Weddingbee Blog

After our readings and lovely song came the rest of the ceremony. Our minister gave a declaration of intention about what marriage means, then she asked our family and friends for a pledge of support — to support us and share with us…and to babysit someday! It got a laugh for sure. Then it was on to the vows.

First it was Mr. Onion’s turn. He was so calm and eloquent (yes we read them from a paper our minister had for us — we didn’t want to add memorizing them to the mix of nerves).

Then it was my turn. Mr. Onion and I and read the same vows to each other and worked hard on making them our own. Remember when I said everyone cried except the bride…well that was true until the very end of the vows. When I got to “I give you my hand, my heart and my love from this day forward for as long as we both shall live,” I got a little teary but it was really sweet.

Next up, the ring exchange. First Mr. Onion placed my ring on my finger.

And then it was Mr. Onion’s turn. At this point I couldn’t believe how fast the ceremony was going — I was so happy to be there!

After the ring exchange we had another musical interlude. This time it was a solo guitar by Brendan Burns that he learned just for us - “Better Together,” by Jack Johnson.

And our youngest attendee was keeping himself occupied during the song! I love that our photographer caught this moment.

Our minister was so open to our ideas for the ceremony. One of the personal touches we added was a hand ceremony which was a wonderful. I got to hold Mr. Onion’s hands (nice to connect after looking at each other all that time) as she read.

I just loved this part of the ceremony — here is the last phrase of the hand ceremony: “And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

And finally, “You may now kiss the bride!”

Hooray! Look how happy we are!!

This was hilarious! The last part of the ceremony was an apache blessing. While our minister was trying to read, there began a series of fire engine sirens. She got through it — then immediately there was another round so loud you could hardly hear her. What a great way to lighten the mood — as you can see I was dying laughing.

And off we go to greet our friends and family outside the church.

Stay tuned for the hugs, smiles and walk up the Church Street Marketplace with all our guests!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram’s Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose’s Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion’s suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection