I watch the ripples in the pool water as they bounce to the mellow beats playing in the background. The mountain breeze brushes past now and again as if to signal its presence. The happy couple greet the guests as they trickle in one by one. It’s a pre-wedding gathering, the scenery, a beautiful rooftop view of fields, hills and open air. 

I observe the excitement. It is exciting, announcing to the world your chosen partner for life. Celebrating with your loved ones and hoping that the ritual of this matrimony is as perfectly executed as they had dreamt it would be. So far nothing is out of place. 

The breathtaking venue holds centuries of history, where old architecture meets a new generation. Stone structures house the silk and linens. A finely manicured landscape and the rustic surroundings will help make an abundance of cuisine more palatable. The wooden beams and ancient ruins will unite this couple for life. The rich landscape and delicate florals will intertwine the ceremony, a ritual of vows that will encompass togetherness. 

As I celebrate the marriage of two lives, two cultures and two families, a deeper understanding begins to fill my thoughts. In the end, nothing matters really, except that the road that brought these two souls together remains strong and solid. May it be resilient enough to withhold all the difficulties a marriage faces. It’s smooth enough to make the ride that much more meaningful. 

I selected a few words to engrave on a greeting for them. I know I did well when I brought a tear into their eyes. Words have more impact than we know. Blessings carry far more weight than plainly wishing. I hope their togetherness lasts a lifetime. The words flowed as I wrote; I hope they lift one another and walk beside each other always, because isn’t that what marriage is really about? After the day is over they will have only each other. No other person will walk in their shoes and no one will endure through this marriage. They will share their happiness and fears with each other. No secrets, no pretense, no lies. We forget that part, the part where we commit to eternity. No one can know exactly what the meaning of this bond actually holds except the two of them. 

I console the groom’s grandmother as she becomes emotional, it’s her eldest grandchild. Deep down, I know, part of her tears cry for someone else. Her soul mate is being missed today. The unity of their marriage ended with a broken heart. I’m witnessing her devotion as she lived through her marriage until the very end. Some of us don’t make it that far. We forget marriage means two people unite through ups and downs, together for a lifetime. She’s blessed to be witnessing her grandchild exchanging vows, a privilege few attain. Life is a gamble, for every gain there is a loss. It’s this balance that needs to stay afloat through this marriage.

So as we raised our flutes to toast, I silently blessed the happy couple, with strength and understanding for a blissful ride into the future. One where they walk beside each other always. This selfless journey they’re about to embark on, may it be a bond of trust, respect and support. A toast to new beginnings and happy endings!