The wedding of Rainey and B-III, part 3: Rainey and B-III exchange vows; their first kiss as husband and wife
Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 6:45PM ;)
Naturally, there was a procession of bride's maids and groom attendants that preceded the couple and I wanted to run pictures of all of them, but I pulled aside far too many images for this post than I could practically use, so I decided just to get right to it. Following the entry of their entourages, the bride and groom entered together.
I know this is not how it is traditionally done in the US, but the father of the bride was unable to come down from Point Hope for the ceremony. As the couple saw it, they were giving themselves to each other and so they walked in together. As they walked, Clyde Hugo, sitting just beyond the far edge of the congregation, played "Here Comes the Bride" on his acoustic guitar.
I am running more than half-a-day behind in getting today's post up, so I will hurry right along.
;)
Soon, with their entourages behind them, they stand in front of Reverend Warden, who reads the appropriate script as she leads them toward their vows.
;)
They bow their heads as Reverend Warden offers the first of several prayers.
;)
As the Reverend speaks about the special sacredness and partnership of marriage, they hold hands and look at each other.
They smile a lot.
;)
It is just about time to exchange vows.
;)
Rainey promises to love and cherish her husband.
;)
B-III promises to love and cherish his wife.
Reverend Warden offers another prayer to sanctify this marriage.
;)
B-III prepares to place her ring upon Rainey's finger.
;)
He slides the ring onto her finger.
;)
Now Rainey brings B-III's ring to his finger.
;)
She slips it on to his finger. Now it is time for husband and wife to kiss.
;)
They do. It is not a quick, shy, kiss, but one with feeling and passion, one that lingers a bit.
;)
Even when the kiss ends, the couple continue on in a loving embrace.
;)
Reverend Warden addresses the crowd to tell them that B-III and Rainey are now husband and wife.
;)
Rainey's sister, Angela, cries, just as she did throughout the ceremony.
;)
They pray again.
;)
The ceremony is over. Everyone applauds.
;)
Rainey and B-III hug the woman who wed them.
;)
The people of the village come to embrace them.
;)
As do visitors, who made them feel at home and welcome during the time they lived in Barrow and who are now welcome in Anaktuvuk.
;)
Now Clyde Hugo vigorously plays his guitar as he sings, "You are my Sunshine."
;)
Casey Nay also wept on and off throughout. Now, she lets it all go.
I want to add that this wedding felt exceptionally special to me. Exceptionally.
I will return tomorrow with Part 4, which will be the post-wedding celebration, the part that took place in the gymnasium and the part that happened at the foot of the mountains.
Reader Comments (10)
Congratulations to the Rainey & B-III. You see the love in everyone's faces.
The tears at a wedding are like tears of prayer...so many good wishes and prayers for the new couple.
"Very beautiful and special Rainey, thank you for inviting me, sorry I couldn't make it!" ;D
so beautiful
Congratulations to the happy couple !!
Thank you Bill. What a beautiful ceremony and you let us become a part of it. So much love & happiness - awesome. My tears are flowing too. I tend to cry more with happiness than sadness. Must be wired strangely. Blessings to the happy couple & their families & friends, especially you for bringing it to us..
Rainey looked beautiful and the kuspaq's are a priceless garb for any informal or formal setting.
I wish I were married by Reverend Warden, how cool is that?
Thanks for sharing what is a common type of rural wedding for Alaskans, but is so unique and fascinating for outsiders.
When Real America is spoken about as a commodity in the political battlefields, its funny that Rural Alaska is discounted. The challenges of goods and services, the supply chain and energy needs would be (and are) mind-boggling to those in the contiguous U.S.
Mr. Hess, you straddle both worlds in a State as large as Alaska, you are more intimate with some of our cultures than most urban Alaskans and act somewhat as an Ambassador to others for our sake.
Thank you for representing us so well.
Quyana.
the emotion really comes out in these photos.
Wonderful job as usual, Bill. These images made me feel like I was there for that wonderful day.
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Rainey and B-III.
The beginning is always so beautiful; the beginning of a couple and their lives together. Nothing quite matches the excitement of meeting your soul mate and committing to each other. These are the special times to hold in your heart and remember when the going might be tough, but something brings everyone together and these two seem like a good fit.
Thanks, as always for sharing an emotional glimpse into the lives of people that I may never have the pleasure of meeting.
You are an exceptional storyteller, and well, I don't even need to mention what a great photog you are :-)
Happy wishes to the new couple. Happiness and peace always.
What a precious day that was, u could feel the love in the air. Rainey and I were like crazy sewing women for days, lots of fun and hey we got it done, I love Rainey's atiqluk made with beads, beautiful. IThe guys look awesome too! All that hard work paid off!!!:)