All photos in this post are courtesy of my amazing photographer Lew D'Souza of Engaging Images.
When Corey and I decided to have our wedding at our old summer camp, I think even we thought we were crazy. There had never been a wedding there before and there were no real facilities to host a ceremony.
Still, we decided that the sentimental connection we had with the location and the naturally beautiful setting at Crestwood would make it worthwhile. We were right.
After scouting the perfect spot and choosing minimal decorations, I drew Corey a diagram and sent him and our brothers to set up on the morning of our wedding.
One of my bridesmaids helped me with our signage and our brothers and moms coordinated setup.
Our guests sat on the benches used for lunchtime at camp. It was casual and unfussy!
We had a covered tent for the bridal party to get ready, which we opened up to guests afterwards for cookies and refreshments before heading to our reception.
We may be biased, but I'm fairly certain we had the most adorable ring bearer and flower girl ever!
Our processional song was The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel.
I met Corey at the back of the aisle so that we could walk together (with Barkley and Cheetah) as a family.
I paused at the front quickly when I saw my mom because I needed a hug.
Our ceremony included no scripture or religious quotes. Only a passage by Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin
“Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an
earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that
it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of
promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any
of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when
being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate
accident.
In the coming years, may you find that you have
roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms
have fallen from the branches, may you find that you are one tree and not
two.”
In truth, I had copied the idea from my cousin's wedding earlier in the summer but the passage really spoke to us and it seemed especially beautiful and moving as we stood under the trees. I cried the entire time.I was so swollen that I was worried my ring wouldn't fit. My hands and voice were shaking as we put them on while reciting the last line of our vows (which is also the inscription in the rings): My Love, My Life, My Friend.
Our wedding was inter-faith and so we had our officiant explain the significance behind the breaking of the glass so that everyone could follow along.
I was so jittery and excited when it was over that I left my friend, Sara holding my bouquet.
We had light refreshments and some laughs after under the big top tent.
It gave us time to mingle a bit before heading off to the reception.
Do you remember your own wedding ceremony? Did you cry like I did? What was your favourite part?