Ron & Darcie's Wedding, Orleans, MA

Ron and Darcie hosted their wedding service for intimate family and friends at Darcie's family     

colonial home set deeply in the woods of Orleans, MA.  To say that everything was so warm and inviting would be an under- 

statement.  One could feel the aura of love in this gorgeous colonial home; outside, it rained and the air temperature was rather cold for April, with a steady blustery wind.  Entering the family household, we immediately were enveloped with the smells of home:  a nice fire burning in the living room fireplace, the smell of a home cooked meal being prepared for the guests, and the sounds of family talking and laughing, were most inviting.  

Ron and Darcie had written special vows for their ceremony, and Darcie's dad had a poignant poetic reading, along with a sacred blessing he'd written himself for his beloved daughter and son-in-law. There were hugs and kisses, as well as tears of love.  I stood for a full moment in the middle of the service, honoring the loving emotions that this family felt for one another; it was clear to me that this was a special, intimate space.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, I pronounced Ron and Darcie, "husband and wife".  In the center of the living room, with family and friends encircling the room and this beautiful couple,

Ron and Darcie kissed and swayed to the soft background music that wafted through the house. They gazed at each other lovingly and danced ever so gently around the living room.  

The fire's wood crackled; the candle decorations and forsythia lovingly placed on the mantle piece glittered in the light; through the opened window nearby, the cool air brushed fairly against the white lace curtains, and the rain fell outside in the darkness.  Tears of happiness were in Darcie's  and Ron's eyes, and if one looked around the room, her family and friends, too. Darcie's  dad, Mark, commented on how all of the elements were present for this sacred event; earth, fire, air and water.  And added to this mix, another family member said, was spirit.  

May Darcie and Ron's lives be as filled with the spirit of love as we witnessed tonight.  I feel so honored to have been a part of Darcie and Ron's very special, touching wedding service.  

 

Phil & Laura's Wedding, Wequassett Inn, Chatham

Phil and Laura had a beautiful ceremony accented by nautical themes such as the 3 foot ice sculpture of a magnificent lighthouse, and name cards of family and friends adorned with exquisite sea horses.  The guests braved the rainy day, and the smiles of the bride and groom created such a happy, sunny environment despite the April weather.  

A meaningful component of Phil and Laura's service was the Jewish tradition of the "breaking of the glass" at the culmination of their wedding ceremony.  It denotes that the bride and groom and everyone in attendance should consider this marriage permanent and final, as the breaking of the glass is unchangeable. The shattered glass also reminds us how fragile life and love can be.  That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or marital misstep can damage a marriage in ways that are difficult to undo, just as it would be difficult to undo the breaking of the glass. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage, and that the love of Laura and Phil should last for as long as it would take to make the glass perfectly whole again.

Pictured here is Phil just a second prior to his successful breaking of the glass rolled in a napkin; if you listen closely, you can hear the silence of anticipation, the shattering of the glass, and the celebratory shouts of  "Mazel Tov!"

Michel & Matthew, Chatham Bars Inn

Michel and Matthew were married by the sea at Chatham Bars' Boat House.  What a gorgeous venue for an intimate group of family and friends.  What struck me about this couple is that they thoroughly enjoyed the service and therefore, much laughter prevailed throughout the ceremony. I think I may have even said during the service that they were "having too much fun" up there! You see, most couples are rather teary eyed, anxious, or a combination of both (which is to be expected).  This was not the case for this lovely couple.  While the seals frolicked in the background of the sand bars a few hundred feet away, this couple enjoyed the sea breeze, and they basked in the love of one another and their guests.  Complete with flip flops to match his conservative suit for the occasion, the groom smiled when my wife, Lianne, said she would not post a photo of his feet!  What a unique, fun marriage ceremony at the Boat House. Congratulations Michel and Matthew!  May your joy, love and laughter ring throughout your years together as husband and wife.

Steven & Nancy, Ned's Point Light, Pocassett, MA

Steven and Nancy held their custom wedding ceremony at Ned's Point Lighthouse on March 2oth at 11:30 AM to have their vows coincide with the vernal equinox. For the first day of spring, it was mighty cold and windy, but the warmth of their smiles and the love of friends and family, coupled with the celebratory champagne at the service's completion, made for an extra special day. Steven professionally opened the champagne bottle with a saber, a method called sabrage; a technique for opening a champagne bottle used for ceremonial occasions. The saber is slid along the body of the bottle toward the neck. The force of the blade hitting the lip breaks the glass to separate the collar from the neck of the bottle. The cork and collar remain together after separating from the neck. This technique became popular in France when the army of Napoleon visited many of the aristocrat domains. As you can see, Steven's technique was successful, as they toast to their being husband and wife! Congratulations to Steve and Nancy and happy Spring!

Torrey & Laura, Valentine's Day, Chatham Bars Inn

Torrey and Laura exchanged their wedding vows on Valentine's Day at the beautiful front veranda overlooking the ocean at the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham. Truly a romantic, handsome couple, these photos show the special love they felt for one another during and after the ceremony. If you look closely at the photo of the ceremony, you can see a gentleman inside, watching the service, which did not surprise me. Laura and Torrey had such "presence" as they walked together, holding hands in the grand Inn's foyer; every head turned to watch their main entrance and their special kiss.

Torrey was so very romantic as he whispers lightly to her upon their departure as husband and wife. What was he saying? It's only for them to know... a special connection on their wedding day. I feel blessed to have officiated their ceremony on Valentine's Day. May Torrey and Laura care for one another and love each other for many happy years to come. Congratulations to the both of you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am about to conduct a wedding within a few hours today at the Chatham Bars Inn - a special custom ceremony for St. Valentine's Day!  

This is a special day for me, too, in that I asked my wife Lianne out on our first date 29 years ago on this day...we're still very happy, laughing together and loving one another.  

To all of the wonderful, unique, loving couples that I married in the past year:  Happy Valentine's Day as husband and wife - your first valentine holiday of what will be many future years together.

And to all of the future couples I will marry this upcoming year, Happy Valentine's day as engaged couples!  

I selected a photo of Ian and Laura as the special photo for this day.  Their beautiful smiles as I performed their ceremony on Chatham Lighthouse beach, along with the image of Laura's heart-filled scarf, catches the imagery for Valentine's Day. 

May everyone feel the love they have for their significant others on this day, and every day.  

Live in joy!

Rev. Dr. Nicholas J. Boas

Roberto & Lora's Wedding, West Dennis Graded School, Dennis MA

Roberto and Lora's wedding was held at the charming historic West Dennis Graded School built in 1858. Their family and friends helped with the decor, the music, and the catering, making it a very festive environment.  Faith filled, Roberto and Lora exchanged their custom written vows with all of their loved ones gathered round the platform where we stood; with the close fellowship of their family and friends, I am sure that all witnessed the holy sacredness of their union during this post-Christmas celebration.  Indeed, this was a very special wedding with their friends singing as a part of their ceremony.  Congratulations to Roberto and Lora!  May you both have a beautiful, loving life together as husband and wife, and may you continue to be blessed with so many close friends and family enfolding you with their love and prayers.