Diane, College english instructor & Andrew, High school teacher’s Aide
SUM-UP OF THE WEDDING VIBE: A weekend away at summer camp!
SOUNDTRACK FOR READING: “Woody Allen” by Allo Darlin’
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE WEDDING
Having all the people from all the different spheres of our lives together in one place. No matter what traditions you keep, what you reject, or how many bugs you find in your cabin, it’s the people who are there with you who shape the experience. And if there can be a bonfire, that doesn’t hurt, either.
Other Cool Stuff We Should KNow ABOUT
Because our guests were split in terms of language (American Sign Language for Andrew’s side, English for mine) it was important to us that everyone had equal access to everything that was going on; our wedding was conducted in both languages simultaneously, from beginning to end. We also decided early on that we wanted to have two officiants: a close friend of his and a close friend of mine. She spoke her portions and he signed his, and with the assistance of two wonderful interpreters, they put together a ceremony that was as sweet and salty as they are.
We eighty-sixed a lot of traditions because we were weary of those whose origins were steeped in inequality. My parents still walked me down the aisle because it was really important to my mom. We tweaked things a little by having both sets of Andrew’s parents stand up with him, so it was more a coming-together of families than “giving away the bride.” Another tradition we held onto was the maid of honor’s toast, and we’re really glad that we did because my sister’s speech is one of my favorite moments from the wedding. Unbeknownst to us, she enlisted a friend of ours to teach her how to sign so that she could address Andrew directly in his first language. The effort, respect, and love that went into that undertaking are something we will never forget.
ANything Else
