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Susie & Walter 2004

Sarah's sister got married when both the bride and groom were in their mid-40s. Their already full life experience and their supportive families provided the perfect opportunity for them to create their wedding EXACTLY as they desired without traditional or family restrictions. While Sarah's sister is the consummate event planner and took charge of the production for herself, nevertheless Sarah was able to support her in all aspects of planning and manifestation of their dreams. And, true to their dreams, the wedding unfolded as the ultimate fairy tale.

They chose a site belonging to a friend — a farm in the picture-perfect rolling hills of Marin County, California — a part of the world where we all grew up. The date was May 1st, and the hills were at the zenith of their spring glory. Sarah was able to create an invitation using her sister’s favorite painting by family friend Marina Bebe — a stunning image of the area’s hills in full bloom — that vividly evoked the time and place of their celebration.

Guests were encouraged to come in “fairy tale” costume, and wings and flowing sleeves and gowns abounded. The event took place in the garden, courtyard, barnyard, and in the meadows of the rolling hills themselves, and the table settings, ribbon decorations and flower arrangements echoed the wild flower colors all around.

The day began with guests gathering among the Cottonwood grove, plied with champagne and oysters and serenaded by acoustic stringed instruments. As the guests mingled and enjoyed the atmosphere, suddenly they heard the sound of tinkling bells and a band of fairies — a dozen little girls in flowing gowns with flower wreaths, fairy wings, and ribbons and bells streaming from their little hands — danced over the field to greet them.

As they watched the fairy children, a Wizard appeared with a crystal staff and called them all to join him and the fairies in celebrating this day. The Wizard, the Officiant of the ceremony, lead the fairies and all the guests up through the meadow to a waiting ring of hay bales.

The groom’s parents were adorned in scarlet and golden finery as a King and Queen, seated in the front row under a leaf-shaped parasol.

As the guests seated themselves, looking for all the world like a patch of the brightest wild flowers, up through the meadow galloped the groom on a magnificent steed. He cut quite a dashing figure in his white full-sleeved blouse, velvet pants and leather boots, with a wide sash and saber at his hip.

Next, up through the meadow, came a carriage drawn by two white horses, carrying the bride and her bridesmaids.

She alit just outside the circle, and with both her parents — her mother in a gown of green and gold with feather and pearls in her headdress, and her father in a wide-brimmed hat, long cape, and red scarf at his neck — proceeded up the aisle to meet her groom awaiting with the Wizard.

That ceremony under the vivid May sun was full of love and laughter, serious and silly, and the singing was accompanied by the serendipitous flight of a red tail hawk over our heads.

It was one of those weddings when everyone knew beyond a doubt how perfect the couple was for each other.

When all rejoiced at the final kiss, then the bride and groom took off into the hills on the magnificent steed — well, to be honest, they intended too, but the bride’s dress was too voluminous to allow her to mount, so they just walked away leading the steed along with them.

A feast was served in the barn yard under canvas umbrellas with toasts and readings and songs.

There was a Maypole that guests danced around — the bride especially glorying in the ample swish of her fairy tale gown — and a dance floor was laid out under the Cottonwood trees in front of the band and the people danced long into the twilight.

As evening arrived, the couple headed out again away over the green meadow to a special pavilion set up for their wedding night, adorned with rose petals and candles just before they arrived. Many of the guests camped out in another meadow and breakfast was served the next morning in the courtyard.

That event was one of those serendipitous occasions where everything and everyone, including the weather, the flora and fauna all around, cooperated to manifest exactly the event the couple had dreamed of. Everyone present was blessed with the love, gratitude and good will of the couple and the community.

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