Kira and Tim - San Diego Botanic Garden
Last July I received an inquiry through my website for a wedding this past June. Actually, it initially was for a May date in Temecula, but soon became a June date at a beautiful spot, the San Diego Botanic Garden. They let me know that they come from an interfaith background (Jewish and Lutheran), but neither is religious at all. And they knew they wanted some sense of ceremony, but didn't know where to start.
When we got together to meet, I quickly realized that Kira, the bride, is a photographer, and therefore an industry colleague I just hadn't yet met. No greater compliment than when someone in the industry chooses you, I don't think, as they have often seen many of the choices out there!
Naturally, we talked about what they wanted and didn't want from their ceremony. They didn't want it to be long, nor religious. They were not going to have a bridal party (other than little nieces and a nephew for flower girls and ring bearer). We talked about maybe involving the mothers somehow, or at least to include a family blessing of some sort, as family was important to them. We discussed ways we would bring in some Jewish traditions without being religious, like a chuppah (as the venue has a great arch to use), wine, and breaking the glass. We even talked about names, and agreed that Tim would be Timothy in the formal portions of the ceremony and Tim in the stories portion, since that's what he is to her.
So, what did we create together? First of all, as it became quite an intimate celebration of family and close friends, they decided to not only include a family blessing, asking for their families' promise to give both of them their love, support, encouragement and heartfelt blessing, but also to ask the same of all of their friends there, recognizing the importance of their joined community. We included a unique reading that spoke to them: from "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rainer Maria Rilke. We included the breaking of the glass, to honor Jewish tradition. For their vows, they chose to write them together, and to make the same vows to each other, and they chose to do it as a "repeat after me" rather than to read them themselves. Kira chose not to include any question asked when her mother and stepfather walked her down the aisle. And they chose to end the ceremony with the kiss, rather than any introduction. Plus, as always, we included stories from their "homework" for me, to help their friends and families really get what they are there celebrating. Some of their answers were terrific!
I love how they really made the ceremony, and the entire celebration, theirs in so many little ways. I always encourage it, and it's always fun to see how my couples take me up on it!
They had such a talented photographer in Jenna of Flutterglass Photography; she really was able to capture their relationship, plus the beauty and uniqueness of the surroundings! Check out her amazing pictures below. And the unique flowers and details from Emilia of Sweet Emilia Jane really added to it as well.
Thank you so very much, again, Kira and Tim, for the amazing honor of being a part of your loving and sweet and special relationship! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together!
Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden
Photographer: Flutterglass Photography
Florals: Sweet Emilia Jane
