Ray & Ashley's Wedding
On November 25, 2006 at noon, the entire village gathered together at the large white tent for the wedding of Ray Tyler and Ashley Pennington. It was a perfect day – sunny and cool – most unusual for this time in November. The village people were all buzzing around making the last-minute preparations. When you entered the tent you could feel a sense of warmth. Was it the beautiful sun shining on that special day? Or the loveliness of the tent decorated in the rich colors of autumn? Or, maybe, the smiles and the happiness that exuded through the many people that love Ray and Ashley and were so excited to be part of this happy occasion. Nevertheless, a sense of beauty and love was about us as we entered the tent that afternoon.
Soon the time came for all to prepare for the coming of the groom for his bride. So everyone gathered outside the tent with a great expectation of what we were to see next. There was a long, curving pathway of autumn leaves leading under a wooded archway that got our attention first. Before long, vibrant music began playing, and a procession of young women came down the leaf pathway, twirling colorful poi balls. (Poi Balls is a New Zealand hobby that Ashley has studied, taught, and enjoys performing in the village during festivals and events.) This was not a traditional wedding march by any means.
As this lively display of color, music, and fun entered our midst, we thought of the bride, Ashley, and then we could see her being escorted by her mother and father through the archway and down the path of leaves made especially for her. She was beautiful! She was dressed like the Princess of Autumn in rich colors of gold and red and she wore a crown of colorful leaves in her long, brown hair. But most importantly, was the beauty of her innocence and sincerity of heart that presented itself through the simplicity and naturalness of Ashley. What a sight!
Ashley had our attention as we all watched her anticipate and wait for the coming of her Bridegroom. Where was he? How would he come? We looked around us wondering where he would come from. Soon we could hear the sound of bagpipes playing in the distance. There is something about that sound that brings the feeling of honor to us. Before long we could hear the sound coming nearer and then, as we looked into the distant field, we could see a procession of young, strong, handsome men coming, bringing with them the bridegroom, Ray.
The young men and Ray proceeded until they were standing in front of a long wall made up of Honorable Men. These men are considered grandfathers and fathers, worthy of much respect because of their pursuit of God. Their wall represented the strength of their brotherhood, and the unity that they have fought for in their relationships with one another. The fruit of this unity stood behind them embodied in the beautiful women, and children full of life, desires, and hope.
Suddenly a strong voice spoke from the line of men, asking, “Who are you?” “I am Ray,” the groom anxiously replied. “Who have you come for,” responded the strong voice. “I have come for my bride, Ashley”, he answered eagerly. Just then, there was a parting in the line of men and standing before Ray was his beautiful bride Ashley. The new couple shared a sweet hug while the rest of us had tears of joy as we watched all these tender moments take place.
It was time to celebrate the marriage of Ray and Ashley so we all gathered in the tent where we enjoyed music, food, and dancing. There were favorite memories shared about this couple and a lot of encouragement for them to continue pursuing God together. A special gift was given to Ashley by her new husband, Ray. It was a long distance phone call all the way from India, from our beloved and close friend Pastor K.V. Daniel. He called to give his blessing to Ray and Ashley. The call was played over the sound system so that we could all hear his voice and take part in this special moment. This was a special surprise to Ashley as well as most of the rest of us. It was a touching moment for all.
The wedding ended with a unique dance choreographed by Ray and Ashley with a little help from their friends. It was fun, creative and spirited, just like they are in all that they do. The dance ended with their very first kiss, and the bride and groom running off to their honeymoon car full of balloons, money, and candy kisses. Off they went!
Ray and Ashley enjoyed two weeks away on their honeymoon, where they traveled as far as North Carolina and spent some time hiking the Appalachian Trail. They returned home to a cozy cabin that had been prepared and decorated according to their preferences by their closest friends. They received gifts from the villagers, relatives, family and friends that have taken care of the needs of their new home.
Soon Ray and Ashley will go back to work and enjoying their various interests that they take part in the village, only now as a married couple. As conflicts come up in their relationship, and every married couple knows that problems are inevitable, Ray and Ashley will draw from the wonderful support system that surrounds them.
Upon talking to Ray and Ashley after the wedding, their hearts were filled with gratefulness for all the love that had been poured out on them. They are eager to give in return to all who so generously cared for them.
How is it that a young couple can have such a good start in life? The answer goes back to that long wall made up of Honorable Men. Men that came together in a marriage with one another before Ray and Ashley ever thought of one another. These men made continuous choices to give up an independent lifestyle and mindset so that they may instead pursue a shared life with one another and to have one mind, one heart, and one life to follow God, collectively. On their own, they were good men, but together, they are astounding.
We, the women and children of the village are very proud of our men and will follow them anywhere. For, because of them, we reap the benefits of a very satisfying and fulfilling life and can, therefore, have more joy, peace, and love to not just share with our own family, but each other’s; as well as the grace and ability to reach out to those who have need in the community around us. What greater thing in life could we ask for?
Posted on Aug 2, 02:29 PM | Categorized under Articles—
