I love weddings. I’ve had the honor of officiating at ceremonies for 3 of my cousins. I’ve married four couples who have found love after the death of first spouses. I’ve said you may now kiss at the top of ski lifts, in backyards, in restaurants, in fancy venues, and of course in churches.
Whenever someone I love announces their engagement I offer up my services as part of my wedding gift to the couple. It’s a way to celebrate what is good in the world; love, community, family, covenant, commitment. It’s also a way for me to speak about a faith that is open, that allows for a holistic theology of men and women and what their relationships look like. I think it’s important to take advantage of the spaces where I as a person of faith can model acceptance and love. I am always so honored when a couple asks me to be part of this milestone in their lives.
So today I’m in Las Vegas to once again officiate at the wedding of a friend, this time on a balcony overlooking the Bellagio fountains. I’ve known this friend since I hired him in 2001, convincing him that Sunnyside, Washington was where he needed to come to serve his country through AmeriCorps. I watched him grow and develop as a leader and I was thrilled that when I moved on to church ministry he was hired to run the programs I had overseen. We’ve kept in touch, the Lowery 3 staying with him when his apartment was convenient to the airport, having game nights and dinners intermittently when we lived near enough to each other to make it work. He’s built an amazing community of friends and I’ve been delighted to get to know them too over the years. I’ve come to love his partner and consider him a friend as well. So there was no doubt in my mind when they were over to dinner one night and announced their engagement; I instantly offered to officiate.
In preparing for this wedding I’ve gotten to read both of the grooms’ vows. They are funny, full of love and tenderness, and weighty with the vision of a life shared. I know that my friend’s life is richer and better because of his partner. And I know the reverse is true too. I am so incredibly honored to be able to bear witness to their commitment and love this day.
Love is love is love is love is love. This I believe. This I know. I will always stand on the side of love, no matter what.
-Eilidh
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