The wedding ceremony as handed down through the ages assumes that a couple are coming to the union “without attachments.” Vows of commitment have the implied (if not spoken) pledge to “forsake all others” and to “give the marriage the full attention it will require to root and grow”.
All sound ideas. But a wedding today is often the start of a blended family. And for the younger set, logic can easily bounce into emotion when you’re watching your parent make big promises to someone else.
First official family portrait
John and Marie were concerned about the kids…Marie’s kids, to be specific. Being a close family was an absolute for both of them, and they wanted to really “prove” their commitment to them. So Marie’s four children were included in the ceremony…not the actual wedding portion, but in a family ritual with vows.
The ceremony was a lively concoction of mixed heritages and faiths (but not too heavy on the “religion”), some traditional components (keep the parents happy) done in a more casual way (their own style), their own much considered vows. “Bob” music ranged from Dylan to Marley. Stories of their meeting and their relationship made guests laugh with delight. The couple wanted to be surrounded and blessed by the people they loved.
After their own vows, they invited the children to come forward. The mini-ceremony focused around each child receiving a gold necklace inscribed with the wedding date and the family cheer (keep reading to find out). While you can purchase premade family medallions, that was not their choice. In other situations, a sand/salt ceremony might be a better fit.
Both Marie and John made solemn vows to the kids, addressing some of the issues that might arise. As they placed the necklace on each child, they avowed:
We pledge to you our continuing love,
and surround you with arms of support,
as together we face a new future,
one in which love has unfolded,
and will continue to unfold before our very eyes.
My closing: And now we are all joined, couple, family, friends and community. We are all truly blessed. There’s only one way to complete this celebration…with the family cheer. On the count of three..
One…two…three…
The room erupted into a boisterous “Go team US!”
Amid cheers and applause, the family danced down the aisle to Bob Marley singing:
Is this love – is this love – is this love -
Is this love that I’m feelin’?
Can you hear that reggae beat?
