Weddingbee Blog

This was almost the big moment. The moment I had been anticipating for so long now…the pronunciation and big kiss. But first, a prayer. Corinthians 13:1-7, 13, to be exact.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

With that, our pastor turned to us with a big smile.

Mr. Bunting and Miss Bunting, there is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully. Love its changes and choices. Let life amaze you and bring you great joy.

Our best wishes go forward from this day with you. May the grace of this day carry forward with you all the days of your life. We wish you a fulfilling life, rich in caring and in happiness. We wish for you a gentle and peaceful life that nurtures and comforts you. We wish for you a noble life, which reflects your honesty, kindness and integrity. We wish for you adventures, exploring the fullness of life.

But in order for that to happen, we really need to marry you first!

And so, Mr. and Miss Bunting, as a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, and by the authority by which the state of Michigan has invested in me, I now pronounce you, Mr. and Miss Bunting…husband and wife.

…it was at that moment that Mr. Bunting leaned in for the big kiss. And I backpedaled in horror. It wasn’t the right time! It was too soon! Our pastor hadn’t delivered that final line yet! But Mr. Bunting had mistook the pastor’s words as being final, so in his anticipation he was diving right in.

I averted the near-disaster of a premature kiss by tilting back.

He almost got it.

Pastor: “He can’t wait.”

We burst into laughter and Mr. Bunting hung his head in good-humored shame. I’m sure he’s going to be mortified by me sharing this…but let’s watch a little animated clip because it’s just so awesome.

So close, you sneaky groom! I absolutely adore this moment and his innocent eagerness. It is absolutely one of my favorite memories of our day and I feel so blessed to have married a man who just couldn’t wait to kiss his bride.

To reward him for his determination, our pastor gave him permission to sneak a little quick kiss: “You can kiss her twice, go ahead.”

And then he delayed no further.

And NOW in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, may this blessing and this pronouncement be permanent and as we say it on earth it is said in Heaven,”What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Congratulations. You may kiss the bride…one more time.

I was ready and willing this time.

We turned, raised our hands in triumph and let out a whoop of joy. In the audience, Daddy Bunting let one of his famous ear-piercing two-fingered whistles fly while everyone applauded and cheered.

Pastor: “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you proudly, Mr. and Mrs. Bunting! Husband and wife!”

Then the music started…

And guests waved the little flags that said “Yay” and “Woot!” that I made just for this moment.

Because the carriage was a surprise, Mr. Bunting hadn’t been privy to our real exit route. He whispered his uncertainty to me as we left the aisle, and I directed him along the path and up to the waiting carriage.

We couldn’t resist another good kiss for ourselves the cameras.

The lovely horse, Jack, was urged forward and we waved to all our guests as the carriage started to pull away.

Where are we going? Stay tuned!

*Marked photos are copyright Bryan and Mae Photography. Unmarked photos are personal or guest photos.

Follow the adventure:

• We had a fluffing party and rehearsed.
• I woke up and got ready with my girls.
• I step into the prettiest white dress I’ll ever wear.
• Mr. Bunting recounts getting ready at the Man Cave.
• Wishin’ and prayin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ for perfect weather.
• I received the most important Post-It Note. Ever.
• We race toward one another for our first look.
• Mushy-lovey photos ensued shortly after.
• We strutted our stuff as one big happy Bunting Bunch.
• Our guests started to arrive: welcome to our wedding.
• I went into hiding… and panicked.
• Our wedding party assembled on time, but the bride was missing.
• I arrive fashionably late in a horse-drawn carriage.
• We listen to a reading and turn to wave at our guests.
• We exchange our vows, which inspire both tears and laughter.
• Mr. Bunting slips on my wedding band, and I his.
• Collected sand and earth offer a twist for our Foundation Ceremony.