Sonoma Home Wedding "Si Accepto" the Gift of Love

A second ceremony for them, a first for me.  My niece, Leah and her husband, Emilio, were wed in a tiny village outside of Madrid last October.

 The first nuptial was  in a 14th century Catholic Church in a small village outside of Madrid.

The second celebration and was in a 21st century graceful clearing- on top the Sonoma hills.

A week ago on a hill overlooking he Hooley Estate vineyards they shared their vows at the family home in Sonoma, California. What we, who have been watching way too much World Cup Soccer called," Leah and Emilio's Wedding Day USA, USA, USA!!!!!." Presiding over a ceremony for a family member was a first for me. My siblings were all involved. My older brother, father of the bride and mother of his wife (Bride's mom) have been clearing land and preparing the ceremony site for months.  My brother, Brian, who has also been called on to officiate at weddings, channeled our Irish ancestors in the "Hooley Rite of Matrimony Wine Ritual" and my sister, Nancy, helped organize the bridal party and review the contents of the ceremony before rehearsing. My son played guitar with my brother, I Will and Swept Away.  It was an amazing experience to see all that goes into preparing for a wedding even with this being the second celebration. All four cousins from the Geagan side were together for the first time in years. The super full moon was fully charged as Emilio and Leah read their vows to one another reaffirming their commitment to enter more fully and deeper into the country of marriage.

July 12, 2014