;)
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.