Bec's father, who is a gifted and passionate reverend, Gary Ulrich, gave an incredibly powerful toast. His words reflected on life's profound trials and tribulations as he extended his love and blessings to Bec and Ruben. The very real tragedy that befell their family soon before the wedding, was the death of Bec’s nephew, Andrew, an incomparable devestating loss that they suffered together but were still able to celebrate the marriage with sincerity and gusto. The congregation was rapt and tears flowed freely. It was a moving moment during this rare event which brought this wonderfully diverse group of people together. forcefulness, and their playfulness.

Photo by Tyler Hubby ====================

The bouquet toss shook the place, literally. I'm now sure that Bec must have played sports as a child because of the way she wielded that bat - the girl has a strong swing. The pinatas, one dafodill and one daisy represented Ruben's and Bec's favorite flowers, respectively. I devised the symbolic replacement of the bouquet with pinatas due to the wish to subvert the original meaning of the bouquet toss. The bride anoints the next girl in line to be married via this ritual. There is a desperation and cat-fight kind of energy that often ensues during this ritual - the want of man-finding is a powerful force. To play with the ideas about how men and women seek out their mates, I chose to insert messages in bottles inside the pinatas; for the women and in the daisy (Bec’s favorite flower), I wrote tips for how to win a man, and for the men inside the daffodil (Ruben’s favorite flower), I wrote pick-up lines. It was disturbing and amusing on so many levels that these tips and lines were all taken from books published within the last couple of years.

my statement for this piece:
“The bouquet is a ritual about the gal who will be the next to be married. It is often a violent race and grapple to the prize. I wanted to humorously approach the subject of winning a man, picking up a woman, which may lead to marriage."

Photo by Rose Apodaca
=====================

Photo by Tyler Hubby
====================

Flirting tips:

Just get out there and flirt! * Have a fun conversation. Just try not to say anything dumb or idiotic * Make eye contact with a guy and use lustful and playful glances to keep his attention * Mirror his behavior and see if he mirrors yours * Keep negative vibes out of your conversation or you may end up depressing a guy or pushing him away * Listen to what the man says and look like you are interested while he talks * Try not to give a guy the impression that he is inferior to you or less intelligent. Make him feel special. Try to stay away from discussing any of your unique interests for too long * Women who flirt with younger men should appear to be more sensual in order to better attract them * You can boost a guys’ ego by laughing at his silly remarks or at his jokes. Try not to overdo it with the laughing * A slight tilt of your head can make you appear a bit more shy. * Combine a tilt with a coy glance * Don’t bore a guy with stories of your job, your children or your ex * Speaking softly can sound sexy and seductive to many men – especially if you hesitate a little while you talk * If you like art, then try scoping out men at art galleries or museums * Smile, make good eye contact and look approachable. Be sure that your feet are pointed at the man you want to meet * Some women have success meeting guys online through social networking sites, if you are into things like this * Plant images in his head. Talk about your body in a subtly suggestive way without specifics. For instance, that you’ve been working out * Get the guy to talk about himself. You can ask him follow up questions r statements like: “That sounds interesting, tell me more about that.” * Stay away from stressful topics, such as how much money you each make, how many kids you want, religion or politics * Just fake it. Act like you’re confident in yourself and you will look confident * You can drop a pen and slowly bend over to pick it up. This can make you appear just a bit naughty and attract attention * Address a guy by his name when you speak to him. Most people like to hear their own names * You can try the dumb blonde approach, even if you aren’t a blonde. Make him your hero. Just try not to overdo it * Don’t take it personally if you don’t hear back from a guy. Just keep flirting with other men. Someone will ask you out * Briefly touch his arm, back or shoulder with your hand. Pretend he has a piece of lint on his clothes and remove it * Wear skin tight clothes to show off your figure. Wear a bikini if you’re at the beach * Bite your lower lip as you look at a guy, lick your lips with your tongue. Leave your lips parted just a little bit * Lip gloss, mascara and a light eye shadow can help enhance your look as you try to attract a man * Shiny and sparkly accessories are good flirting accessories * Necklaces, earrings and rings all help to attract guys, but don’t overdo it * Flirt while commuting. Strike up a conversation with a guy on the train or bus in the morning as you go to work (or school). Flirt with a man on the commute home as well for a more relaxed atmosphere * Sporting events are a fun place to meet guys. Flirt with men who are on their way to the concession stands. Be discreet and be careful about distracting guys for too long during a game * Younger men are tunred off by older women who nag them and try to mother them. The guy already has a mother.

Pick up lines

You must be tired: you’ve been running through my mind all day * Can I buy you a drink? …In Tahiti * Let’s go behind that rock and get a little boulder * Would you like to come home with me to see my art collection? * Do you sleep on your stomach? (No) Can I? * When they created the alphabet they should have put “U” and ‘I” together * Is that a ladder up your stocking or a ladder to heaven? * Hi, my name is chance? Do I have one? * If you were the new McDonald’s burger, you’d be the McGorgeous! * All those curves….and me with no brakes * Could you please step away from the bar. You’re melting all the ice * Hi, will you help me find my lost puppy? I think he went into that cheap motel room across the street * My name’s not Elmo, but you can tickle me anyway * I’m not really this tall. I’m just sitting on my wallet * If milk does a body good, you must drink a lot of it * I’d buy you a drink, but I’d be jealous of the straw * Greetings and salivations * You look just like my 1st wife and I’ve never been married * Can I borrow a quarter? I’ve got to call your mom and thank her * Hi, I’m here. Now, what are your other two wishes? * Do you know what would look really good on you? Me * Gosh, I’d love to be your jeans * I’m new in town. Can I get directions to your house? * How do you like your eggs? * I’ve lost my number. Can I borrow yours? * Should I call you in the morning, or just nudge you? * You remind me of a cappuccino: hot, sweet, and you make me nervous * Do you have any raisins? No? How about a date? * I’m invisible (really?) Can you see me? (yes) How about tomorrow night? * Let’s go to my place and do all the things I’ll tell everyone we did anyway * If I told you that you had a hot body, would you hold it against me? * Are you a parking ticket? You’ve got fine written all over you * Falling for you would be a very short trip * I’m no Fred Flintstone, but I’ll still make your Bedrock * I’m an army recruiter. Why don’t you come over to my house and be all you can be * Save a horse, ride a cowboy * Would you mind if I end this sentence in a proposition? * I’ve just moved you to the top of my to-do list * Would you like a gin and platonic? Or a scotch and sofa? * Great dress. I do think it would look better on my floor * Is there a mirror in your pocket? Cause I can sure see myself in your pants * Are you from Tennessee? Cause you’re the only ten I see * Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again? * I’d buy you a drink, but they’re free * I can’t take you to heaven, but my private helicopter can get you close * Why don’t you drop the zero and get with a hero * Fortunately for you I’m more than just eye candy * Whoa, and I thought I was good looking! * If I had a nickel for every time I saw someone as beautiful as you, Id have a nickel * So, you’re the reason for global warming! * You make me want to get a job * Do you have a name or can I call you mine? * Did you hear the latest health report? You need to up your intake of vitamin me * Is that a fox on your shoulder, or am I seeing double? * You already have a boyfriend? Well, when you want to have a man-friend, come and see me * Kiss me if I’m wrong, but haven’t we met somewhere before? * Can I buy you a drink, or do you just want the money? * Can I take a picture of you so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas? * Your body must be named visa, because its everywhere I want to be * Do you think I’m cute, or haven’t you had enough to drink yet? * “You make me want to be a better man,” Jack Nicholson, As good as it Gets, 1997 * "I get no kick from champagne. Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all. So tell me why should it be true. That I kick out of you?" Cole Porter 1934 * Hello, I love you can you tell me your name? Hello I love you let me jump in your game (The Doors, 1968) * "If you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain" (Rupert Holmes, “Escape” 1979) * "But did thee feel the earth move?" – Ernest Hemingway (For Whom the Bell Tolls, 1940) * “I want to do with you what spring does with cherry trees” Pablo Neruda, 1924 * “Hey Lady, want to lick my mail?” Bruce Willis, Moonlighting, 1985 * “Do me the favor to deny me at once” Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richards Almanac, 1746) * “Give me a kiss or I’ll sock you” John Garfield, (The Postman Always Rigns Twice 1946) * "You know I’m the one responsible for those crop circles in England” Jerry Seinfeld, 1990 * “We’re going to know each other eventually, so why not now” Humphrey Bogart (Across the Pacific, 1942) * “I’d like to run barefoot through your hair” Franchot Tone (Bombshell, 1933) * "You’re a swell dish. I think I’m gonna go for you” James Cagney (The Public Enemy, 1931) * "You’re so beautiful, it makes me want to gag” Jimmy Stewart (You can’t take it with you, 1938) * “How you doin?” Matt LeBlanc (Friends 1994) * “Hey Baby, I noticed you noticing me and I just wanted to put you on notice that I noticed you too.” Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire, 1990) * “Swoon, I’ll catch you” Ralph Fiennes The English Patient 1996) * “I may be the outlaw, but you’re the one stealin’ my heart” Brad Pitt (Thelma and Louise 1991) * “Let me try to enlarge your vocabulary” Roger Moore (The Spy Who Loved Me 1977) * “Everything wrong with you I like” Van Johnson (A Guy Named Joe ,1944)

The Boyfriend donned their dapper make-up and apparel and pressed play on their boom box to begin. They marched out with posters depicting Elizabeth Taylor getting married at different stages of her life; she was the poster-girl for obvious reasons. They were bombastic, charming, and they punched up stereotypical homosexual traits by shaking their hips, generously gesticulatinghand gigglingmadlys while singing about this real and serious topic.

I've known Mark Simon, a member of the group, for a while now. He was the biggest supporter of my CoTour catalog a few years back. I wanted to support him by including his group in the wedding. I felt that it would have been cowardly not to address the equality issue when approaching the subject of marriage, and when he told me about this song they'd been practicing, I added The Boyfriend to the roster.

The song, duly appropriate, was "I just want to get married"

They were well into the song when I looked around the room and noticed a large disparity in moods. The side of the room with my friends, my family, Bec and Ruben's friends, and the artists were all delighted, laughing and clapping in support, but the side of the room where Bec and Ruben's families appeared visibly shaken, uncomfortable: not amused. This underscored the schism of the topic, and ushered another layer into the dynamic of this wedding, this art piece, this convergence of people. Not all of it would be harmonious. That's what made it more interesting, though I do feel badly that the families were confronted with something that was disconcerting for them on the day of the wedding. That said, generation gaps and discordant moral viewpoints exist and in every family there will be topics not seen eye-to-eye on. Never-the-less, in no time, the room boomeranged back to the celebration at hand.

Their statement:
“This was a musical salute to The Elizabeth Taylor 8 and the civil rights struggle of The Friends of Liz.”

*Tyler Hubby

Guests were ushered outside. As witnesses, we all signed the enlarged marriage certificate on the wall and as we walked out, we were met with the sound of rain. The sunlight was at a perfect pitch, catching and radiating the bits of mock rain from Skip Arnold's interpretation of the rice throwing act.

Guests in line to sign

photos by Tyler Hubby

It was as if Skip caught two slices of a downfall and set them in the midst of a clear day. The couple penetrated the first slice, or wall of rain. The rain came down on them like rice would, while their clear umbrella kept them dry from the barrage.

"It was meant as a moment of solitude, the first moment to themselves. There is something about falling water, it’s refreshing."
~Skip

photo by Tyler Hubby

photo by Terri Phillips

They entered in on the quiet corridor for a short private walk and strolled slowly to the second wall of water enjoying their moment alone, and then passed through it out into the sun, to the delighted throng of friends and family.   

photo by Tyler Hubby

Ruben hoisted Bec up onto the hood of the car to shimmy the garter down and off her thigh. This is a strange and somewhat lewd public act, simulating the intimacy the couple would soon share. George pumped up that metaphor with his pink satiny version of the garter, seemingly normal at first, an elasticized and puckered silk band adorned with a small pink pearl.

photo by Tyler Hubby

Ruben held it up for the crowd to see as he unzipped it slowly, revealing a billowing shiny vermillion flower of fabric unfurled out of the zipper. It was not a shy metaphor. He threw it out over the crowd and one fellow was the flower’s happy victor and captor.   

R&B’s Volvo had been decal-adorned and transformed by Joshua Callaghan into a simulation of an ice cream truck, replete with the chilly goods, as well as a boom box on the roof blaring a raucous soundtrack.

"I wanted to make their car into an ice cream truck. I think it is a romantic idea to run away in an ice cream truck. In some way too the ice cream truck is a small family business very typical of Los Angeles that relates to this new family enterprise. Lastly, everyone likes ice cream too, so I thought it would be a nice element to introduce to the event."
~Joshua

The audience was drawn into the cooler of treats, and gathered around the 'truck' to treat themselves to some ice cream well before dinner - a fun derivation from the norm. Obviously, it was a crowd pleaser. Bec and Ruben were driven around on a short and sweet joy ride by the best man, Ronnie Diaz, and maid of honor, Sara Cross, while the guests made their way back inside.

photos by Tyler Hubby

Photo by Rose Apodaca =====================

Once everyone was seated and buzzing after the resonant Wedding March, and the handing over of the soon to be bride, Joe Sola began his 'Sermon,' which was welcoming, dignified and warm. He is so at home with orating and performing that he made it look as graceful as Cary Grant making a martini...until...he stated he would at this point like to talk about a few things before they go forward...he leaves the fireplace and positions himself in front of an easel and  a pad of paper next to a small table with a pitcher of water and a glass on it. As he flipped the page to reveal the first of many pie charts, there was a chuckle from the congregation - everyone was rivited. The charts pictured statistics about married couples, the percentages of which experience troubles in various categories, like home repair, weight gain, or television watching time. There were some very serious topics covered in the charts, but his delivery and the intermingling of comic relief struck the perfect balance. He then took a very very long sip of water, which confused some and created an eerie silence.

It was then that something happened, a kerfuffle commenced as he caught his pants on the easel and began to stumble and fall grabbing at the table as he tumbled.

People gasped. The pitcher and the glass (both made of sugar glass) went flying and crashed and shattered as Joe stumbled into the isle. My father, a doctor by trade, had a look of panic on his face and began to rush forward to help Joe. I put out my arm to block him and whispered that it was all part of Joe’s plan. It took Dad a minute to process, but then he clicked over to amusement and started filming it all with fervor. Joe picked himself up, brushed himself off and eased right into talking about how life will present a married couple with little disasters, but that by being together, remaining open and true to each other, that Bec and Ruben will avoid becoming a statistic. It was such an elegant accident, surprising, shocking even, but then wrapped up so smoothly and most importantly, projecting a positive message. It far exceeded my idea of what his presentation would emit, and it certainly livened the room.

photos by Tyler Hubby

Joe's statement when asked about what he wanted to say about the piece he did for Get Hubbied: "Love"

What followed were the vows led by Joe and the ring exchange, which brought everyone back to focus on the couple and their union.

The ring box was opened to reveal the twig inside wearing the two rings on it's branches. William Stone created it out of a fallen branch - the knot of the branch became the lid, add the word appropriately holding inside the circular symbols of tying the knot.

photos by Tyler Hubby

photo by Bettina Hubby

Over the mantle were the portraits of Bec and Ruben. It was powerful to see images of them from the past in front of the present, as they promised each other a future together. It was also mysterious and surreal, since the image he picked of Ruben is from a carnival where he's picking up a deflated set of barbells, and the one of Bec looks almost exactly the same as she looks now, both painted in the same gray blue pallet to psychologically enjoin the images.

"Based on two very different photographs from their youth, this diptych was created to consider Bec and Ruben's histories, commonalities, and identities both as individuals and as a couple."
~Abel

photo by Tyler Hubby

The was mic was turned over to me and I welcomed everyone, directing their attention to the word written on a piece of Mylar in front of them. I knew that if I had spoken the words of thanks I wanted to speak to Bec, Ruben, their parents, my family, my friends, Tif, and so many more, to express my gratitude for all of their faith, work, and open-mindedness, that my waterproof mascara certainly would have been put to the test. So I wrote those thoughts and split them up into singular words so that each guest, in succession, around the tables and throughout the room, would speak them for me. Everyone had fun with this way of orating. It was so special for me to have those responsible for allowing me to fulfill this vision-- these friends, families, artists, and of course, the couple-to-be the ones to lend the voice for my thoughts. I quote myself:

“This is my love letter to you Bec and Ruben: my platonic serenade, my one hundred and twenty something guest spoken bear hug. Words like: thank you and I love you seem too pale and lacking in the kind of heart, color, life and laughter you both have brought to my life and this project. But I DO.  You are the reason GET HUBBIED got to get to be. You and your brave and open-minded families have allowed me to lead you into your marriage through art. I am grateful beyond words so I thought if I could get this conglomeration of a congregation to speak it would emote  better. We will all witness your marriage and GET HUBBIED today. Our merger created this, and this is just the beginning.”

To sit and write about the summation of this incredible venture feels like an impossible endeavor. So many layers are compacted in my memory like a greek filo pastry, an overwhelming amalgam of people, actions, feelings and facts that coexisted on this tremendous day. I've decided to write in parts, so I can focus on the details of those elementals.      

Well, before the official 4pm start time, I saw people pouring out of their cars in their spiffy duds. Butterflies were atop my glee mixed with a dose of fear. When I arrived, Dad, Bolyn, and Mom were already getting people involved, leading people to find the books with their names on them, then to enjoy  a cocktail and to pluck off a program from the wall of crystalline forms, by Olivia Primé.

photo by Tyler Hubby

photos by Rose Apodaca

Each crustacean-like structure had brightly colored foils inside cupping a tiny vellum scroll attached by a jeweled bead, like a futuristic oyster shell. The program itself unfurled like a long lost crumpled parchment. There was a large laminated version on hand for people to reference, and magnifying glasses on all the tables. It was a wonderfully intriguing way to begin.

photo by Tyler Hubby

photo by Rose Apodaca

In the small room, which was the lounge and exhibit, I was proud to have my sister's photographs enlarged and on view. They really created the affection-filled atmosphere needed to warm the room, and to tie everything together. The pictures were ones she took when we went on a trip to Europe together a few years back.

photos by Rose Apodaca

Once everyone was seated, Dave Jones and Kelly Martin began their composition called, “Fall to her: rush to him. On this day we’ll have our ways.” The introduction of sound was like a modern roundly toned bell choir. Dave announced that when prompted, people should utilize the toy instruments already placed on their tables. The composition opened up and was infective and lilting. People chimed in with increasing fervor, and the cacophony of sounds became like a thunder of musical applause - joyous barely captures the mood.

their statement:
"For the two part wedding march, “Fall to Her, Rush to Him,” Kelly and David started with the inspiration of a line from the lyrics of Bec and Ruben's favorite song, “Winter's Love,” by Animal Collective, along with the sound of the oars on the Venice (CA) canal from their proposal video; the groove of Part I, the lyrics and the procession of Part II for the bride waltzed in behind swimmingly."

photo by Rose Apodaca

The tune shifted to signal the bride’s entrance, and a romantic song with a dash of country began; Dave and Kelly’s voices harmonized with a lulling sweet twang. Bec and her father, Gary Ulrich, walked arm in arm, beeming through the admiring throng to the hearth. The best man, Ronnie Diaz, and maid of honor, Sara Cross, supported the hearth’s action from its edge.

photos by Tyler Hubby

photo by Rose Apodaca

The hearth consisted of a pristine and immaculate circle of fine silver glitter laid on the ground with a delicate strand of broken sparkling glass above, creating a true romance out of humble materials. Terri used the finest grain of glitter so throughout the night, as the guests moved about the space, the glitter was walked upon, shuffled and spread throughout the celebration - the center of the wedding would eventually touch each and every guest. The children did the most to help this aim by rolling in it with their whole selves, and hugging a fair amount of us.

"The hearth is a circle of silver glitter on the floor that the couple walk into to exchange their vows. A string of broken silver glass hangs listening above."
~Terri

Gary affectionately passed Bec to Ruben for safe keeping. Dave and Kelly liltingly sang out again with the verse, "Fall to him, rush to her, on this day we'll have our way," repeated just a few times, leaving us wanting more, though it was the appropriate time to focus on the marriage at hand.

This program was written painstakingly in her extraordnary handwriting - the smallest, tightest and most ornate handwriting I've ever seen.

And to give you a closer view of the text:

~Gary & Kathy Ulrich, Jesse & Gracie Diaz and Bettina Hubby are honored to welcome you to the wedding of Bec Ulrich & Ruben Diaz, under the very special care of Get Hubbied

Enjoy the exhibition and cocktail lounge where you will be greeted by Barbara Gillespie and Bolyn Hubby Smith and given the Program by Olivia Primé. Take your book (for later) by Bettina Hubby (AKA, BH). On view will be the Architectural drawing by Barbara Bestor Advertisement Design by Mike Slack Invitation Design by Cal Clements and BH

Kate Mayfield & Ade Ratna collaborated on the Table Settings and Aesthetics.

Gordon Bowen made the wine glass holders (masterfully bent forks) Tyler Hubby is the Photographer Video is by Tif Sigfrids, backed by George Porcari The Consultant for the event’s structure is Miguel Nelson

Guests will be called in to find their seat

Wedding March is titled, "Fall to her, rush to him: On this day we’ll have our ways,” by David Jones & Kelly Marie Martin. Gary Ulrich will hand the bride over to Ruben. The Best Man is Ronnie Diaz and Maid of Honor is Sara Cross Garments for the Bride and the Groom are by Bec Ulrich

Sermon is by Joe Sola

Devotional/word/poem by BH Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, by Kahn & Selesnick

The vows take place on the Hearth by Terri Phillips Bec and Ruben’s Portraits above the mantle are by Abel Baker Gutierrez. ###The ring exchange takes place with Ring Vessel by William Stone. "Cheat sheet vows” inside the garments: BH

Bec & Ruben ascend to their balcony retreat, created by Alison Kudlow & Daveed Kapoor titled, "Silver Carpet: A Sanctuary for Lovers.”

Guests rise and gather outside to view the Rice Throwing by Skip Arnold Car Decoration by Joshua Callaghan. Garter by George Stoll

Dinnertime! Your DJ beckoning you back inside is Joe Williams You will be called in once more to find your seat. The Seating Charts for the dinner are by Christopher James

The trio, "The Boyfriend," Chris Kuhrt, Stephen Schilling and Mark Simon, will perform "I Want to Get Married" when the couple have been seated.

Blessing of meal and marriage by Gary Ulrich, who will also lead the toast. Goblets by Roger Herman Guests may offer their Toasts at this time.

The Marriage Certificate (clone) will come around to the tables for all to sign. Backdrop for guest portraits by Michele O'Marah will be available for a two hour window after dinner.

“The Ballad of Bec and Ruben”, by Samo Hurt, AKA David G.A. Stephenson is presented as the meal is coming to an end, followed by a song by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs

Time for a couple of choice songs, the first dance being one of them, then a little more dancing The Cake by Karen Lofgren ###Bouquet toss by BH

Dancing resumes.

As you leave, please make sure you’ve signed the Guest Book, by Gerald Davis Get your Favor by Ed Ruscha. One per invitation.

We hope you've had the time of your lives during the time of our lives!

xxx Bec & Ruben and Get Hubbied

Gordon Bowen, an artist and co-founder (with Kate) of the Arts Refoundary, made the candle mounts out of forks; they are astoundingly ornate, and served beyond their purpose since they are each so unique and are nothing less than stand-alone art works. The candles were set into wine glasses covered in texts. It was Kate's idea to use shredded bits of romance novels collaged onto glasses to light the walls, tables, and shelves. I spent many an evening with glue, scissors, wine glasses and saucy paperbacks - a different twist on a lady spending nights alone with wine and romance novels.

www.Metalcastkits.com, www.artsrefoundry.com

photos by Rose Apodaca ======================

Kate is a writer, editor and designer, but she's also an expert in creating atmosphere. Any event I ever attended at her home always had whimsey and inventiveness in the decorative elements. Kate has a way of bringing disparate things together so that they seem inextricably and pleasingly linked. She's accepted the large task of addressing overall aesthetics for the wedding, added with the challenge of incorporating a floral element without using any real flowers. She enlisted the graphic design talents of Ade Ratna, who will replace the typical flower centerpiece using her more than clever devices. In a big event like this, with so many artists and different points of view, it is important to have someone help to ink it together so that there's a visual cohesion and grace to the evening.

www.cargocollective.com/aderatna 

photo by Rose Apodaca
=====================

I wanted to speak my own toast to the couple through the voices of all the guests. I was going to just write each word on the butcher paper in front of each seat, but Kate conceived of the small pictorial transparencies for Ade to design that each word would be written on. They served as place settings and tied together the imagery from the centerpiece and the napkin rings. They also solved a myriad of other issues to tedious to mention.

• I took over take out the word in bw the role of flowers, to develop a concept for the bouquet toss, and add Kate bwMayfield found Ade Ratner to aid by desiging the table runner add and place settings bwas a substitue for flora beyond the bouquet.
  

Ade designed the table runners based on my idea to have the flora of the wedding constructed out of paper for the guests to color in throughout the meal. She also designed the small napkin holders that corresponded to the runners. In doing so, the rendered "flowers" would collectively "bloom" over time. The gesture served to spark interaction among everyone in a fun and engaging way, while creating something charming and beautiful for the couple to keep as a memento. Ade graphically worked in personal and meaningful symbols relating to Bec and Ruben using a coloring book, reminiscent of the style of her design.

photo by Tyler Hubby ====================

photo by Rose Apodaca
=====================

an image from the recreation of the table setting at The Center for the Arts, photo by Hubby
=====================

With Bec and Ruben one week into their newfound roles as husband and wife we've finally had the chance to let this whole Get Hubbied experience begin to sink in. It's difficult to begin to describe something two years in the making that was over in six hours, especially when those six hours were filled with so many fun, funny, heartwarming, poignant, and outright beautiful moments. For the most part I was behind a video camera trying to capture them the best I could (videos forthcoming) but there are a few observations that I'd like to make before the images start rolling in.

It has been so gratifying to see this vision of Bettina's come to life and I really can't express the joy I had in sharing it with my close friends Bec and Ruben and their wonderful families. Bettina's family was also here to help and to witness the occasion for which we owe them many thanks. I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness of the artist's work as this was coming together and to see it presented in the midst of this real life wedding ceremony made more of an impact then any of us could have imagined. The resonance of each piece truly inspired all of the guests to contemplate exactly what was happening and to think about marriage in a more enlivened way.

I want to take this space to congratulate Bettina and express admiration for following such an unprecedented vision through. This was no easy task, but it was carried through with ease and I can't count the number of people who told me that it was the best wedding they've ever been to. I wholeheartedly agree and feel so glad to have been a part of it. Congratulations Bettina and here's to you Bec and Ruben. ~Tif

Rice throwing piece by Skip Arnold Photo by Tyler Hubby

I am without the proper words to describe how it all transpired. It reminds me of what my Dad would always tell me when I was young: be careful not to take words for granted - to think about why you are saying things such as, “I'm sorry,” “I love you,” or “thank you.” I think about this now as I try to find words to describe the culmination of this adventure. I try to find words beyond what you'd expect to hear, and I am still at a loss. Suffice it to say for now, that it was remarkable to see the artists, my family, Bec and Ruben and their families, my close friends who helped pull this off, all in the same place cementing this wedding and event as affectionate fact. It was beyond measure, and strange, wondrous, artful and emotional intersections occurred.