mom &Dad.

I could not have said it better. Congratulations to Brad and Amanda!

Mike and Stacie's Wedding, The Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, MA

Most days have been quite hot for a wedding, though the fog bank that came through just prior to Mike and Stacie's wedding service overlooking the ocean gave us all a little breather. People congregated on the hill of Shore Road overlooking the trellis and lush green lawn adjacent to the boat house; people watched from above, enjoying the celebration of love that Stacie, Mike and their families and friends were to share.

Stacie was guided down the hill by her dad, and they talked comfortably as they walked, moving together as the onlookers smiled. All was beautiful for this lovely couple at the Chatham Bars Inn.

The sun shone through as the fog lifted during Mike and Stacie's ceremony. In a humorous moment, Mike expressed his undying devotion to Stacie by saying, "I will always be there for you!" to which a seagull squawked enthusiastically nearby, punctuating Mike's vow with an exclamation mark! Their family, friends, and even we were taken aback and laughed at the spontaneous outburst of our gull friend. It appeared that all were impressed with Mike's commitment, including our gull guest.

Congratulations Mike and Stacie! May your days be filled with sunshine and cool, gentle breezes, and may you indeed always be there for one another in love, humor and joy!

Tim and DeAnna's Wedding, The Captain's House Inn, Chatham, MA

On the lush green lawn of the stately Captain's House Inn, Chatham, Tim and DeAnna experienced a private, intimate wedding for two.

He in his tuxedo and she in her elegant white wedding gown stood under the shelter of a sugar maple tree, the birds

singing as they exchanged rings and their custom vows to one another.

This lovely couple had traveled from Colorado to share their special wedding nuptials this 4th of July holiday week. Each performed the symbolic sand ceremony whereby they both decant the sand in their individual glass vases into one receptacle, thereby signifying the union of their separate lives and histories into a new, unified whole.

The site of the Captain's House Inn is exquisite, bringing one back to another age when this Cape Cod bed and breakfast started out as the grand home of Captain Harding, a well-known sea captain from Chatham, his wife Lydia, and their nine children. Many of the rooms are named after his daughters (Eliza Jane, Mariah, Hope and Hannah Rebekah) and some of the ships he and his son, Joseph, captained (Whirlwind, Wild Hunter and Northern Light).

Currently owned and managed by proprietors Jill and James Meyer, couples can arrange for their special "elopement package", complete with beautiful accommodations, photography, champagne, salon services, elegant food and all of the romantic touches one can desire for an intimate wedding by the sea.

Tim told me that he'd met DeAnna in college in Colorado, she living their freshman year in a dormitory 3 doors down from his room. One could only surmise that yes, there is a certain destiny in such apparently happenstance occurrences, where love blooms for a lifetime of shared companionship, commitment, joy, and support. DeAnna and Tim chose to begin their journey as married partners in this simple yet elegant service by the sea.

Congratulations Tim and DeAnna! Here's a wedding toast for you, befitting such a lovely couple!

A Windsong

As you set sail for new horizons

May a brisk fair wind be with you

May your journey provide that mixture of

Joy, contentment, love and excitement

That gives rise to zestful anticipation

Of new adventures together.

May you cheerfully weather

the unavoidable storms together

And steer as clear of all obstacles

As the currents allow

May God Bless and keep you

Bon Voyage

Ray Paquette 1984

Mark and Lindsey's Wedding, The Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, MA

To say it was a hot day to be married this July 4th weekend would be an understatement... all in attendance waited for the ceremony to commence within the air-conditioned foyer of the estate's main mansion, sipping ice tea, lemonade, soda and water. In all, the pre-ceremony atmosphere was lighthearted and relaxed, all of us grateful for the estate's cool, comfortable shelter.

When all was ready to begin, all gathered gratefully beneath the shade of the majestic Linden tree that graces the expansive lawn of the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, MA. Lindsey was walked across the lawn by her father accompanied by the classical music of the harp, and they both spoke as they processed, father and daughter sharing a last minute conversation as she gracefully walked up the green lawn's aisle to the natural altar of the beautiful old Linden tree.

Bridesmaids stood and observed in light purple dresses their friends' custom written nuptials; Mark and Lindsey in their own special world, oblivious to the heat of the day. It was only when they were to exchange rings that the humidity impacted their vows; it took an extra few seconds for the wedding rings to fit onto Lindsey and Mark's fingers, but they laughed together in spite of this challenge. All was lovely in the shade of the Linden tree, our new best friend.

After exchanging rings and sharing their custom vows, I announced to Mark that he may "kiss the bride" and amongst smiles and cheers, I introduced them as "husband and wife" for the first time.

As I reflect on their wedding ceremony, the significance of the Linden tree comes to mind. The poet, Wilhelm Muller, who wrote the poem, "The Linden Tree" describes a wintry day, however, the theme of the peace exchanged from this tree to he in a sacred encounter, closely expresses the peace and love we felt emanating from the Linden tree of the Ocean Edge Resort during this lovely couple's special wedding ceremony:

At wellside, past the ramparts,

there stands a linden tree.

While sleeping in its shadow,

sweet dreams it sent to me.

And in its bark I chiseled

my messages of love:

My pleasures and my sorrows

were welcomed from above.

Today I had to pass it,

well in the depth of night -

and still, in all the darkness,

my eyes closed to its sight.

Its branches bent and rustled,

as if they called to me:

Come here, come here, companion,

your haven I shall be!

The icy winds were blowing,

straight in my face they ground.

The hat tore off my forehead.

I did not turn around.

Away I walked for hours

whence stands the linden tree,

and still I hear it whisp'ring:

You'll find your peace with me!

Congratulations Mark and Lindsey! May you experience love, peace and gentle cooling breezes for all of your days together as husband and wife!

Tim and Mandy's Wedding, The Old Sea Pine Inn, Brewster, MA

Mandy and Tim were so happy to have the perfect weather for their lovely, intimate wedding ceremony in the garden of Brewster's Old Sea Pine Inn. For the holiday weekend, friends and relatives all congregated with such enthusiasm for this beautiful couple.

Dressed in pink, the bridesmaids were so happy for their wonderful friend, Mandy, who exuded such grace and charm as her dad walked her down the aisle graced by lovely flowers, trees and vines.

Having met at St. Anselm's College, friends of Tim and Mandy celebrated together the culmination of such intimate friendships begun on this college campus five years ago as freshmen. Mandy and Tim were so excited to express their love for one another in this victorian-style garden on Cape Cod. Readers such as their friend, Holly, expressed sentiments of love and the meaningfulness of marriage and a DJ played selected songs as Mandy was escorted by her proud dad to the altar. All was a perfect day for such a happy couple!

My wife, Lianne, was so pleased to capture the moment just prior to their first kiss as husband and wife; Tim and Mandy are looking at one another with adoration in their eyes, anticipating their moment when they join their life together as husband and wife.

After the service, Mandy and Tim are congratulated by their bridal party members. The soft pink dresses, the loving hugs and smiles, all contribute to the gentle loving feelings that permeated the garden this day. I feel so blessed to be a part of this beautiful couple's ceremony!

Congratulations to Tim and Mandy! What a happy Fourth of July celebration, too!