When A Couple Marries...

It’s the joining together of families as well

As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I enjoy weddings that involve children, especially if it happens to be a blended family with children of the bride or groom involved in the ceremony. This was the case at a recent wedding at Thistlehill mansion just south of downtown Fort Worth. Thistlehill was completed in 1904, built at the crest of Summit Avenue in a district called “Quality Hill” and was known as the center of lavish entertainment for years to come. Unlike some of the other homes in the area, this one was rescued and restored by a group dedicated to preserving Fort Worth history.

Scott and Nancy chose this historic 11,000 square foot Fort Worth venue as the site for their wedding and they wanted to involve Nancy’s son, Alexander, better known as AJ. We put together a “Celebration of the New Family” element in the ceremony in which we honored AJ for his part in the ceremony (he was a groomsman) and then Scott & Nancy presented him a symbolic gift, in much the same way that wedding rings are a symbolic gift couples give each other—a token of their love and commitment. After the couple exchanged their own wedding vows, they voiced, in unison, their vows to AJ and the new family. Then the three of them lit the family unity candle.

The 120 guests were seated in the huge main entry way and we had the ceremony on the first landing of the grand staircase leading to the upstairs. Furniture, fixtures and wallhangings from the period surrounded us, so that instead of 2008, it felt more like 1908.

I give credit to Bella Pictures for allowing me to use the photos of the ceremony. Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth did the catering. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Because the house is a preserved museum, no cooking is done on site, but I had the opportunity to speak with the executive chef for the catering company. Fascinating preparations they go through for each event held there.

Finally, my thanks to Scott, Nancy and AJ for allowing me to be part of their memory making day. I don't think AJ realized he would be having his picture taken about 7,000 times that day! No matter how often I do this, looking into the face of a child during a wedding ceremony puts a lump in my throat.


Blessings,
Ken