John & Vina Are Married

Oh, the stories of a wedding day. Plans made months in advance. Every detail tended to with the utmost care. Tiny things checked and rechecked. And then checked once again. Plans coming together so on a single day there be not a single hitch in the plan could be found. You can plan nearly every moment, can’t you? Every moment, that is, expect when Mother Nature decides to show us that we have very little control. So while the farmers rejoice at the rain, the bride. . . well, the bride takes it all in stride.

John and Vina planned a beautiful day to begin their marriage. In the yard she has called home for so many years, against the backdrop of the rolling hills that surround them, John and Vina planned to say those tiny words that would tie them together for life. Surrounded by friends and family they anticipated each moment while repeating the mantra, it’s not going to rain. It’s not going to rain. And it didn’t! Despite a gloomy forecast, the sun cast her brilliant rays for much of the day. John and Vina saw each other for the first time, in the shade of giant tress and with hearts full of love and anticipation. The joy couldn’t be wiped from their faces, their excitement of the lifelong journey they were walking into was evident.

It’s not going to rain, it’s not going to rain, it’s not going to rain.

And it didn’t. The pictures were done, family was gathered, seats were taken, excitement was building, music was playing. John and Vina were as cool as cool gets. Ready to walk down that center aisle and commit their lives to each other. It’s not going to rain.

And it didn’t. Until it did.

At first a slow,  drip. . . drip. . . drip. . .

A few umbrellas went up.

And then it was a quick drip-drip-drip-drip-drip-drip.

And the drips got quicker still.

John and Vina’s family rallied. Guests raced for cover. In a moment plans changed and still, joy remained.

Vina walked down the center aisle and met her groom and in moments their forever belonged to each other.

And the stories continued to the end of the day. When the anticipated Chinese lantern release proved to be a bit challenging with all the moisture that the evening had given us. Still, I was able to provide entertainment by performing an acrobatic stunt when a lantern decided to fly downward toward me instead of in the sky as it was told. In my mind the stunt was worthy of a Emmy accolades. (No need to confirm that, just trust me.)

Congratulations John & Vina. We wish you all the happiness in the world. Thank you for allowing us to witness your love.