Wedding Day May 23, 2021
Venue: Mt Vernon Canyon Club
She did not have the option to choose where she wanted to live after the divorce, going back and forth from her dad’s house to her mom’s. The youngest of four, a golden retriever personality style, gentle, loyal, grace-filled and a peace-loving homebody. She had trouble sleeping and retreated from friends. I established a mentor/counselor relationship for her and ensured that the soil she was planted in was rich with kindness, music, faith, family, healing, and hope.
Julie met Jeff in college at CSU. Both studying photography and fine arts, my petite (5’ 0”) daughter was struggling to reach something high in a photography lab. Suddenly a tall, handsome student reached up asking, “Can I help you?” That was the beginning of a 14-year friendship. When Julie and Jeff graduated, she left for Indiana to attend a Fellows Program and he left to find work in Miami. They kept in touch. After 4 years of being apart, Julie moved back to Colorado and Jeff decided to transfer back to be closer to family. The platonic relationship resumed which eventually turned into a budding romance. Jeff and Julie worked well together contracting with a catering company and working events as a team. I hired the duo to help me with my annual company Christmas party and was delighted with how hard they worked, how they complemented each other, and how efficient they were together.
Soon after they were engaged, Julie called and asked if I would be upset if they were to elope. I told her that she is a 33-year-old woman, and she can do what she wants. I told Julie I would love for her to have the wedding ”queen-for-a-day-experience” to be celebrated and blessed by so many who loved her and walked her through her troubled road as a child. Weeks later she called to ask if we could go wedding dress shopping. I was thrilled! We made every wedding planning detail a celebration with Julie’s tribe.
The day of the wedding was magical. The sun came out after a night of severe thunderstorms. Mount Vernon Canyon Club was ready for the event, everything was meticulously decorated exactly as planned. Julie wanted a boho wedding which is defined as socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists. The boho touches were everywhere with dark wine color dresses of the wedding attendants, her sister, Lauren the matron-of-honor and her sister-in-law, Kimberly, the solo bridesmaid. Two of Julie’s 11-year-old nieces were the junior bridesmaids dressed in white with sashes matching the wine color dresses of the bridesmaids. The flower girl who was the 6-year-old niece of the groom, also wore white, while the groom’s attendants were in grey suits. The joy of this day was amplified by all who know Julie and Jeff
The highlights of the wedding were:
My 90-year-old mom getting made up by make-up artists and wearing false eyelashes for the first time!
Julie’s dad being so present and emotional, not just as he walked her down the aisle, but as he danced with her at the reception. Both Julie and her dad were filled with emotion as a healing hush filled the room. All eyes were on them as the guests knew the inside story of pain and heartbreak of a broken relationship.
The wedding planner, a long-time friend of the family, organizing every lovely detail.
The vocalist, another lifelong friend, singing the meaningful song, “God Bless the Broken Road” the words of the song touching our collective hearts, That every long-lost dream led me to where you are. Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars, pointing me on my way into your loving arms. This much I know is true. That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
The deep and kind officiant who struggled through vows as he was touched by the couple’s words to each other. After they recited their vows, he turned to the guests out on the lovely deck surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and evergreens, and asked those in attendance, “Do you vow to help this couple, encourage them, pray for them, and support them in times of trouble?” If you commit to that, please say “ I do”. The crowd erupted in an affirmative “We do!”
The sand ceremony of blending two colors of sand into one jar.
Julie’s brother reading a narrative about what love looks like.
Julie’s piano teacher and mentor, reciting the Irish Blessing.
The first kiss starting with Julie and Jeff touching foreheads for several seconds which was an overwhelming tender and emotional moment filled with connection and intimacy. Then, breathlessly, he gently kissed her.
The tears, laughter, hugs, and joy of the guests who came from near and far to celebrate this sacred and blessed event.
As we celebrate Julie and Jeff, we need to honor and highlight the pro-social benefits of marriage and committed love. It is ultimately what we all love for, to belong to one another, doing life and love well.
joneen@myrelationshipcenter.org
