Maine Squeeze: They make their vows

The guests had arrived, the portraits had been taken, and we could hear the gentle strains of the handbell choir float toward us from where we were waiting by our cottage. It was time!

Handmade programs (featuring the same love knot as their save the dates!) were strung between two trees next to the ceremony site.





As guests arrived, the bell choir played a selection of lovely songs, including "Sleeper's Wake" and "Grace and Thanksgiving." Having a bell choir play was super important to Kate and Cormac, and although at times I secretly thought it might be more trouble than it was worth, it turned out to be SO awesome in the end.



The grandmothers walked in first, accompanied by groomsmen.



The mothers and the father of the groom followed. All family members walked in to "Let All Things Now Living."



When "Evensong" began, it was time for the bridal party. First Cormac's sister, then Kim, then me.



And then Kate and Dad.





Cormac was waiting at the front, beside the driftwood arch.







Kate handed off her bouquet, and it was time to begin!







After the welcome, invocation, an address to the family and friends, and questions to the family of the bride and groom, we had the first reading. My cousin Hannah did the reading, which was "How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog" by Taylor Mali.



The guests were watching intently :)



The second reading was from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," read by our other cousin, Molly.



Next there was a reading from Romans by the groom's godmother.



Then, the main event: the exchange of vows and rings. As you saw in the previous post, Kate and Cormac wrote their vows together. Funny story: when Cormac was saying his vows, my Mom started to get upset because he wasn't looking at Kate! Then he finally did -- and immediately choked up. Aww!



Then the kiss!





And the recessional, to "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," one of my favorites!



All photos by the super talented and lovely Jenna Cole and Meredith of & Unlimited.

Previously:
We arrive
We prepare
We raise the tent
We rehearse and play wiffle ball
We jump off the wharf
We eat lobster
We wake up very early, and the gents get dressed
The girls get ready