Tesa and Don wanted to have a small wedding at his home in North Raleigh which has a large backyard sloping down to a lake. The lake had lots of pretty lime green algae swirling around on the top of it that actually was a nice backdrop for their lovely wedding on July 16, 2010. They had hung pretty paper lanterns in the tree, had shepherd hooks of gorgeous flowers on each side of the altar area with a table for the Covenant of Sand ceremony. The very long runner was secured into the ground with nails and washers flanked by more shepherd hooks and flowers. It was lovely! After I got my sound system up and going the guests began flowing from the cool air conditioned house into the hot humid air outside.
Don and his son, Greyson, and I took our places as the bride was escorted down the aisle by her son, Harry.
When we were all assembled I turned to place Tesa's bouquet on the table behind me and discovered we had forgotten to get the containers and salt in place. So, we called to Don's sister, Debbie, to run back into the house to get it. In the meantime, Don's mother, Mary Ann, was taking some photos of us here. That is Greyson on the right and Harry on the left. Debbie was back in a flash; Don put the salt into the two separate containers and we began.
They exchanged their vows and the rings. Tesa's ring was absolutely gorgeous and Don's ring was so unique. It was gold with platinum on top with intricate hand carved crosses on it. He told me that they found it at a jewelers where it had been made for someone else who decided not to buy it. It was so perfect for Don so really, it must have been meant to be.
Here they are pouring their individual containers of salt together into the central container. One thing we did not anticipate was that the humidity in the air made the salt clump somewhat but they got it all together! The Covenant of Salt harks back to Biblical days when contracts were sealed with salt which was a precious commodity. The intermingling of the salt symbolized the merging of their two lives. "According to tradition, the contract you make today can only be broken if each grain of salt in the container can be sorted, identified, and then returned to its rightful owner. Therefore, since your salt is now inseparable, you are joined together forever." (The current popular sand ceremony is derived from this ancient one.)
"By the love that has brought you here today, by the vows you have exchanged, and by the integrity of your commitment, in the presence of these witnesses and in the presence of God, it is my pleasure and my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife!" Then they kissed. (Dave, my husband, cameraman, and "roadie" for this weekend, attempted to get a shot of the kiss but Don quickly dipped Tesa backwards and all Dave got was a white blur!)
All married now!
Family gathering for photos--mostly Don's family. Tesa was born in the Philippines and both her parents are deceased. Her daughter was away in school and regrettably could not be with us. She was grateful that Harry was able to escort her down the aisle and be with them for the wedding.
Susan Riggs graced us with beautiful music for the ceremony. I have known Susan for years because she used attend and play the piano at the church I attend. It was good to see her again.
Amanda Olson was our photographer. I know she got some fabulous shots of the wedding.
Tesa and Don, you are such a fun couple and I know you will have a great marriage with much happiness and satisfaction!
