When Dana & Justin contacted me about marrying them on the beach on a Wednesday, at sundown, up in Humboldt County, I was drawn in immediately, not just by that fabulous wedding request, but by the number of similarities we shared and from that initial email I found I already really liked them. Originally living in Brooklyn, they had moved out west, to little Siskiyou county, which is where I spent my growing up years, and bought a farm, complete with goats. They wanted to provide a healthy and simple country life for their daughter, 1 year old Kaya. And they wanted to marry on the beach, with just us and two of their dearest friends. Of course I said Yes!
So that is how I found myself with this beautiful couple and their daughter, on Moonstone Beach at sundown, ready to share their love story and the giggles and our collective joy as the sun set over the water. Dana and Justin were one of those couples who met and were instantly attracted to one another. After spending only a few days with each other, they both knew they were in love and within a week they had moved in together. They just connected very easily and deeply and they knew they were with their life partner. Once they had Kaya and moved to their farm, it was time to fulfill their dream of a wedding on the beach.
Dana is passionate about yoga and taught classes in New York, another similar interest. They are both clearly head over heels about Kaya and very tender and caring parents. Kaya rotated between both her parents arms during the ceremony (until we got to the ring exchange) and I loved how she watched me, as if I were reading her a bedtime story, which indeed I was; her parents' love story. The two of them share a similar sarcastic sense of humor and that and their ability to communicate wholeheartedly with one another helped them through their early challenges of surviving on little money, while living in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn.
They hadn't written any specific vows but I was touched by how they were each able to say beautiful words to one another spontaneously in the moment for their vows. Dana and Justin, I wish for you an adventuresome life, exploring the fullness of your own and each other's true selves. There is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully. Let life amaze you and bring you great joy. Much joy was spread that evening on the beach and the ripples are still undulating outwards. Thank you for including me in its swell.
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