I'm the proud mother of two beautiful teenagers and am so proud to be an influence in their lives and to witness them becoming all that they can be. In between my daughter wrapping up her college application process, or volunteering with her conservation leadership group, we play Bananagrams. I work out with my son at the YMCA, that is, when he is not skateboarding, videotaping or playing music.
My wedding was performed on a grassy knoll, with a brook flowing along in a beautiful chrysanthemum garden, officiated by my college advisor, an ordained minister. My mom and I sewed a lovely tea-length gown, with buttons added from her dress. We placed little foil-wrapped chocolate baseballs next to apricot napkins, because our team was in the World Series. Forty-two of our dear friends and relatives gathered at our ceremony. My father gave me away, surrounded by purple, gold, and red mums, and friends snapped pictures for our album. We wrote our own vows, were honored by friends and family who played the flute, and recited poetry.
Not long after, two friends from San Francisco invited me to officiate their garden wedding at her parent's home. Their beautifully crafted ceremony combined their Judeo-Christian religious traditions. That inspired me to join Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants so that I could assist other couples in their expression of love. Love that families and friends witness so that they can support the couple who have chosen each other.
Though Minnesota was my birthplace, California has been my home for 25 years and I have raised my family in these beautiful mountains by the bay. My values are Midwestern, enhanced by the warmth of the western sunshine. I value trust, honesty, compassion, and above all, love.
Romantic love is wonderful, which is where it all begins. My wish for couples getting married is to look forward to the blessings that flow from who you are and what you give to each other, over time, and what your bond brings to the world around you. I look forward to creating your special day with you and your loved ones.
Paula,
You added a lot of love to our wedding.
Thank you very much!
Michael and Lisa
December 20, 2009
Pelican Inn
