Sunday, October 5, 2014

A beautiful wedding

We attended the wedding of some friends yesterday. The family is private and do not want their photos on the internet, so I won't show any faces.

On the walkway into the church, there were little hanging vases with silk flowers. Lovely.


The wedding was held in a humble church with modest autumn decorations.



The parents of the bride. I have no doubt their eyes were damp as they watched their oldest daughter pledge her life to her husband.


The wedding was presided over by the bride's grandfather, a pastor. He choked up a few times.


The bride wiped a few tears as well. Incidentally, she wore a full veil because -- get this -- as a pure young woman, she earned it. (And she was breathtaking, I can assure you.)


Interestingly, all the groomsmen were packing heat. Idaho is an open-carry state, and when I asked a friend why the gromsmen were carrying, he replied, "They always carry." Since this is Idaho, nobody blinked an eye... but it was also a lovely gesture. It showed respect and protection for the bride, who was unarmed and therefore theoretically vulnerable.


(By the way, when she's not wearing a wedding dress, the bride is a crack shot. Trust me on this.)

The reception was held in the church basement.


The wedding cake. This is a logging community, so I liked how the cake was set on a log slab...


...with a little chain-saw cake cutter!


I thought the cake topper was lovely.


During the reception, the bride wore a filmy shawl over her bodice which looked stunning -- modest, charming, and old-fashioned. (I couldn't get a clear shot, sorry.)



The bridesmaids' flowers were an in-season fall selection.


This wedding impressed me for a few reasons.

First, the young people entered their marriage pure. This is increasingly rare in today's society and it bodes well for their commitment together. Though young, the couple considered their future in a pracical way. The groom is employed and knows he can provide for a wife and family. They agree on matters of faith, money, and (future) children.

Second, the wedding and reception were beautiful beyond compare and absolutely rock-bottom in cost. Since they were married in the bride's grandfather's church, it was free. The reception was simply cake, ice cream, and lemonade. (Makes sense to me. Who goes to a wedding to eat? We go to witness vows.) This means that neither the bridal couple nor their families were saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in expenses... and the bride and groom can enter their new life unencumbered by debt.

Third, the families are well-known and well-liked in the community, so the number of witnesses this young couple had as they exchanged vows was high. I'm guessing over 200 people attended. This brings to mind an article a reader sent awhile ago, entitled Study: To boost your odds of a successful marriage, have a big wedding.

The article opens with: "To improve your odds of a high-quality marriage, try not to have too many sexual partners before you meet 'the one.' And when you do find him or her, consider inviting at least 150 people to your wedding."

But somehow the "big wedding" espoused in this article differs from the humble country wedding this young couple had. Both partners come from a family history of strong, happy marriages. The bride and groom know about commitment and covenants. Their future happiness is not based on how much money they spent at their wedding (as the article implies), but on the mature and reasoned decision that they were compatible for life.

We were privileged to attend this wedding. I wish this lovely young couple every happiness in their future together.

37 comments:

  1. To be able to witness such a beautiful and joyous wedding had to have been such a wonderful experience.
    To have a couple that were pure is so unexpected in today's world. Somewhere I read the number of sex partners a couple in their middle 20s have had was around 15 each!! I wasn't 'pure' when I married but I've only had one partner. Even in the late 60s that was unusual.
    The expectations of wedding guests has become outrageous - they seem to completely miss the point of witnessing a wedding. On the other hand, couples getting married seem to think they are entitled to multiple gift receiving parties, illogical requests such as guests can only wear certain colors & hes I know a bride that did this. Where has the 'come help us celebrate our union and the beginning of our life together' disappeared to? This community has it right
    Her modest but just beautiful gown is the kind of gown I like to see. My church required shoulders be covered . Today it almost seems the more skin exposed the better - I personally find it rather disrespectful of the place, the occasion and the couple.
    This lovely young couple is starting off on the right foot with commitment, values and family, friends and community to support them. May God bless them and keep them and may they enjoy many, many years together.

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  2. Simply beautiful in every respect.
    Thank you (and the wedding family) for allowing us a glimpse of this ceremony and its treasures.
    May God bless their marriage and prosper their life together.

    A. McSp

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  3. I am the owner of several guns, a member of the NRA, a dedicated survivalist, and a Marine Corps veteran. I have also worked in the pulp and saw mills of Northern Idaho. However, the carrying of guns by the groom and his party is over the top. I understand the symbolism of the protective husband and the defenseless, pure bride, but I feel that the groom and his party should have left their firearms in their pickup trucks. In looking at the pictures, the only thing I failed to see was the Confederate flag hanging on the reception hall wall. I know that I'm taking the risk of being pronounced a "snark" and banished to the outer pasture, but I strongly feel that in today's violent world that the one place where firearms should not be allowed is in the House of God.

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    1. "In today's violent world that the one place where firearms should not be allowed is in the House of God."

      Then can you imagine a finer place for a terrorist to make a devastating impact?

      I frequently carry (concealed) while worshipping in church.

      - Patrice

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    2. We disagree Patrice, but thank God we live in a country where we still have that right. In the meantime, I look forward to reading your blog.

      - Myles

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    3. Several years ago an armed man came into a church in Fort Worth, Texas and killed several people before he ended his own life (he was apparently running out of ammo). No one was armed and some of the people died trying to overpower him. One armed person could have stopped him.

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    4. "I strongly feel that In today's violent world that the one place where firearms should not be allowed is in the House of God."

      So, what represents violence to you--the guns themselves? Guns do not shoot people, people do. A gun in a church does not mean violence is about to happen or even that there is a potential for it.

      I strongly feel that the good men in this world should be allowed to be on the ready to protect the families and friends God has given them, at all times, yes, EVEN while they are gathered together in God's house.

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    5. Ever since I received my CHL I have carried unless I was in bed. It is then on the side table. I have carried into 3 churches because in Texas unless they have a 30.06 sign in the appropriate size and color it is legal. Anywhere there is a gun free zone is where the crazies go to commit mass murder.

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    6. My husband and I are pastors of a small church and many of our congregation (more women than men attend) conceal carry or open carry with our encouragement. And we appreciate judicious marksmanship if needed.

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    7. I'm having a little trouble believing someone could own several guns, be an NRA member, etc., etc., and have such an uninformed attitude toward the carrying of firearms. My wife and I are ALWAYS armed. You never know when you might need to defend yourself or others. People have been attacked in churches, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, buses, and on and on! Mr. Walsvig is either sadly uninformed or being untruthful.

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    8. I agree, although I'm not sure for the same reasons. To me it just seems like a silly "look at me" kind of thing. Gimmicky. Childish. Probably one of the very few instances where I would disagree with carrying, or even notice, but in this instance I find it silly. But hey, it's their wedding. Lovely in every other way.

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    9. Confederate flag????

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    10. I'm still scratching my head about what the flag of the Confederacy has to do with this. Wait...on second thought I doubt I really want to know your opinion on that one either.

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  4. I think it is lovely and the special touches are perfect. The cake on the log is so clever and the flowers are beautiful. How fortunate you were invited and able to attend. Sigh.

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  5. Congrats to the young couple. And smart, too. The saw was a Husky :-)

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  6. If one starts out with I'm an NRA member with several guns and I'm also a Marine Corps Veteran as there qualifiers, Then follows with snarky comments about the only thing missing is Confederate flags. I would suspect a left leaning troll has entered the building. Mocking hard working Idaho country folks for there traditions on a Wedding day .Totally classless. I don't carry USMC credentials myself . I served in Navy and Air Force from Nixon - Reagan Administrations. Your Confederate Flag comment, implying , Backwards Racists Hicks was totally offensive liberal stereotyping, Not what I would ever expect to come out of a Marine Corps Veterans mouth or Keyboard in this case. Thank God for places like Idaho that trust there Citizens to act like responsible adults. Not Nanny state sheep.
    I agree with the other Commenters that a Church is the best place to carry, Given the Leftist extremists propensity for staging Attacks in houses of worship. Check the News archives. There's plenty of examples from just about every religion. signed. From a Veteran who took an oath to serve and protect this Nation from all enemies foreign and domestic.

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    1. veteran,
      you hit the nail on the head. don't let anyone drag a red herring across here to divert the comments on the beauty of the wedding to himself.
      deb h.

      wedding and bride lovely.
      when my husband asked what sort of engagement ring i wanted i said i'd rather have a refrigerator.
      weddings are promises before God, not who has got the bigger reception hall.
      thanks, Patrice.

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  7. "Uninformed", "untruthful", "nanny state sheep", "liberal", "left leaning troll". I guess I had better stick with canning carrots. However, it is nice to see such an expression of opinion and we owe it all to our hostess Patrice who has created such a wonderful blog through her hard work and perseverance. I still do not believe in weapons in church, but of course that is my right.
    I wish you all well. - Myles

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  8. This is the 'other' Miles around here, and I want to be absolutely sure no one mistakes me for this "Myles" who has such strange ideas.
    I own 'several' guns, am a NRA Life member and am a U.S Army veteran.
    In my congregation, carrying is ENCOURAGED!
    So hopefully this strange Myles who throws insults like they're party favors will, by his last words, leave the fine readers and Mrs. Lewis alone!

    MILESFORTIS

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  9. Myles has a right to his opinion and for the most part stated it okay. The comment about the Confederate flag however, sounded snarky. I wouldn't expect to see that flag in Idaho as they were never part of the Confederacy anyway. At the same time, I've been in many churches in GA and SC and have never seen one in a church there either!!

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  10. "leave the fine readers and Mrs. Lewis alone". Is that what you
    really want? Do you want to live in a world where everybody shares the same ideas and beliefs? Not me. Yes it's uncomfortable and disturbing at times, but each person should have the right to their own opinions. We might think them "snarky" and incorrect, but what a wonderful country that we live in that we can post what we believe on a public blog and not worry about repercussions. Sorry Miles, but I will continue to follow Mrs. Lewis's blog until she asks me to leave. - Myles

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    1. I don't agree with your earlier post but I do agree with this one. I love that we still have freedom to express our beliefs and feelings, (technically).

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    2. I disagree with you, but I have no issue with you stating your opinion on guns in church. In fact, I would fight for your right to say what you believe.

      I only have an issue with your confederate flag statement.

      "In looking at the pictures, the only thing I failed to see was the Confederate flag hanging on the reception hall wall."


















      While I disagree with you, I respect your right to state your opinion on guns in church. In fact, I would fight for your right to state your beliefs. I could be wrong, but I think most who visit Patrice's blog would also defend your rights to your own beliefs.

      However, I too found your confederate flag statement to be quite snarky and I think that is the statement that is angering many.

      Why would open carry guns in Idaho remind you of the Confederate flag? I think it might help us to know what associations you have with the confederate flag? Since Idaho was not part of the confederacy, that can't be it. Do you associate the confederacy with hardworking people who spend responsibly and pay homage to their logging community roots?

      Please explain. Because otherwise it seems you were just rudely using false stereotypes to insult this young couple's wedding and thusly deserve our disrespect.

      Southern Girl











































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    3. Sorry "sir". While this IS a "pubic" blog, it is NOT "public" property" where you can do as you please "without repercussions" .

      This is Mrs. Lewis' private property and SHE does as SHE pleases here. No one else.

      You stay here at her sufferance, just as certainly as I and everyone else does.

      I would think that being in that situation would make all persons exude their highest manners in all situations here.

      However, I put men who use the free graces of a generous host to insult that host and her acquaintances in another category than "gentlemen".

      We now know how you "think and feel" about arms.

      That's all well and fine.

      Getting "snarky" as you put it, and insulting, as I put it doesn't seem to show very good manners, now does it?

      MILESFORTIS

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    4. Miles Fortis, I thank you soooooo much, good sir.

      You are a man AND a gentleman.

      Your wise words in this unfortunate matter are very much appreciated.

      A. McSp

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  11. Hi Southern Girl,

    Yes you are correct that I am biased to a certain degree. A few years ago I went to visit my sister who lives in Gifford, Idaho. While there, I took her for lunch at a café in Orofino. As we were driving through I noticed a wedding going on in the local park. What struck me other than the fact that some of them were armed was that they had tacked a Confederate flag up between two trees. A Jewish friend of mine from my time in the military has sent me articles on the problems that have occurred with white supremacist groups in the Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene areas which also influenced my bias. On a personal basis, from my ten years in the Marine Corps, I equate firearms with war, so it's difficult for me to visualize them in church. That's just the way that I think and feel. - Myles

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    1. My 42 years as a southerner have influenced my bias regarding the flag and those that choose not to understand the dynamics of its origin. Those supremacist groups use the Holy Bible as well. This reminds me of Patrice's recent article - Homeschooling is evil. Only a minute percentage of those flying the flag are supremacists.

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    2. I am replying a bit late here, but I think this is important. What you won't find in most history book is the fact that most who fought under the Confederate flag were neither plantation nor slave owners. Sure, the ones who were in leadership were the rich who were trying to protect their way of life (which very regrettably included the vast sins involved in slave ownership.) But then, only the wealthy could afford to leave their homes for months to head north and debate. The vast majority of southerners were not represented by this wealthy minority that made the history books. Most of the men who fought and died under the Confederate flag, did so to try to preserve states rights, not slavery. I remind you that the history books tend to be written by the victors, not the losers.

      Today, many that take up the Confederate flag do so with that same ideal. They feel the federal government is trampling on the rights of the states, ignoring their votes, and establishing unwanted rules and laws. Sure, you have some white supremacist groups that jump in and muddy the waters. This is no more representative of the whole than Westboro is representative of the Baptist church.

      Myles W., I appreciate your explanation of your point of view. I guess it is best to just agree to disagree. I wish you well.

      Patrice,
      Sorry your comments on this most precious event got a bit side tracked.

      Sincerely,
      Southern Girl

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  12. In my humble opinion.... All are right. We do have the right to express ourselves. 1st amendment... We do have the right to bear arms. 2nd amendment. One does not trump the other. However, without the 2nd the 1st is indeed in jeopardy. I do think a wedding should be a place of holy commitment to the couple. If they did not have a problem with concealed carry or open carry... They have that right.

    Is a church a place to forbid firearms? Gun free zones "today" are in many respects an invitation to open season on all who enter for those with harm intended. I have to kind of laugh at the intent on them at all as to this. Who are they sending this message to? Law abiding citizens! Really?! Do those who intend harm read these and pay any attention whatsoever? Really?! The logic of "gun free zones" has yet to penetrate my small brain and reveal any sense whatsoever.

    My praise to the posters on this blog on keeping the discourse civil. My praise to the couple who kept their vows to remain chaste until their marriage. She obviously is one who actually deserved to wear white, have a full veil, and be presented to her groom pure and whole.

    May God Bless them, their children to come, and their entire family and friends that support them!

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  13. Sorry, I'm not quite sure what happened with my last post. User error? ;0)

    Southern Girl

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    1. No, I think not "user error". The commentary apparatus here does strange things on my computer as well.

      MILESFORTIS

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  14. Patrice, speaking of concealed carry . . . I searched for the Naturally Concealed holster website and it appears to be down. Are they still in business? Do you have contact info?
    Thanks!

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    1. No, I'm afraid she closed shop because of other commitments.

      - Patrice

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    2. Do you know if she would be interested in passing that business on to someone else?
      Thank you very much!

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    3. You're actually the second person to inquire. If you email me at patrice@patricelewis.com, I can pass your inquiry on.

      - Patrice

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