For Tom and Sally, the first time around didn’t work out. Both their first marriages unexpectedly ended. It took a while for each of them to work through the pain because they always intended to marry for life. Circumstances beyond their control left them with broken dreams.
After a year or two recovering from the grief and loss, they were introduced by a common friend at another friend’s wedding. Looking back, they knew the hope they saw here in this very creative and inspiring wedding opened them not only to each other, but opened them to begin to trust again, to love again – in a new way. They would look back knowing their partnership began to form that day.
The Autumn ceremony was held at the Mountain Chapel in Stowe, about half way up the toll road. Forty guests – including Tom and Sally – packed the stone and wood sanctuary, made sacred not only by its unique Alpine design, but by the intimacy of its circular seating. The warmth of the people provided the only heat on a cool day, bringing strangers close together, and forecasting hope for the couple processing; it was re-marriage for both of them.
Contemplative music from the classical guitarist set a warm tone for the entire service. The couples’ kids constituted their “best people,” flanking them on each side of the rustic alter. The first reading by an old friend guided the congregation toward an eternal love based on humility and forgiveness. The other reading by one of the mothers added a touch of humor and lightness, relaxing everybody. A personalized reflection by the officiant (“humor and laughter are the elixirs of the Spirit and new life”) prepared the couple for their vows, into which they had obviously put much thought and heart. There wasn’t a dry eye following the closing anthem by the guitarist, Noel Paul Stookey’s “There is Love.” A sense of deep spiritual unity beyond all the divisiveness of the world accompanied people as they exited after a snug Celtic benediction. Joyful friends and family embraced bride and groom and family on the open stone porch, looking out on the mountains in full Fall color.
It was there on the porch where Tom and Sally were introduced to each other. It wasn’t quite love at first sight; little did they know the power of the moment at the time. But years later they would be reminded of it by the matchmaker as she shared her blessing at their own wedding at the Mountain Chapel on a cool Autumn day…
Rev. Michael Caldwell (whose parishioners call “Rev. Michael”) runs the Partnership Center of Vermont from his home in North Wolcott, VT.
Along with his ministry in New England’s Congregational (UCC) tradition, he does partnership coaching with couples, specializing in re-marriage and blended families:
