The Wedding

 August 20, 2011

All the worries of rain or other foul weather conditions brought on by the “ten-day forecast” gave way to this; a brilliant, sparkling, sunny day in the town of Portsmouth, N.H. (postal zip code 03801). The ladies had hair and makeup appointments early in the day, and the guys had time for mischief, (re:beer). Let the party begin, the photographers, “Birch Blaze,”  a husband and wife team took sides accordingly, and everything from there is on film, (no such thing as plausible deniability here.) So, after a few cold wake me ups, it was on a bus for a few pre-wedding pictures of the ‘boys’ at their best. I believe we ended up somewhere in Newcastle N.H. in the woods at an old WWII U.S. Navy shore battery, now used as a graffiti canvas for talented local artists. I have no idea how or why we ended up here, but, the slide show that the photographers displayed later, at the reception was really unbelievable. They truly have a special way of seeing things, that the average person seems to miss.   Then it was off to a seaside park for a few more pics, and back on the bus we went…  We would return to the park later as it turned out. Did I mention it was a sparkling day, breath-taking in every way?     And then it was time for the ceremony to begin. So back to the Moffatt-Ladd House and Gardens, we went.  The guests had entered from this direction and were seated as the wedding party prepared to enter from the opposite end through an iron gate into the garden and under a trellis.  The procession went as practiced, (I only stepped on the train once), then there we were, front and center, all eyes on us. “Who presents the bride?”  “Her mother and I do”, I said with pride… I had rehearsed it many times over in the last 24 hours, just so I wouldn’t say, “Uhhhh, me.”  I was then ‘invited’ to sit down, (by the groom), “you can sit down now Jack”  Ah, the embarrassment!  

 I neglected to mention that a white rose was placed on the first chair, (intentionally left empty) on both sides of the aisle, to remember those who could not be with us to celebrate the day. I was so proud of Rachel and Gregg for that. I’m getting misty even now, thinking about it. I see now, that all hope is not lost, for this generation after all. And meeting their friends and getting to know them, I still have hope for the future of this planet, good people all, and raised well.    

The ceremony was coming to an end and the bride and groom had just completed their vows, when a very loud, and very nearby, siren wailed, bringing laughter to everyone, including the bride and groom. (If you have never heard Rachel’s laugh, you’ve been deprived!)

So, it was back on the bus for the trip back to the seaside park, (and some more wood pics), I will give you notice now that I do not have any pictures of the reception, as I am told I spent a lot of time on the dance floor. Highly unusual for me. Just so you know. I will give you more photos now, and less words…You’re welcome!

Now came the fun time at “Harbor Events” site of the reception, we, (the wedding party), were gathered at the entrance and introduced to some very upbeat music, maybe that was the “table setter” for my prolonged excursion on the dance floor. (Or, the long day of cold wake me ups.) But, for sure, it began with the ’Father/Daughter dance. Our choice was “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan, with a surprise twist, as the song was winding down, the short version, at my request, Gregg approached Rachel and me on the dance floor, with two Bud Lights in his hand, then the DJ hit us with…. ”I’m pretty good at drinkin’ beer” by Billy Currington. (A really good party song), and the party got started. From here on out you get the “Reader’s Digest” version, condensed, because this post is really time-consuming and I only remember bits and pieces!  For the reception meal (eat, drink, party, there seems to be a common thread), I had the prime rib, delicious, though some thought it was too rare, I found it to be perfect. Cranberry chicken, I am told it was better at the pre-wedding food tasting, last winter, a little dry this time out. They should have let it hang with the men-folk…problem solved… nothing went dry with us. I’m sure there was dessert, but they weren’t serving it to us on the dance floor. The room had been booked until 11:30 pm, and was ”rocking!!” At 10:00 pm out came mini grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburger sliders. Rachel and Gregg had thought of everything, right down to the gifts in the Ladies restrooms, including flip-flops for the dancing. Other gift bags had been delivered to the various hotels in the area for the guests who had come for overnight stays and were available at their respective check-in desks.

Okay, do you remember this? The lobby of the Residence Inn, as promised, there is more….It’s 11:35 pm (all times approximate) and we’re heading back around the corner to the hotel, Mike DeForge (Big Mike) had planned an after-party in his suite, but was persuaded to bring the party to the lobby, (with the good graces and cooperation of the Residence Inn staff.) The party expanded exponentially with the convergence of another wedding party, staying at the hotel, who had asked if they may join us. Two brides, two grooms, two of everything, too much, too late, for the ‘Old Man’! I am not sure when it was that I called it a day, but I do know that the rest of them had permission to use the lobby until 5:00 am. I don’t believe it went on that long, but I heard rumors to the effect of at least 3:00 am.

 Oh my word, Sunday morning!!!! Owww!!!! Check out time 11:00 am, breakfast(barely) first, shower, pack and pick up Melody for the long, long, long ride home. (In reality it is only about an hour and a quarter.) I did need to call in sick on Monday, and along about Wednesday started to return to normal being me. I know I have omitted many details, (intentionally, and otherwise,) but this report has gone on way too long as it is. I hope you have enjoyed the odyssey that I have taken you on. There will be a few more tidbits as I recall or are reminded of them.

Thanks for your support and indulgence,

May God Bless the bride and Groom, and all who read their wedding story.

The End.

Jake.

     I have managed to download a few pics to Facebook, (a major achievement I might add), as the last couple of days have been very frustrating in that regard. But with the help of Don Schultz I was able to move them to somewhere that I can actually access. Eureka!

     I wrote the following poem for the occasion of the wedding and with the advice of our dear friend Bim, I had it professionally caligraphed, and matted and framed. Rachel was very pleased and touched by it. A select few knew of its existence and their encouragement was a motivating factor. And I thank them, sincerely. So, for the next few days, or however long it takes me to complete the report, I will abstain from my normal, usual, poems and stick to the ponderings.

    But, this one is for my little girl.

My Little Girl

     Thank you all for your support, and friendship,

Jake.

Where Did My Little Girl Go?

 I never gave a single thought,

 all those years ago,

 when Barbie Dolls,

 and Cabbage Patch Kids,

 were the things, that pleased her so.

 No, I never, gave a single thought,

 all those years ago,

 of the bride I see,

 in front of me.

 Where, did my little girl go?

 I remember, how she used to say,

 “I get it,” at the ringing of the phone,

 but, what tugged my heart, I’ll tell,

 was when she’d yell,

 “mommy, my daddy’s home.”

 No, I never gave a single thought,

 all those years ago,

 of the bride I see,

 in front of me.

 Where did, my little girl go?

 Yes, my little girl, has gone away,

 as all little girls, will do,

 and another man,

 now holds her hand,

 and loves her, through and through.

 So, though I never gave, a single thought,

 all those years ago,

 of the bride I see,

 in front of me,

 I still, love my little girl, so.

 Jack Downing

 August 20, 2011

     Well, Rachel’s (my daughter) and Gregg’s wedding is but a week away….Time has been fleeting, and summer, a blur of colors, now waning…Has given way to ‘Bridal White’ and the new pallet from which all colors, henceforth, shall splash upon the canvas of their lives…To form a perfect masterpiece!

The following was written as lyrics for a song and was composed long before this wedding was imagined. Still, I hope the sentiments involved here will carry forth with them forever.

I Will Be

 If you’ll be, my one and only,

I will be, your rock.

I will be, the pillar that you lean on,

if down the aisle, with me you’ll walk.

If you’ll be, my one true love dear,

I will be, forever, by your side.

I will be, your shelter, in the storm,

if you, will be my bride.

If you’ll be, my life’s companion,

I will be, your love for life.

I will be, the fire that keeps you warm,

if you, will be my wife.

Yes, I will be, your rock, your pillar.

I will be, your shelter, in the storm.

I will be, the fire that keeps you warm,

if you, will marry me.

If you’ll be, my one and only,

I will be, your rock.

I will be, the pillar that you lean on,

if down the aisle, with me you’ll walk.

Yes, I will be, your rock, your pillar.

I will be, your shelter in the storm.

I will be, the fire that keeps you warm,

if you, will marry me.

 If you, will only marry me.

 Jack Downing

Oct. 2008

via Bridal whites, but not as you’d expect > Fashion Photo Shoots > Blog.

Marriage Registration

We have an appointment for marriage registration on Sunday, and I very much hope to get this thing over and done with. It’s costing me wrinkles and white hairs.

Ceremony Style/Symbols

(Because I have no real say about the Jewish Orthodox ceremony itself, let me at least play with subversive symbols)

(There’s the apple red sash on my gown, obviously. Main subversive symbol.)

I want red rose petals on the white carpet leading to the huppah. Red is a recurring theme in my wedding, as is evident, since it’s the color of the Iron Pentacle, fire, transmutation, blood, poisoned apples. Rose symbolizes love, obviously, but also reminds me of The Twelve Wild Swans in the Reclaiming version, in which the heroine’s name is Rose.

My aunt and uncle grow roses professionally, so at some point I have to call my aunt for a major supply of petals.

Also, I really, really want soap bubbles for the ceremony, because there’s something very magical about them blowing in the night air. Thing is, soap bubbles are only enchanting if the huppah is held outdoors. Inside the venue, they’re tacky and messy, and causing the dance floor to be slippery. Since the wedding is on 03 December, I’ll first have to wait and see how the weather fares.

(The color scheme for the venue itself, and our wedding invitation is white/black/purple. No real symbolic reasoning behind that. Just something Uri likes a lot, and I said fine, because it’s pretty enough.)

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