wedding in kelowna
we had a wonderful time at my brother’s wedding.
I heard many people say it was the most profound and moving wedding they had ever been too. I felt the same way.
Not just because its my brother getting married, but they did it in such a genuine and beautiful way. Being Baha’is, a new religion, we don’t have many traditions, and no rituals. There is no Minister or protocol to follow. We have a simple vow and that’s it. This leaves it all open to the couple to do as they wish. I have been to many Baha’i weddings, and though the opportunity is there, most people just dont know what to do other than what we see on TV, or in other religions. Not my brother and his fiance! The ceremony consisted almost entirely of a “Talking Circle”, where they handed the rings around the room and EVERYONE got a chance to say whatever was in their heart to the bride and groom before they got married.
This process may seem laborious, and it did make for a LONG ceremony, but I tell you, it was worth it. Everyone said the most beautiful things and we all cried more than we have in a long time. By the end of it we had all emptied our cup, having expressed all that we could about how happy and excited we were about these two coming together. Both families had a chance to bond, get to know each other, cry, and laugh together, and say all they wanted to. It was honest and moving, with advice, jokes, stories, words of strength and wisdom.
Then, by the reception we were all one big family, we ate together and laughed and the unity in the room was palpable. No need for much else. It was truly unique and a day we will all remember.
The painting is the gift I gave them, but I photographed it with glass in front, so there is a glare. The scene is from a photo of the place where they got engaged.
