Sunset views, I mean, vows.

Martinique and I have been friends since the 5th grade. We have experienced many joys and laughs during our friendship. We have experienced parent deaths and leaned on each other in difficult times.

When Chase came into Marti’s life, all of our friends realized how well suited they were for one another. They both love fishing and animals. They enjoy their travels to Wyoming and Canada. They value family and were willing to combine their households. They make delicious meals on their smoker.

The ceremony took place at a Marina in North East, PA, right on the Lake Erie shore. Approximately 20 friends and family gathered to watch Marti walk through the sand to meet Chase. Her future son walked her down the isle in her blush wedding dress. To the side, Marti’s niece played the Ukulele and their dog Kelby looked on in support of their vows.

The service was a mix of emotions. We laughed when the we had to take a “time out” so that the live Facebook video could reconnect. We cried as Marti appeared and Chase looked thrilled to see her. We were joyful after the ceremony was over.

Cocktails were served that the restaurant and we watched the Lake Erie sunset (Did you know that Lake Erie has some of the best sunsets in the world?). Dinner followed on the deck. Our friend, Cori, baked a carrot cake for the couple to cut. Homemade cookies and strudel from our hometown, Conneaut Lake, were served as we sipped our wine.

Guests left with handsewn nautical facemasks and hand sanitizer wrapped in tulle. What better gifts for a COVID wedding? My first ceremony was a success.

Marti and Chase, Thank You for including me in your day. Keep dating and kiss a lot!