Winter Wedding

By Ariniko O'Meara   |   Posted February 27, 2014   |   Previous Entry   |   Next Entry

There is so much beauty in the world. Sometimes it is hard to find it, keep it or share it. I feel very fortunate to have found a craft that I can do for the rest of my life that allows me and even demands that I find and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. Sometimes I find this beauty accidentally. Sometimes I am invited to it.

On Saturday I was invited to share in a moment that was heartfelt and genuine. It would be remiss to say it was a simple wedding. A better description would be purposeful. Every aspect was determined for a specific reason. The size of the gathering was small, immediate family only. It was the dead of winter and even though some family members had abandoned much warmer states to attend this event, not one person complained about the cold. There was solidarity of comfort to each other and for each other. This was a gathering of a family that had gone through so much loss yet united together to celebrate this union of two. It was the formal creation of a new family and they all were there to be a supporting part of it. Together the group climbed over snow banks and carefully walked the icy trail to their destination, a cute bridge that over looked a delicate waterway. This specific location, The Tollgate Wetland, was chosen because it was important to the bride. She shared countless moments here with her father and son. She would soon add to those memories by marrying the man she loves at this location.

Once in place she obediently took the hand of her older brother as he lovingly stood in place as "father of the bride". Standing on the very trail she and her father had meandered many times, she now walked it hand in hand with her big brother, surrounded by family on this beautifully cold, sunny, winter’s day. There was so much love in that action; taking his sister’s hand, walking her down that path, and placing her alongside her soon to be husband.

There was so much happiness in her eyes and on his face as they pledged their lives together. This time, in this perfect place, on this perfect day with the perfect family they have all created a moment of beauty that will last forever. Thank you Jody & Clayton for letting me share in your perfectly beautiful day.

In loving memory of Jody's mom, dad and brothers Jeff & Dennis.