When we got to the ceremony site we were greeted with the most pleasant problem I can imagine—not enough chairs! The rain had stopped just in time to set up the ceremony outside at the gazebo in the garden, and they hadn’t put out enough chairs for all of our guests. So we waited while my step-brother ran some more out there, and got through most of our pre-ceremony jitters while our moms pinned flowers on anyone who walked by. 
images by Karl Knize and Connie Kalsch
Once the chair problem was solved our friends lined up, Lynn and I grabbed our birth parents to walk us down the aisle (our step-parents were waiting at the front) and stepped out into the sunshine.
Lynn’s uncle owns a landscaping business and had come by earlier in the day to lend us some plants, so there were beautiful topiaries lining the walkway, and our violinist played one of Lynn’s favorite songs. All of our guests stood and we grinned our way down the aisle. At the front Lynn grabbed my hand and didn’t let go for the rest of the ceremony.
The pastor was perfect, and we managed my goal of making all of our mothers cry. I’m glad that I spent so much time working on what was going to be said—everything flowed together and really summed up what we were doing by having a wedding.
We re-stated the vows from our legal ceremony, our parents gave their blessing, and we broke a glass in good Jewish tradition.
And then–we kissed in front of everyone. Which was new. And kind of scary. And kind of wonderful. (the actual moment didn’t turn out in the pictures, so I give you a re-take later in the day)
That was followed by the requisite photo-shoot (sadly it was too cold for croquet, so our poor guests had to content themselves with cocktails inside while they waited for us. I didn’t hear any complaints, though).
You can finally see part of the dresses! I realised too late that we never did the full-length portraits of either one of us. Maybe we’ll get bored one day and do another photo shoot (although I doubt it).
Also! A brief note on photographers: we hired the excellent Karl Knize (who came on a last minute, price-reduced mission of mercy after our other photographer ran off with the cash). He blended in perfectly with our guests, took excellent pictures, and was a joy to work with. But we were also blessed by the presence of my step-brother’s lovely girlfriend, Connie Kalsch, who is a professional photographer also (though not of weddings), and who took some shots as a gift to us. It was GREAT having two sets of lenses at the wedding–there were times when there were people in multiple locations, or looking more than one direction, and it has been wonderful to get more than one perspective on things. If you have a photographer friend who doesn’t want to work your wedding, but who might be willing to bring their good camera and take some shots for fun, I would totally encourage you to ask them to do it as an addition to your paid photographer (unless, of course, you can afford to hire more than one person).
Next! On to the reception!
Oh wow. You both look so beautiful and so happy! It sounds like you had an amazing day. :)
Beautiful pictures, beautiful ceremony. Good stuff.
My girlfriend and I live in ohio, so we can not legally wed, however we are planning a commitment ceremony in 2012. your story inspired me….I cant wait for the big day!! :)
It all looks so lovely!
Beautiful wedding!
Nice photos…you’re both so pretty. Being the wife of a photographer, I’ve found that’s it’s fantastic to be friends with photographers. Most of them will bring a camera and snap away when they feel like it. It’s a great treat.
You ceremony looks beautiful.
I actually love the re-take kiss shot. For me it says a lot about how you shared a day of excitement and celebration with your loved ones, but the best part is that you get to love each other for the rest of your lives.
I love so many of these pictures and am so glad the ceremony was exactly what you wanted!