Lo and behold, it's wedding time

 

     "A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."  

— Robert Quillen    

     

     Our much-anticipated family wedding is now but a memory — but what a beautiful one!  

    

     

     I came across this comment made by The Beatles' John Lennon, 

     "Now-a-days, it's hip not to be married. I'm not interested in being hip." 

     

     I'm so glad Sarah and Tyler also felt that way. They obviously wished to have a happy celebration with family and friends, as they made the ultimate commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. 

     Much of Sarah's growing-up years were often spent with her maternal grandparents at their summer home on Shuswap Lake. 

     Her many enjoyable days swimming, sailing with Grandpa Owens, making sandcastles on the beach, all contributed to her great love of God's awesome out-of-doors. Tyler too, spent many years camping with his family in the great outdoors. 

     It wasn't a surprise then, to see Sarah and Tyler had planned the decor of their entire wedding ceremony and reception with this story theme in mind. 

     What a beautiful tribute to her late Grandpa Owens. 

     From the lovely, rustic wooden archway; the burlap, carpeted aisle; the delicate, long-stemmed, white roses beautifully displayed in large, clear vases; the family sand ceremony; to the special touches at the reception: such as the assorted, polished rocks at each place setting, bearing each guest's name; certainly accomplished Sarah's desired effect. 

     Her year's planning of this once-in-a-lifetime event paid off. 

     The unity sand ceremony was meaningful, as two different coloured sands were blended into a single vessel, symbolizing the joining of two unique beings into a single unit. 

     

     Then, as each set of parents took their turn in the pouring of the coloured grains of sand, it signified a blending of family with their personalities, strengths and needs, and a promise to compliment and support each other. 

     

     
     Pastor Tim, a good friend and church group leader of Sarah and Tyler's for several years performed the ceremony. 

     He had composed quite a unique poem about Sarah and Tyler. Asking him to include it in the program, his method of presentation was a surprise to just about everyone in the room but not to Tyler and Sarah. He presented it in the style of a "rap" and the applause just about brought the house down. 

Here it is...

Lo and behold it's wedding time
everybody listen to this wedding rhyme
we are here to celebrate this couple's marriage
When will there be a baby in a carriage?
Many days have passed and night had gone by
I'm gonna tell you about the time Tyler saw a star in her eye
they were playing the game of life, Tyler needed a partner
He looked across the table and said I think I found her
The game was a bust, they were failing at life
But he knew he would win if she became his wife
Sarah plays soccer, Tyler plays rugby
on their first date, he asked, "You hungry?"
She didn't order salad, she ordered a burger,
he said this girl eats so good, I don't deserve her
on her doorstep he wanted a kiss
She was so nervous he nearly missed
so he saved the day and she started to pray,
"could this be the man for my wedding day?"

Lo and behold it's wedding time
everybody listen to this wedding rhyme
we are here to celebrate this couple's marriage
When will there be a baby in a carriage?

Sarah's parents prayed that she would find a mate
When Sarah started school in grade eight.
Tyler was too young he was only grade four
girls still had cooties and love was folklore
Flash forward to when they were older
walking hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Tyler worked at subway to put him through school
Sarah thought that sandwich artist was really cool
Sarah went to Lytton to be a teacher
then FaceTime became a nightly feature
their love for each other grew like a fire
while their love for Jesus pointed them higher
Tyler got a rock that will break her arm
Sarah said this guy's got a lot of charm
he's kind of cute what's the harm
I think it's wedding time, ring the alarm

Low and behold it's wedding time
everybody listen to this wedding rhyme
we are here to celebrate this couple's marriage
When will there be a baby in a carriage?

     Two special memories will remain with me, for sure. Seeing my great-grandchild Evelyn Jane, (just two months short of four years) in her beautiful, dark blue frock — matching 
Sarah's three lovely attendants — confidently walking down the aisle preceding her cousin Sarah as she dropped flower petals from her basket.

      

     Reaching the groom Tyler, she was greeted with a big bear hug. Then, with a huge smile, Tyler watched as his forever Sarah came towards him, finally to become a part of him. 
     
 

     He actually kept that BIG smile throughout the whole ceremony, probably finding it hard to believe that the waiting game was over at last.  

      
     Weddings are always very special, especially when family members can attend to give their love and blessings on the new addition joining their clan. Tyler has been accepted with open arms and already is one-of-us.  

     

     Our family accommodations at the Thompson Rivers University were so very adequate, and with the reception activities on campus in the Mountain Room, it made everything so easy and enjoyable. 

     

     Upon entering the reception hall, the wedding party did a hip-hop style/flash dance to the popular Bruno Mars hit Uptown Funk, which set the tone for a great evening of fun that included dancing, various types of games — even a yummy candy bar.

Krista (top left), siblings Dave, Roger, Debi and Karen cutting the rug.

     

     During one of the speeches, wise counsel was given by Courtney, Sarah's maid-of-honour, "Tyler, don't forget to keep on dating Sarah," and "Sarah, don't stop flirting with Tyler." 

     What a great suggestion in keeping love alive!  

     Now, with these newlyweds living only a short distance down the street from this Grandma, I wonder... "how could I be so blessed?" 

     My blessings and prayers will continue to be over two special people that are already a big part of my life.   

     The following seems to include my sentiments as well:

     "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other. Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be companion for the other. Now you are two-person, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to begin the days of your life together. May your days together be good and long upon the earth." 

— Apache blessing       

 

   

     "A great marriage is not when the perfect couple come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." 

— Dave Meurer                           

             

— beulah