The Big Day (part ll)

Apologies for leaving you all at the altar, with a big cliffhanger standing between us. And now I'll make good on answering the burning questions that have been searing themselves into your hearts and minds: Will they tie the knot? Will she make it down the aisle without tripping? Will they both get through their vows without weeping?

Here's what happened next. The groom and his men took their places at the base of the willow tree. The music started. We'd chosen Brandi Carlile's "The Story" as the "walking down the aisle" song (and if you click on the title, you can even hear it for your own self). (I love this song and the way she sings it. Her soul is about a thousand years old, and the words tell a story that resonated for me.) (It will come as no surprise to learn that this song makes me weep.) (You'll be happy to know that both Mister Man and I listened to it a fair amount so that I wouldn't end up looking like Alice Cooper when my mascara ran....)

My brother took a firm hold of my hand and guided me over the stairs toward Mister Man.

Wouldn't I give a shiny loonie to know what he was whispering to Mark?

And then we arrived.

Cousin Don welcomed everyone.

And so began the ceremony.

Friends and family sat attentively.

The mums beamed next to her handsome date (Mariette's husband, Brian)

We felt so lucky to have all of these amazing people share our day.

We exchanged our vows. The night before the wedding, we'd read them aloud in front of Mariette and Brian. I went first:

Brian,

Many months ago, my mother said that today would be the most important day of my life. At that time, I told her that I’d had many more days that were equally (if not more) important. But her passing comment got me thinking about the notion of “most important day.”

What I came to realize was that the most important day of my life was the day that we met in cyberspace 4 years ago. I sent a message to you , asking if you wanted to correspond, and from the first missive I received in response, I knew that you were special beyond belief: smart, and kind and oh-so-funny. From the moment you came into my life, you welcomed my family into your heart, you opened your arms to all of my amazing friends and you opened your heart to me. In short, you are the kindest, gentlest, most supportive person I know and I am so lucky to be standing here with you on this day.

And as I recognized the beautiful, indelible mark you’ve made on my life, I had an epiphany. I realized that today IS incredibly important, because here in front of our friends and family, I get to stand up and tell you how much I love you. I get to stand up and tell you that I promise to love you in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, and as long as I grace the face of the earth.

I can also throw in some bonus promises today, such as: I promise not to be such a freak about the dishes. I promise to take out the recycling from time to time and I promise not to leave the cupboard doors open for you to walk into.

But most of all, I promise to work WITH you – to nurture our marriage through the good times and the hard times, and over the bumps and hills and valleys. I will work hard to focus on the things that make us click, and to let go of the things that don’t. Because, at the end of every day, the one thing I know, is that you make my life a better place.

Mister Man responded:

Teri,

Before we met, I was lost. And then you found me. Since we’ve been together, my world has grown in ways I could have not imagined. You have shown me that life is to be experienced without reservations or restraint. I vow to share my life with you with and to be as open and sharing as I can be.

You have shown me the true meaning of love, I had no idea I had so much room in my heart to share myself completely and openly without limits. It is hard finding words to describe my love for you. Mere words are not enough to describe how strongly I feel for you, and how committed I am to you, and our lives together. I vow to continue to keep my heart open to you

I am here today to share with all our wonderful family and friends, my commitment to you. I want to be your best friend and partner for the rest of our lives. I want to be there to laugh when you’re crying about silly things. I relish the gusto with which you rush to the aid of a friend in need. I admire the courage you show in the face of adversity. I am absolutely amazed at the passion you show for every aspect of your life. I vow to share your passion.

You are the shining example of how to be a good person. I love everything about, well, everything you are. You bring out the best in every person you meet, just by being you. I vow to support you in every way I can.

Teri, you truly are the most lovely, beautiful, passionate person I have ever met. I am fully and completely committed to sharing our lives together. I vow to be the best man I can be for you as we move through life together.

Please be my partner in life.

We seal the deal.

Paully approves!

And then we invited the Mums and Bob to welcome each other to our new families.

And while this is a teeny, tiny image, I can assure you that the love was big, and the joy even bigger.

In part lll, we'll tie all of this together, with family photos and frolicking on the lawn.... stay tuned!!