I’m now a married lady! We really did it. Gregory and I married each other after 15 years together. And, in case you are wondering, it does feel different.
Would you like to know about the wedding?
Here’s Gregory sitting quietly in the Meeting House beforehand.
Here I am reclining in the Nest — a retreat space created by the women of our Marriage Care Committee — with members of my posse. Evelyn is doing my makeup. What a treat!
Gregory! No peeking!
My mother, Myra, and sister, Louise, enjoy a good hug.
Now that cousin Pattie and Ginny are here with Mom, we could spend the day just hanging out.
In the meantime, Gregory is greeting Kit’s husband Andy. Kit will be singing “Wild Mountain Thyme” at the beginning of the wedding.
My cousin Anne agrees with Evelyn that I need a last minute touch-up.
Ready to go. My about-to-be-official-sister-in-law prepares me with a kiss.
It’s a perfect day. Temp in the 70s, low humidity, blue sky, and no bugs!
Almost inside. After a hug from nephew Wesley, I get to hug nephew Stephen’s girl, the beautiful Ferelith.
And then the wedding.There are no photos of the wedding and no recording.
In the presence of God, attenders gathered together in the manner of Friends for meeting for worship and the marriage of Valerie Tate and Gregory Charles Arms.
We gathered in silence, believing “that of God” in each of us would lead to a direct experience of His will.
During the worship, Gregory and I took each other by the hand, and made our promises to one another before God, our families and friends. Then we signed our names to the marriage certificate which was read aloud by our dear, dear friend Maggie.
As the meeting settled back into the silence, all held us in the Light. Out of the silent worship, attenders were led to give spoken messages, with silence in between to allow others to dwell on the meaning of their messages.
Meeting for worship concluded after one hour and a reception began outside with music, food, flowers, smiles and joyful hugs abounding. More than 220 guests shared a lot of love!
First, it’s my niece Lauren and her uncle Gregory.
Monir and Ali.
Andrew and Cecelia.
Leslie and Kurt. Leslie wants to see the rings. Hooray! I get to show them off!
Peni.
Ginny and Mike with Nancy and Howie close behind them.
Beth and Kaylan.
Elaine.
Ludmila.
David is speaking to me in Spanish. Having just been hugging Ludmila I think David is speaking Russian. Oops.
May.
Patrick, Richard and Gregory are enjoying a laugh. I’m absorbed in conversation with Alida and Perry.
Mama meets Clea and Agnes. Agnes designed the wedding program.
Roy. We are so happy for Roy. His play “Neitzsche Ate Here” is being made into a film!
Heather is happy for me when I see Matt and Marjorie in line. Matt helped us find our beloved attorneys, Indiano & Williams, in Puerto Rico. Matt and Marjorie host the most marvelous Passover every year.
Our grand-niece, Simone.
Wise words from Mom.
Girls are waiting for CAKE! It’s carrot cake and those fruits are made from marzipan with a filling of chopped figs, dates, nuts, and chocolate.
Caterer, yoga teacher and friend, Cathryn Gunnerson.
Simona.
Long-time friend Susan… since 1972, I think.
Left to right – Linda, Pattie, John, Mom, Barry, Melanie and Charlie. Charlie was Gregory’s college roommate.
Galia, Sigfried and Maj.
Hoodlums! Tim and Emily, Steve and Kat, our brother-in-law Murray, Ferelith and Stephen.
Girlfriends Sasha and Davi.
The Marriage Certificate.
Bill, Jane, Barbara and Mark.
Longest-time friend Lauren in the red dress.
Nest builders Tanya and Nora.
Our beloved Indiano & Williams — David and Jo Indiano and Jeff and Ani Williams.
The gals who saved my life. Dr. Toni Lewis who made the critical call; the director of my trauma care Martha Baker, RN and the healer of my heart Diane Poirier, RN.
The rings, symbols of our love and commitment, nestled in my bouquet.
Now, Gregory and I just need to figure out where to go on our honeymoon. Any suggestions?
Love & Light,
Valerie
Oh, how beautiful the bride – how handsome the groom – how wonderful a gathering – how delicious all the treats – and how powerful the love that infused every moment of this marvelous event. I’ll remember it forever. Mom/Myra
Thank you, Mom, for all of your love and your generous hosting of the wedding. It was a glorious day in every way. Love & Light, Valerie
It was a day to cherish in all respects – beauty, spirit, perfect weather, lovely people, joyful hearts…. I will never forget it! Re: honeymoon – do you want to stay nearby or go far? I’ve got lots of suggestions!!! It’s really about what you both are looking for….
Dear Kit, Cherish is a good word. I agree to cherish it always. Re: honeymoon – nearby or far… either would be fine. I am looking for beauty, nature and comfort. Gregory loves gardens, hiking, music and galleries. He’s fine with more rustic accommodations. Some ideas are Santa Fe and the opera, Vancouver Island, Glacier National Park, a garden tour in the UK… Love & Light, Valerie
What a beautiful wedding!! The love that radiated in the room during the wedding was unbelievable. It was wonderful to hear all of the comments from your friends, family, neighbors- all people that love you dearly. I am so thankful that we were able to be there to be a part of and witness this very special occasion in your lives! Theolyn
Dear Theolyn, Gregory and I were so happy that you and David could be with us. Just knowing that you were there gave the day a little more spice! Love & Light, Valerie
Dear Valerie,
Your celebration certainly captured the essence of your beauty and the love you share with Gregory. You are indeed blessed and living in the light.
Love you so,
Francesca
Dear Francesca, Thank you! I also see you as blessed and living in the Light. Love you, too. xoxoxo, Valerie
I have been telling everyone I know what a beautifully simple ceremony it was. The positive energy was palpable in the meeting house and the guests. I am so happy for both you and Gregory and my continued hope is that you will live a long and happy life together!
Love and peace my friend!
Terri
Dearest Terri, Thank you for your kind words and good wishes. Love and peace are always welcome! I will always remember that you made such an effort to be with us on our special day. Many, many thanks. Love & Light, Valerie
We are both so very happy to see the joy behind your smiling faces. You deserve the very best.
Dear Dale and Dennis,
Thank you so much for your happy message! I hope you are both doing exceptionally well and enjoying the summer!
Love & Light,
Valerie
Valerie (and Gregory even though I have yet to meet you),
Mazal tov on what looked like an extraordinary day!!! I’m so happy, you both looked radiant in all the love and happiness that surrounded you both! May that day only be a taste of the wonders that are yet to come!!!
Love Rachel
Hi Rachel! Thank you! I love that day as “a tasted of the wonders yet to come.” That will be my prayer. Love & Light, Valerie
Congratulations Valerie and Gregory – it looks like you had a truly wonderful day with great weather, lovely food, fabulous friends and lots of love all around.
Enjoy the decades to come and have a lot of fun together.
In terms of honeymoon destinations – I’m sure I recall you talking about going to the Alps once Gregory had his hip fixed – might be too long a flight but put it on your list anyway!
lots of love to you both
Anne
Hi Anne,
I’m such a goofball! I missed your message. Thank goodness I checked back. Thanks for the reminder about the Alps. You have an incredible memory!
You captured the day perfectly.
Thank you for your love and friendship.
Love & Light,
Valerie
SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND GREGORY!! YOU, BOTH, HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT! lET NO MAN SET ASUNDER!! LOVE YOU VALERIE!! GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!!!
Thank you, Mary. You are a friend for life. I love you, too. God Bless. Love & Light, Valerie
Congratulations Valerie! You are such a beautiful bride. I wish you and your sweet Gregory a wonderful life together full of joy and partnership.
Thank you, Kathryn. Miss Songbird. Today is a sweet day of partnership. Yesterday, not so much. I guess that’s life. It’s what is in the main that counts. One wise friend told me years ago that a relationship is worth keeping if it’s 80% good. I would add… and we’re working on the other 20%. That’s where we are. We use the IMAGO dialogue technique to work through our “issues”. Thank goodness, it really helps! Love & Light, Valerie
Come to Eastport, Maine. <3 Loving wishes for you and Gregory, Darling!
Thank you, Darling! What if I fall in love with Eastport and want to stay?? Love & Light, Valerie