On longtime friends and weddings

9 September 2013

Hello, friends! John and I had a weekend filled with some of our favorite things — friends, family, and weddings! One of our dearest friends — we went to both high school and college with her — got married on Saturday, and John and I were honored to read at the ceremony. It was a quick trip (we flew up Saturday morning and back last night), but we still managed to have breakfast with friends and lunch with our parents in between wedding festivities.

cathedral-veil

Instagram from Bryce Covey, the photographer!

John and I have always known how lucky we are to have such a close group of friends from high school, but goodness, this weekend really hammered that home. Things have changed — five of our original eleven are now married, one is engaged, and two more are on that path — but it’s amazing how much has stayed the same, including our ability to laugh over the most ridiculous things. We’re scattered across six states, with two on the West Coast, so its a huge blessing whenever we can all get together, and even more so how easily we fall back in step with each other when we do.

st-james-episcopal-church-new-york

The wedding ceremony was my favorite kind — carefully considered, meaningful, serious, and joyful — and as I said, we were honored to play a role. My favorite part, though, was the congregational affirmation:

We have witnessed the marriage of Jackie and George. They have made their vows in our presence and asked for our support in their life together. We also have the honor of affirming our commitment to them. I invite you to uphold Jackie and George in their promises by responding to the following questions:

Do you commit yourself to providing all the encouragement and support possible to help Jackie and George in their marriage?

Do you agree to do all in your power to assist Jackie and George in the struggles they may encounter?

Do you give yourself to the ideal of living out a life of commitment, that Jackie and George may see in you an icon of what they seek?

If so, answer, WE WILL.

sperry-tent-wedding

I was struck once again by the power of a marriage ceremony — what it means for the two people being joined together, but also by the commitment it requires of everyone who participates as a witness. Maybe it’s because we’re just a week out from our own first anniversary, but I was really touched by the depth of that promise. What a beautiful and joyful way of linking so many lives together!

sperry-tent-at-night

Also from Bryce

Are you still close with your friends from high school? If you’re married, did you include a congregational affirmation in your ceremony? I’d love to hear!!

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Shelby
September 9, 2013 10:08 am

I love congregational affirmations. I think it is so awesome to involve your guests in your ceremony, whether it’s through communion, affirmation, or even a ring warming.
It looks such a beautiful summer wedding. Few things are better than a gorgeous summer wedding with old friends. Glad y’all had fun!

Rob
September 9, 2013 7:55 pm

The congregational affirmation is a nice idea.

Jackie
September 23, 2013 6:41 pm

We’re back from our honeymoon and catching up on life, so of course I am catching up with Em for Marvelous and was so touched to see this beautiful post! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends, and George and I were very grateful to have you and John reading at our ceremony.