"They march to the beat of their own drum."If I was asked to describe Emily and Derek in one simple phrase, this would be my answer. Every so often, I meet people who are completely different than me. Nothing could be more exciting. I always find that these interactions give me pause and help me to see the world in a way I never did before. Such is the case with Emily and Derek.

On a cold, rainy morning in early October, George dropped me off at Emily and Derek’s apartment where Emily and the ladies were getting ready. George was heading straight to the hotel to meet up with Derek and the guys. Upon entering the apartment, Emily’s face told me a lot about how she was feeling at the moment. Nervous. Anxious. Excited. Overwhelmed. All emotions I’m used to seeing on a wedding day.

"Have you had anything to eat today?" I inquired.

"No." was Emily’s response.

After some encouragement from me and others, Emily sat and ate a piece of leftover chocolate cake. We counted the strawberry garnish as a serving of fruit. MMMM…chocolate cake! Now that’s my kind of breakfast!!

Eventually, everyone was ready, and Harrison escorted the ladies to the limo waiting just outside. I hopped into the front seat next to Harrison. Off to the hotel!

As soon as we pulled up to the Burlington Marriott, I saw George and Amie (the videographer) waiting by the door. Derek was in the room where the ceremony would start in just a few minutes. The ladies all stepped from the limo into the hotel lobby. Their bags were put on a cart and the ladies were quickly lined up for the processional. Everyone else took their places.

The most memorable part of Emily and Derek’s ceremony was the reading of the vows. Each had prepared a personal statement to read to the other. Emily’s included lines like "As long as the oceans meet the sands, I will love you." Derek had his own surprise. From his jacket pocket, he pulled out the first card that Emily ever gave him. Emily was in tears, along with half the guests, as Derek read the card aloud.

Michael, a good friend of Emily and Derek’s, was licensed specifically to officiate their ceremony. He announced them husband and wife, instructed them to kiss and introduced them to the guests. The room erupted in celebration.

The reception that evening was a continuation of the celebration started earlier that day. Emily and Derek had been diligently practicing their first dance routine and it paid off. At one point, Derek scooped Emily into his arms and spun her around the dance floor with her dress floating behind her. The matron of honor shared one of the funniest stories I’ve every heard during her toast. It involved, Emily, the matron of honor, their first apartment, and a "ghost." To repeat the story would be an injustice to the moment. You just had to be there.

Once the dance floor opened to everyone, I immediately noticed a young girl in a black dress run onto the dance floor and start dancing with anyone and everyone. I had noticed her earlier in the day when Emily and Derek were greeting their guests. She had embraced Emily and struggled to let go. Emily embraced her with the same affection in return. I could see by the interaction with her family that this girl faced some personal challenges most of us would never encounter in our own lives. But music has life and allows people to do things they wouldn’t do otherwise.

What I thought was so beautiful was that this young girl was cheerfully embraced by everyone she approached on the dance floor. And she danced with everyone. It was an incredible event to observe and almost brought me to tears. I was amazed at how each individual took the time to embrace and love this special child and I wondered how this type of behavior, expanded into the world around us, could change the lives of so many who struggle each and every day. Compassion is a powerful force. Music and dancing were the tools with which compassion was expressed that evening.

The day ended with a casual celebration in the restaurant at the hotel. It was pretty clear that no one wanted to leave. The laughter of the guests could be heard throughout the first floor of the hotel. This day, they celebrated Emily and Derek.

Thank you Emily and Derek for giving George and I the privilege of sharing in your wedding day.

 

Vendors:

Venue:  Boston Marriott Burlington – Burlington, MA

Video:  Amie Spiridigliozzi-Keefe of Angelina Video Productions – Danvers, MA

DJ:  Friend of bride and groom

 

To see more of their wedding photos, click here.

 

Emily’s hand-written vows

 

 

 I adore this picture.  Emily’s expression says so many things at once.

 

 

 George captured the action as Emily’s parents escorted her down the aisle.

 

 

 

 Derek read from the first card Emily ever gave him.

 

 

 Exchanging rings

 

 

 

 The joyful exit!

 

 

 

 George’s take on the first dance. 

 

 

 

 Reacting to the "ghost" story

 

 

 

 So cute.  Photo by George.

 

 

 

 Emily and her dad

 

 

 

 Sneaking a few shots in between raindrops.  Photo by George.

 

 

 

 

 

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