Sunday

O, Sunday. Beautiful weather, thank you to all the gods and goddesses. Thank you for leading me into these peoples lives and thank you for the opportunity to compile a ceremony of originality and faith that I was really and truly proud of. Racing around earlier in the day, I picked up a copy of a book as a gift for the couple from a mutual friend, the woman with ALS. She'd said she really wanted them to have it, and how could I fail her? Not an option. Wanted to do something extra for Kristy, who'd introduced me to the wonderful world of MY VERY FIRST HOBBY EVER, poi. Started making the bridal poi at home with some doubt, continued in the car on the way up with slightly more confidence, got assistance in bow making and moral support from Kelly once there and help from fabulous husband and his swiss army multi tool in breaking up old clip on earrings to get the crystal beads and was able to present them with pride to the bride moments before her wedding. She squealed with glee and it was a great big warm fuzzy moment. Some herding of people was necessary around the beautiful chuppa Kristy had made that could later be a tapestry in their home. Pleased that they'd followed my advice to anchor the polls in flower pots; made a mental note to advice really large flower pots for the next chuppa. Ross played guitar and it was wonderful working with him. Kristy looked so beautiful, she walked in part way with her dad and the rest of the way with Dan - she looked like a goddess of calla lilies, radiant and ivory and living silk. Dan himself was very handsome, all the more when he looked at her. Kept it together for most of the ceremony, but for the blessing of hands done by Kim and Rick I got a bit weepy. Got really weepy during the vows, and jokingly offered my sleeve to Dan to wipe his own eyes with - he did and later wiped his mouth with it when they shared some wine. Now, normally when I'm walking people through their vows I also go through mine, in my head. I credit being a wedding officiant with helping me in my own marriage over the past few years. I am a legendary mush, and often will come home to Ross babbling and cooing at him. This time, he was right there and after the ceremony I couldn't stop kissing him, just softly, about every 20 minutes for the rest of the night. Cried like a little girl after the ceremony with friend Kim, who is also my idol in legendary mushiness. Gave Dan the book from mutual friend and took pictures of Kristy spinning bridal poi. And Dan spinning bridal poi. And Kelly spinning said bridal poi. Spun a little myself, not sure if anyone got pictures of that. Best beginning to a party ever: the bride and groom were swept up in a fabulous "hora", which looks a whole lot to an outsider like a welcoming ritual. Truly beautiful - best wedding party I've ever attended. Full credit to Dan's mum, who worked her little hiny off putting this all together. Cried through the speeches. Cried randomly after that. Slept on the way home, and dreamed of stars and trees and the grace of the gods and poi with streaming ribbons and crystals spun by the goddess of calla lilies...