October Spotlight: High school sweethearts get married in NYC

Who does not like the movie Juno?  Only the most cynical.  Not this couple.  They realized the true meaning of “to elope” –to “run away”– when they married.  They returned home to announce their marriage to family and friends at an “engagement party.”

From the Bride and Groom: Just wanted to say one more big THANK YOU!! for everything. Our ceremony was absolutely perfect; I don’t think we could have asked for anything better. We’re still in awe of how personal you were able to make the ceremony, without ever meeting us in person; it seemed like you had known us for years. Below is the link to the video Jonathan put together for us– check it out and feel free to share it! Thanks again for being part of an incredible weekend. We are truly blessed.

And here is the rest of the ceremony…..

Mike and Erica invited us here as comrades in good-willed mischief. We are here to witness the vows that shall unite them into marriage.

This pair met in July 2006 as Erica walked into a theatre lobby before performing in a local production of Grease. There she encountered a handsome guy called “Mike” playing a guitar. While they were both young in years, Erica knew instantly a genuine bond could develop between her and Mike.

Over the next weeks, Mike and Erica relaxed with mutual friends and their bond deepened. Weeks transformed into months of many “firsts” — first date, kiss, and so on. The twitching of butterflies only multiplied at the prospect of a future together.

Then the demands of life interfered. The two split. Although the separation evoked pain, the two matured by enduring separate ventures. They met cool and annoying people, sat through interesting and awful dates, and collected insights about the world. Simply put, they had to accrue treasure chests of knowledge and experiences to enrich themselves and therefore the potential of a committed relationship.

Still, they kept in contact as friends. In January 2010, “home” reunited them. A few dates led to a long ‘heart-to-heart’ in which each revealed true feelings. Fears placated, their friendship converted into open love. By May, they began building a new home together. Mike proposed the following February (2011), as Erica’s long Saturday shift ended. Apparently visiting for food, he placed a ring box on top of the check presenter. As confusion overwhelmed Erica, Mike “got down on bended knee” with the timeless question. Erica enthusiastically replied: “Yes!”

Erica once scattered lyrics on post-it notes for Mike to scavenge. He tucked one of his favorites into his wallet — a passage by Bob Dylan that promises: “I can make you happy–Make your dreams come true–Nothing that I wouldn’t do–Go to the ends of the earth for you–To make you feel my love.”

Each makes other happier than either ever thought possible. Apart, you feel incomplete. From this moment onwards, your lives will officially interlock. Your hearts – and the law – will insist you reassure each other of your love and never go to bed angry. You will be bound intimately. And, cared for tenderly, this union will bring you far more charm than woe.

Personal Vows: Erica and Mike now wish to share personal vows.

Their ring vow: “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my covenant to learn and grow with you.”

I closed with the lyrics of Barry Louis Polisar (from Juno): “If I was a flower growing wild and free, all I’d want is you to be my sweet honey bee. And if I was a tree growing tall and green, all I’d want is you to shade me and be my leaves. If you were a river in the mountains tall, the rumble of your water would be my call. If you were the winter, I know I’d be the snow, just as long as you were with me when the cold winds blow. If you were a wink, I’d be a nod. If you were a seed, well I’d be a pod. If you were the floor, I’d wanna be the rug. And if you were a kiss, I know I’d be a hug. If you were the wood, I’d be the fire. If you were the love, I’d be the desire. If you were a castle, I’d be your moat. And if you were an ocean, I’d learn to float. All I want is you, will you be my bride? Take me by the hand and stand by my side? All I want is you, will you stay with me? Hold me in your arms and sway me like the sea.”

Erica and Mike, may you hold each other with love always….