This day, from start to finish, was positive. Today is when D and T "tied the knot." The ceremony was held on the top floor of the Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach. Family and just a few close friends starting arrive between 10:30 and 11. T and D started handing out flowers shortly before 11am, one for each of us, from daisies to sunflowers, from carnations to roses.
They started with explaining why we all had flowers - individually, each flower is beautiful in and of itself, but when you gather them all together into a bouquet, it's a different kind of beauty, and each flower is enhanced by the others around it. That, they said, is how this group is - each of us has a relationship with T and D, but together, we make up their family. They also explained why they were doing a public ceremony when their "union" is not legal, but I can't remember what their stated reason was. There was a great spread of food on the buffet table, and open bar for beer, wine, champagne and vodka. T and D also had a paint canvas up for all of us to add our touch to. It is their version of a guest book, and the canvas came out quite nice actually. After we all finished eating, the ceremony began.
Following this was a very, very moving part of the ceremony, yet very untraditional. They had our names in a bowl on their table, and as they drew each name, they told that person/couple how much they mean to them. Teri talked to "her" people, and Donna to hers. So often, we don't tell the people we care about how much they mean, and then their eulogy shines with this but the person isn't there to hear it. Well, we all heard it today. Just my luck, Teri pulled my name first. By the time they got through, there wasn't a dry eye in the place, and mascara, that was gone too.
They did exchange rings, and explained that for them, the rings are a reminder of their commitment to each other. There was a toast. Teri, unbeknownst to Donna, wrote a song for her. There were no vows, but there didn't need to be. Peter started clinking his glass, wanting a kiss. T and D didn't want to give into that, but eventually leaned forward then quickly turned and threw a kiss out to all of us. What a giving gesture.
Sandy started - She had made a big collage of pictures of Donna's family growing up. That was the only "gift" of sorts. Tim, Teri's brother, stood up and told us all how Teri helped him grow up. Of course, he started with a disclaimer that he'd try to censor his language, but no promises. And yes, he dropped the F-bomb once and through a few "shits" in for good measure. I tried to talk, but as soon as I got up there, I choked up too much. Just told T how happy I was for her. Each of Donna's sons took a turn speaking to us about their mom and how happy they were for her. Donna's mother even took a turn. We ran 20 minutes past their reserved time, but it was well worth it.
After helping them pack up, it was picture time back at the Courtyard hotel on Jax Beach. Carol is a FANTASTIC photographer (http://www.carolsavagephotography.com/ ), and did lots of family photos or any combo of people. Once the photos were done, we finally got into shorts and relaxed. Lots of drinking, laughing, story-telling (lying) went on around the pool, and then it was pizza time up in T and D's suite.
What a long, wonderful day. I had such a blast getting to know Frank, Sue, Carol and Sue, and to meet the boys' girlfriends. Really, really awesome people. So look forward to the next time we can all be together.
I am thrilled beyond expression for Teri. She's been my best friend for 20 years; I've seen her hurt more than I want to remember. To see her so happy and settled with someone makes my heart sing. I wish them a long, and happy life!
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