Jim e-mailed me from a war zone, where he was in the middle of a posting. He had a leave coming up, had never been to North America. His partner would fly in from another part of the world to meet him, and he hoped, after 13 years and 2 children together, to “make an honest woman out of her.”
If you have read how I work, you know that I like to co-create with my couples. Though Jim was behind a fortress-like firewall, and Catherine’s computer had committed hara kiri, we still managed to pull together a ceremony that would honour his wicked sense of humour, her desire for something romantic with a prayer, and bring their daughters symbolically to be at the ceremony.
Because it was off-season and a weekday, both the photographer and I were able to meet with them the day before to scout out locations and set up the plan. Felt good, because given our restrictions, we hadn’t “met” in some way before…which is a rarity for me.
The ceremony itself was sweet and real, profound at times, at others a little irreverent. Like the old feller (said with love) who interrupted the ceremony to offer congrats and show off his new scarf, the chorus of ducks nearby, and the cyclist who waited on the bridge for the kiss, ringing his bell with gusto.
Ah yes, everyone loves a wedding. And even when you travel half-way around the world to elope, you still get guests…:)
** It was an absolute delight to work with Courtney from Courtney Clarke Photography!
“Barbara is the person you want to conduct your ceremony if you want something different, unique and fun. A straight talking woman with a great sense of humour who is very flexible whilst charging around Beacon Hill Park at dusk trying to find the right spot to hold the wedding. All this the night before. Highly recommend Barbara to anyone.” Thanks, Jim…:)