December 13th, 2014

Jeff and I were married on December 13th, 2014. What an adventure it was! We spent three fun days up at the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel- nordic skiing (for me), downhill skiing (for Jeff), eating great food, pampering ourselves at the spa, and totally loving life together in our new roles as husband and wife.

Winter Wonderland

We arrived on Friday and spent the afternoon with some exercise and cocktails before a cozy dinner in the hotel. Our room was beautiful- we had a third floor view of Mt. Washington. (Unfortunately, the mountain was socked in with clouds for the entire weekend, but we knew it was there.) We arrived to our room with several large bags of stuff- ski gear, swimsuits, wedding clothing, everything but the dogs. We entered the room and found a bottle of champaign with a celebratory note congratulating us and setting the tone for the perfect weekend ahead. It really was SO perfect!

I skate skied 21 miles on Saturday morning before our ceremony and Jeff took some solo ski runs at the mountain. We hadn’t planned a big ceremony, but we had hired a JP to marry us in the presence of my parents and Jen. Prior to ceremony, we also had a photographer come for some pictures together. We’re both so glad to have those photographed memories and grateful that Allie recommended we do this. Meg, from Rodeo & Co Photography was terrific and she captured some of our most precious moments that afternoon.

We were married in The Gold Room on the entry level of the hotel. It was a beautiful, private space. We closed the door and proceeded with the ceremony that Jeff and I had scripted. We shared our vows with one another; both speaking only from the heart. This was so special. I wasn’t sure what to expect from an impromptu moment under such emotional circumstances, but it absolutely lovely. Jeff brought tears to my eyes as he shared his love and hopes for our future together. It is one of my favorite memories, so far, in our lives together.

The Gold Room

At the end of the ceremony, I had a quick father/daughter dance with my dad. Despite not wanting a traditional, large wedding, I did want a dance with my dad. I’ve never had big visions of my wedding day- no plan to wear a formal dress or invite hundreds of people… but I’ve always had a song for my dad. Landslide, sung by Stevie Nicks.

Our ceremony:

Opening by the JP: (She gave an acknowledgment of the people in the room and a recognition of those not present.)

This is a time to celebrate your relationship with a commitment that reflects your willingness work hard, ask for support (when needed), and celebrate in life’s joys- together- as they happen.

Marriage is life’s most important relationship. It is the sharing of two lives- the product of your friendship- and will be the foundation of your family through the years ahead.

Your concious effort for success in this partnership will bring you many adventures and new expereinces. Take time to understand and respect one another and take time to appreciate the journey. Be the partner you’d like to have… support each other through adversity… and commit yourself to building a happy and meaningful life together.

To marry is to turn together, as a team, and face the world with someone you love.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Intentions:

Meghan, do you choose Jeff to be your husband- to whom you give your deepest love and devotion, forsaking all others, to be a kind & faithful wife?

Meghan: I do.

Do you pledge to speak and listen, to give and receive, and to be a partner who is considerate and patient?

Meghan: I will.

Jeff, do you choose Meghan to be your wife- to whom you give your deepest love and devotion, forsaking all others, to be a kind & faithful husband?

Jeff: I do.

Do you pledge to speak and listen, to give and receive, and to be a partner who is considerate and patient?

Jeff: I will

Meghan & Jeff have something to say to one another (brief) Ring Ceremony:

Although this ceremony is only on this one day; marriage is for a lifetime. The rings that you are about to exchange mark the continuation of your journey together. Let your rings be a reminder of the promises you have made to one other, and a symbol of the love that you share.

Meghan, as you place the ring on Jeffrey’s finger, please repeat after me:

Jeff, take this ring as a symbol of my love, and of my commitment to our marriage.

Jeffrey, as you place the ring on Meghan’s finger, please repeat after me:

Meghan, take this ring as a symbol of my love, and of my commitment to our marriage.

Pronouncement:

Today I am privileged to share with you the moment you begin your new life together. In the years ahead, may you always apply tenderness and strength to the trials that may befall you. May your love be a shield from the unpredictability of life. May you remember to rejoice in good times and good fortune and may you always appreciate the life you have found with each other.

Closing:

And now, it gives me great privilege to say, By the power vested in me, by the state of New Hampshire, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride.

Some other photos that I love:

Truly, this weekend was magical. We missed some of our family members, and we would have loved to have shared this special afternoon with everyone in our lives, but the small, private, and simple ceremony perfectly aligned with who we are. It was special, personal, and unique.

This weekend was also significant for Jeff and I because… we started a family! Without any knowledge of how the stars would align for us, and after a year of trying for a baby, it happened! Jeff and I married and, with undeniable proof that this was meant to be, we also started a family. From now on, our adventures will be a bit different; not only will we be Mr. & Mrs. Underhill… but we will have Baby Underhill right along with us. XO.