The Hearth, and the Wedding March
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.