When Jordan's mother and her long-term partner of twenty years (!!!!) decided to get married, we were endlessly excited about their choice of venue--Newfoundland! Another opportunity to go back and spend some time in this beloved province of rugged coasts, soggy weather and breath-taking vistas. While we were surrounded on either side of the wedding day with unbelievably sunny weather, the day of the wedding was dark and grey and full of clouds heavy with the promise of imminent rain. But I suppose rain on a wedding day is good fortune, which this couple will now have in spades.
It isn't a common experience to watch a couple get married after 20 years, especially when they are your parents! As my relationship grew with my husband, we got to to watch their relationship evolve over time as well. We witnessed the proposal, shared in their excitement and were a part of the wedding and in its planning.
The wedding was near seamless. It was those little details that really made a big difference, like all staying on location for days on either side of the wedding. We had dinners with various family members or swung by their rooms. An evening of music the night before the wedding meant that we got to connect with friends and family beforehand so that the wedding day was not the first time we would see people. Judith and Stephen are fortunate to have such a supportive and loving group of friends and family in their lives. A short write-up on each couple or guest attending helped us keep each other straight and gave us a starting point for conversation. What a fantastic idea!
We arrived amidst the rain to bagpipes and walked down the aisle surrounded and supported by family and friends who had all flown in and drove especially for the occasion. "It was a small affair" the locals said. But there is beauty and warmth in an intimate wedding, now isn't there? The old wooden church had some personal significance for us. Stephen's great-great grandfather was the local bishop at the time and oversaw the construction of the church many years ago. And Judith's mother grew up around the corner.
The vows were personal and eloquent. And as Stephen recited his vows, there was barely a dry eye in the church.The children were incredible. Gabriel was darling and kept shhing Magdalene who decided that the middle of the wedding during Judith's vows was the best time to start singing away at the top of her lungs. I stuffed them full of crackers and juice and biscuits and raisins and chocolates. I scrambled trying to find something other than a mint covered in purse lint to keep them as quiet as possible. But we were able to stay for the entire ceremony!
Dinner was delightful--parsnip soup, salad and fish while Leonard Cohen, Madeleine Peyroux and Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations played in the background. And for dessert, a ginger cake. There weren't long speeches, only Stephen's daughter, Emma and Jordan. And if I might add that Jordan's speech was the best of his entire speaking career--well written, well executed replete with poetic referencing and political poise, peppered with humour. (I mean, doesn't he just LOOK like a senator in this picture???) Sadly, Magdalene could not stay, but Gabriel did for most of it before we sent him to bed under the watch of a local sitter.
Jordan and I stayed until late into the evening, while we played DJ. We sure got some people moving on the dance floor right away and late into the evening. A little CCR, the Beatles.... You've got to know your crowd! Let me tell you, the whole event, was really something.
Congratulations ChouChou and Fizey!! An unforgettable wedding!!
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