We thought you might like to hear a few of the details about Suzi and Peter's wedding: First of all, Suzi was absolutely beautiful. Her white sleveless gown was a classic gem, long with a slight train. It was embroidered with white on the white and the embroidery glistened in the sunlight creating a subtile sparkle in the sunlight. Her veil, not covering her face, came to about mid back length and was fastened to beautiful natural flowers. Her long hair was caught up above her shoulders under the veil.
You're going to keep hearing the word "beautiful" over and over, but it is the only one that will do, especially in regard to the outdoor setting. A white archway covered with flowers opened into a view of a sloping lawn backed by a river cascading into a several waterfalls. Small birds and butterflies swooped and flew about in this area all during the ceremony. The wedding was at 10:30 in the morning and the guests sat under light awnings which protected us from the sun. It became very warm later in the day, but in mid-morning it was still lovely.
Suzi and Peter walked arm in arm from the Inn in back of us, through the guests and up to chairs just to the side of the arch where they sat facing us for most of the ceremony. Their master and mistress of ceremonies gave brief greetings introductions and the readings included a Zoroastrian wedding prayer, poetry, an Apache wedding prayer, a Biblical passage and the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá and music which included words by Bahá'u'lláh. Each selection was brief and beautifully appropriate. Before they gave their vows and exchanged rings their masters of ceromonies gave wonderful explanations of Bahá'í weddings and the meaning of the vows. If you are ever going to be involved in a Bahá'í wedding where the majority of the guests will not be Bahá'ís, I urge you to ask Suzi and Peter for a copy of these remarks because they explained the vows in a beautiful and effective way, which was enlightening but not preachy. After the vows, they kissed and then hugged in a way that was very sweet and touching.
After the wedding the guests congregated in another outdoor area for light refreshments and a very welcome punch. There were tables scattered about and we sat by chance with Bahá'í friends of Suzi's from Simi Valley, along with their sweet little eight or nine year boy and had a lively conversation about their recent Pilgrimage. This interlude was a very pleasant way to give allow the wedding party of take a few pictures before they joined us, walking among the guests and visiting.
We then were all invited inside the Inn to a large room where we had a wonderfully delicious meal and I won't make your mouth water by discussing the great food. We sat at a table with one of Suzi's high school teachers and her husband and one of Peter's co-workers and his family, including a tiny baby (later on Dad danced holding the baby and it was so sweet to see that). Throughout the rest of the reception Rob (Peter's co-worker) asked us many questions about the Faith and confirmed things he already knew, but all of us at the table were an agreeable "fit" and went down many avenues of conversation.
After the meal there was a terrific disk jockey and dancing and I don't think (really) I've ever seen a couple enjoy their own party as much as Suzi and Peter did. It drew to a conclusion with the cutting and serving of the wedding cake, which Twe examined in detail earlier since Tahirih has professionaly made and decorated many wedding cakes, we were especially interested. It was beautiful - and delicious. The flower centerpiece was beautiful (as was, by the way I forget to mention, Suzi's bouquet) and just before we left a little game was played and the centerpiece given to someone at each table. I "won" ours and took it home to be part of our Community's Feast last night. How nice for part of Suzi's wedding to end up at a Feast!
So, there you are. It was a beautiful and touching wedding, in a lovely setting followed by warmth and fun and I cannot imagine that any Bahá'í couple could have been more completely faithful to everything that it means to be a Bahá'í and at the same time been so inclusive of their non-Bahá'í family and friends.
Love, Ruth