Marriage Ceremony
The ceremony was as magical and greatly unusual than I ever imagined. It started with a lovely walk with my mom and stepmom from our bedroom to the altar, created with stacks of my Aunt Maureen’s books and covered with Eagles and Yankees tapestries. In the center, where my sister stood, was a Hufflepuff rug to symbolize the strong friendship that Michael and I share.
My sister started off the ceremony with the usual ceremonial touches, highlighting the important numerological note of the date and the fact that we have been together for 10 years. With lovely quotes from Brandon Sanderson and Tolkien to highlight our shared literary writers.
Both of us wrote down five qualities that we appreciate in one another, so before the declaration of intent, we spoke to each other out loud. Highlighting each other’s unique qualities and abilities to make each of us better people. It was a very special moment; the words flowing through our lips and our hearts. Acknowledging the laughs, struggles, and everything in between.
We were definitely nervous about everyone staring at us, as each of us had some glistening sweat perspiring from our foreheads. So, we were both happy to diligently listen and respond to the declarations of intent, place a ring on each other’s fingers, and kiss in from of everyone; signaling that the celebrations can begin.
After the ceremony, we ventured to Glens Falls City Park to catch the last light of the evening to take photos in the lovingly decorated gazebo. Michael even surprised me by telling me to turn by head and kissed me. Certainly, made for a magical and beautiful shot.
The funny aspect of sneaking photos in the gazebo is the rather strange change in enforcement of nighttime activities in the City Park that was orchestrated in the summer to curb nefarious individuals. But knowing that Michael and Lynda, our photographer and Deputy County Clerk, were there, we had no troubles with law enforcement.
Walking into the surprisingly quiet Morgan and Company restaurant was really lovely. It has been an incredible staple of Glens Falls since 2014; and something that Michael and I always loved dining at, when we saved up for it. The food, atmosphere, staff, and friendly interactions with Chef Rebecca Newell-Butters was lovely, as always. Highly recommended to anyone visiting the area.
The server was incredibly well-trained, even skillfully carrying a non-alcoholic Cosmo to the table and presenting champagne to everyone to end the evening.
Coming home after dinner, all of us immediately changed into more comfortable clothes to enjoy some celebratory dessert. Each cake was made by L&M Bakery in Riverside, NJ and Dickinson’s Delights in Glens Falls, NY.
The impeccably delicious Red Velvet cake with vanilla frosting from the lovely folks at Dickinson’s Delights was perfect. We became neighborly friends with Tamberlyn and Jon over the years, from their very spot at the Glens Falls Farmer’s Market to their bakery on Bay Street. And our love of their Red Velvet Cookies became a running joke whenever we saw them; usually with a sad note that they just ran out of them. But Tamberlyn provided a half-dozen Red Velvet cookies along with the cake when we picked it up that morning.
The cake from L&M Bakery was also fantastic, brought up from New Jersey by my mom and sister the day prior. It was a mix of chocolate and vanilla, as well as included a lovely message of congratulations written in frosting. Our sweet cravings are certainly satisfied for a while.
