Dan and Kelly had to decide about whether or not they marry on the beach, the weather forecast being rather dismal, with intermittent rain showers, and possibly thunderstorms from the humidity. They'd made such wonderful plans for a marriage on this expansive beach front, and they weren't about to give in to mother nature's behavior. The wedding ceremony on the beach was still a go!
And they made the right choice - it was a rather misty, foggy late afternoon that gave their wedding service a rather etheric feeling; the fog rolled onto shore, obscuring the view of one another once beyond 15 feet. Dan's brother used a wooden plank to smooth the sand into a circle where we would stand; he created a long , smooth pathway for Kelly to be escorted to this home made altar on the beach as well. He sprinkled the walkway with white flour, making the beach a beautiful, white sandy runway. Turns out he was a mason, so he took his role with pride and commented, "Had I a few hours, I would've built them an archway!" No doubt he would have, too! Such a nice guy.
The service was beautiful and intimate, with the misty fog embracing Dan and Kelly, their family and friends in this lone circle on the beach where his brother had lovingly crafted a natural altar complete with tiki torches. The mist kept putting out the flame on the torches, but nothing could squelch the flame of love that Dan and Kelly felt for one another.
There were readings given by relatives, yet the most touching and powerful reading was given by Dan's teenage daughter, Katherine. She started by saying how in her experience, love could be a frightening experience, but yet, her father and Kelly have taught her a lesson about what true love could be, and how wonderful both her dad and Kelly each have been in showing her and her siblings what love is all about. She was so articulate and loving herself, expressing gratitude that Dan and Kelly found one another. When Katherine finished her reading, Dan and Kelly both held her in a long embrace, all three creating a loving cocoon, wrapped in one another's arms. I paused for a moment as the beach was entirely quiet in the foggy mist, each guest member recognizing, too, that this was one of those sacred moments in life when time becomes suspended and a silent, divine feeling of oneness is felt by all.
We did complete the service after Kelly and Dan shed several loving tears. He spoke his custom vows, the tears rolling down his cheek as he gave his "Top 10 Reasons We Will Stay Together", some items bringing laughter from Kelly, other items, sweet sentimental tears.
After the sharing of vows, and the exchanging of rings, I then pronounced Dan and Kelly to be "husband and wife" to the applause and whistles of their loved ones. The happy couple kissed in the mist, so happy to be together, so full of joy for the moment.
I feel so honored to have been a part of your wedding day, Dan and Kelly. May you always recall Katherine's special words about the love you've shown and the lessons you have taught. I think I learned something from Katherine, too; I think she gave you the 11th reason why you will stay together for the rest of your lives - that pure, unconditional love that we all felt on this foggy beach.
Congratulations Dan and Kelly! Have a wonderful, loving life together!
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