“Catering to You” Wedding: Sara & Marlon

Each time I “pronounce” a couple, I am a bit in awe of what they have just agreed to do and to be for one another. But every once in a while I am surprised by the emotions that show up in me in that moment, as they did recently at the wedding ceremony of Sara and Marlon.

I suppose it has everything to do with the fact that Sara grew up across the street from me and my husband during the sixteen years we lived in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. Our families attended the same church for many years, she participated in the church youth group when I was an adult facilitator, and we carpooled together for a year or so to the high school she attended as a student while I worked there as a teacher.

And although she was absolutely stunning when she walked down the aisle toward Marlon as Etta James sang “At Last,” the tears didn’t catch up with me until that moment at the end:

“Sara and Marlon, by the love that has brought you here today, by the vows you have exchanged, and by the integrity of your commitment, in the presence of these witnesses here and in the presence of God, it is my pleasure and my honor to pronounce you husband and wife.”

Photo by Arsenia Tate
http://www.cateringtoyou.com/

Greener Weddings: Earth Day 2011

More and more of us are coming to the realization that, for the very survival of life on this planet, we need to begin to thinking of every day as “earth day.” This requires bringing a new level of awareness to the impact our everyday decisions make on both the natural world and on our brothers and sisters all over the world.

I have witnessed a growing number of brides and grooms bringing this deepening consciousness to their weddings. They are making choices that include eco-friendly engagement and wedding rings; using recycled paper for everything from invitations to program; and buying organic, locally grown flowers for their ceremony and reception. Some brides are wearing used gowns (vintage, borrowed from a friend, or a family gown); having the reception catered by a vendor using locally grown food; and choosing to have the ceremony and reception in the same location to cut down on driving.

The list goes on. I could write a book. But I don’t need to because there is so much information out there for those who want to pursue greener options for their weddings!

Two books to consider:
Green Wedding: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration, by Miyera Navarro, and
The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget, by Kate L. Harrision.