The wedding was exquisite. Nobody could have asked for a nicer one. Carmen was indeed the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Even though I had previously seen the dress she wore, I was in awe of how wonderful she looked in it when she made her entrance.

We chose to have the ceremony in an historic tavern - a local landmark that is now a highly respected restaurant. John Hagan's Tavern was built in about 1785. In order to preserve the feel of that colonial era, the staff dress in period attire. On a whim, we decided to do the same. You can see a couple of samples here.

We found the ceremony especially poignant and so we'll share a bit of it with you:



THE HOMILY
We join together in loving fellowship to share in one of the great sacraments of human life, the uniting of two lives into one of mutual love and loyalty. Neither our presence nor this service gives marriage its sanctity, for only two loving people under the sight of God can do that. But we hope that our presence can lend support and encouragement to the both of you as you begin this new life together.

A good and happy marriage is never complete. What you have before this moment is but a fraction of what you will become together as the years pass. The joy of marriage is filling out the story that you have already begun. And so, with each year, with each joy, with each sorrow, with argument and with each peace, you will become a bit more married. Marriage is not a static state but a lively and challenging adventure and it is my charge to you now to keep that spirit of adventure alive in your life and in your love.

This day is an act of faith in one another. Your faith must not be a vain hope in what the other will do or become. Yours must be that deeper faith that each of you will be acceptable in each other's eyes simply as you are. Such a faith requires that you be honest to yourself as well as being attentive to the other. The years will bring many changes and such a covenant will maintain only so long as you remember that your pledge to one another is a devotion in freedom.

Please remember that your marriage will be like a dance: sometimes close, sometimes apart, but always together. Always remember that courtesy and consideration, even in hard times, are the seeds of compassion and that your love will always be the fruit that will sustain you. Trust, passion, and respect are the sustaining virtues of marriage. Hold them close and they will help you learn from each situation and help you realize that wherever you turn you will always meet yourselves again. And finally, remember, that a good sense of humor is a great redeemer in times of trial and strain.


BLESSING ON THE MARRIAGE
May the spirit of all life bless you on this journey you are beginning and may your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring. May life grant you patience, tolerance and understanding.

May you always need one another - not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each of you know the fullness you have together. A mountain needs a valley to be complete and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain over it. So let it be with each of you.

May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you entice one another, but not compel.
May you embrace one another, but not encircle.
May you succeed in all important ways with one another but not fail in the little graces.

May you look often for things to praise and take no notice of the small faults. And if you have quarrels that push you apart, may each of you have the good sense to take the first step back toward the other again.

May you enter into this passionate mystery that is the awareness of each others' presence. A presence that is as physical as it is spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in distant places.

May you always find your happiness in making each other happy, and may you always find your love in loving each other.



It was a somewhat small gathering - including our (grown) children, their significant others, some grandchildren, and a few other children as well. I think there were 19 people there, counting Carmen and me. The dinner we enjoyed after the vows was almost as memorable as the ceremony. We feasted on such things as crab cakes, roast duckling and, well…see for yourself.

Yes, there was music. The Tavern always plays some wonderful traditional instrumental music CD's that we found to be just great for our purpose. I had tinkered with the idea of compiling some cuts from my favorite Mudcat CD's; but simply ran out of time. Besides, we get to listen to those at home all of the time.

I honestly cannot think of anything that could have made the event more perfect unless there could have been a reenactment of a Getaway style, late-night Mudcat cabin jam waiting for us when we got home. But I guess we'll just have to wait a few months for that. In more ways than I can say, the Getaway this year will be especially momentous and memorable. Among other things, it will be the first anniversary of the reuniting of Carmen and me - the details of which you can find here. (Please ignore that I misnamed the lovely town of Myersville.)

Now the wedding is over and life is more or less back to normal. Even so, it still feels as though everything continues to revolve around us, bringing new joys with every turn. It is difficult for me to imagine that there could be anyone any happier than Carmen and I are. We want to thank all of you for the good wishes, the emails, the PM's, and the phone calls. They have all made a special event even more special. Thank you!