I feel like I've been to my fair share of weddings and all have been special and unique in their own way. My favorite weddings, though, are ones that clearly reflect the personality of the couple and this wedding was certainly one of those. It was also special for me because it was an opportunity to see some friends that I don't often get to see.
The bride, Ann Marie Grimberg, was a roommate of mine in Portland, OR in 2003-2004. We were participating in a volunteer program called Holy Cross Associates along with 4 other wonderful people, Mike McGarry, Whitney Thompson, Mary Kay McDermott, and Marcel Lanahan. The six of us vowed to live the year dedicated to service, spirituality, community, and poverty. We each volunteered at various non-profit organizations during the day and worked as a community to explore and improve in the other areas at night and on the weekends. It was one of the most difficult, life changing, and phenomenal years of my life. Needless today say, the bonds formed with these six people are unlike any other in my life. After our year in Portland, we went our separate ways and are still following our own paths and passions as best we can. We don't see each other much, but when we do it is always a special occasion! Thanks to Ann Marie, we had another excuse to celebrate!
The lovely bride and groom.
Ann Marie married her handsome best friend Joel Moyer on August 7th, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. Hints of Ann Marie and Joel's personality seeped out of every detail of the day. The ceremony was held at a beautiful Catholic church in the city. Ann Marie and Joel stood out front to welcome their guests to the celebration. The church was filled with beautiful music performed by friends of the couple: Mary Kay was a vocalist, Marcel played guitar, and two other friends played the piano and bongo drums. The procession included their entire immediate family including siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Both Ann Marie and Joel were escorted by their parents to the alter.
Mary Kay and Marcel dazzled us with their musical talents.
They started the ceremony by addressing the congregation together as bride and groom. They thanked everyone for being there to witness their vows and the sacrament of marriage. They acknowledged that every person in that church had been a part of their lives and had influenced them in one way or another and then went on ask that we continue to be a part of their lives as husband and wife.
Their welcome speech was both touching and personal.
What a great idea!
The music and readings all spoke of serving others, social justice and peace. The homily was touching and appropriate. Their siblings gave the final blessing that they wrote themselves. Ann Marie's dress was classy and elegant yet simple. Her bouquet was wild flowers tied with a bow. She even high fived her husband on the alter after the first kiss!! All of these things scream Ann Marie!! You could feel her love for Joel and their dedication to social justice and simple living coming through in every last detail.
The reception only enhanced these feelings. Her uncles own the Great Lakes Brewing Company and supplied the bar with their own personalized beer. Ann Marie and Joel mingled with guests and expressed their appreciation through cocktail hour. After being introduced and the speeches were made by their sisters and witnesses, Joel played a surprise picture slide show that he had organized himself. He had represented every special group in her life. And then they danced. Their song was upbeat and happy. That continued on into the night as family and friends joined them on the dance floor. We even got a little dedication to the Portland House with Murder on the Dance Floor by Kylie Minogue (a house favorite). The night was perfect!
Mike and I were equally impressed with the NuptiAle!
The description of the brew described both of them as if they were a beer.
So cute!
Thomas, Whitney and Pete's little boy was taking advantage of little outside time during the cocktail hour.
Marcel, Mike, Whitney and her hubby Pete enjoyed the weather and each other's company.
Don't they make a great couple?
Half-way through their first dance, the kids in the crowd decided to join them on the dance floor.
They were surrounded by a ring of skipping children for the remainder of their song.
This this a sign for life to come?!?!
The rest of the night was enjoyed by all.
Ann Marie and one of her famous dance moves... singing into the ole' thumb microphone.
Classic!
After the celebrating, visiting, and well wishing had ended, the rest of the housemates and mates went back to stay with Whitney, her husband Pete, and her lovely little boy Thomas. We had some extra time to catch up with each other and share stories of our current lives. I am sad that I don't talk to the five of them very often, but when I think of them, I am always thankful that they have been and are still in my life.
I had to include a quick pic of Thomas.
Look at the baby blues on this boy! Adorable!!
The HCA PDX '03-'04 crew is back together again!
From left: Whitney's Thomas and Pete, Me, Ann Marie and her Joel, Mary Kay and her Peter (green shirt), Whitney, Marcel and Mike.
Thank you, Ann Marie and Joel, for sharing your weekend with me! Thank you for bringing the house together again. I can't wait for our next excuse to visit, celebrate, and share together!!
