Cassia's Wedding

Wow, what a beautiful day. No, not the weather. It was a chilly, mostly miserable day, the 4th of March. Wedding guests had encountered blizzard conditions and ice-packed roads in traveling to (or attempting to travel to) the Moose Jaw wedding. No, it was the wedding ceremony, reception and dance that were so beautiful and enjoyable. Why so? Because of the beautiful people involved.

I love my favourite single niece (single until after 4 PM on March 4). She is so vibrant, expressive and full of life. I always feel good about myself, and just feel great in general when she is around. I also share a bond with her, both of us having visited poor countries in Africa in 2006.

My new nephew is beautiful also. He has a great sense of humor and is so loving and supportive to his new bride. I enjoyed his public remarks about why my recent multiple rib fractures had prevented me from being the photographer at the ceremony and reception: "Uncle Marvin had something come up. You can check with him later for the details. It may or may not have had something to do with a toboggan."

The ceremony was lovely. The wedding party all glowed. The large group of pre-school age flower children, Cassia's and Jeremy's nieces and nephews, were crowd pleasers, and most of them made it down the aisle without incident. I was day dreaming somewhat during the worship songs when I noticed the bride with arms extended, singing her heart out. The whole ceremony was moving.

I was also moved to tears several times during the toasts at the reception. Both sets of parents joyfully lamented this watershed family occasion of the marriage of their youngest children. Family members and close friends gave tear-jerking tributes to each other. There was so much love in evidence.

I loved the African motif table centre pieces. Carved wooden giraffes, gazelles, elephants and birds. They were all for sale with the proceeds to go to the Ugandan orphanage where both Cassia and Jeremy worked last autumn.

To replace the practice of tinkling expensive glasses, guests were invited to perform their favourite song to encourage the wedding couple to kiss each other. There was rock and roll with You've Lost That Loving Feeling, nostalgia with Side by Side, a barbershop quartet and a modern rendition of We Are The Barn Crew." But, the most memorable for me was the performance of the William Tell Overture on a young man's cheeks (facial). Intriguing.

It was indeed an interesting and beautiful wedding. Cassia and Jeremy put on an enjoyable show, complete with delicious salads and fantastic desserts. But again, the big draw was the people.

I am so happy for Cassia and Jeremy. They will go far.