A Dreamy AF Springdale Farm Wedding
Somehow in the same weekend, my first and second Austin clients got hitched. This is kind of awesome, because I also had consultations with both couples at the exact same place. But Rebekah and Nate were different in the way that they were Quakers. When they mentioned they were having a Springdale Farm Wedding with a Quaker ceremony, I had no idea what that meant. During the past year, I’ve asked tons of questions and honestly…the whole thing blew me away.
The biggest and IMO, the best part of the day was the ceremony. I don’t often say that because so many couples have generic ceremonies in attempts to get to the party, WHICH IS FINE AND I SUPPORT 100%, but this ceremony…well, Quaker worship in silence. From what I’m learning (and still researching because the whole thing moved me so much) is that the silence is a way for them to hear God. Occasionally, people stand and speak when moved, but for the majority of the meeting, they just bask in the silence and the energy said silence creates.
I love exploring new cultures and beliefs, so I was so THRILLED to explore this new branch of beliefs. Well, just new to me. and I LOVED IT. Often, I am not mentally present during a ceremony, instead constantly searching for emotions and shots that the couple would want. However, Rebekah warned me that certain people might not prefer a paparazzi-style coverage, so instead, I was very intentional with each shot, moving slowly and quietly during the 45-minute ceremony.
During the moments I realized that it was going to be quiet, I just stood and felt. I just felt it all. People openly cried and I’ve probably never said this before in my life, despite identifying as a Christian until I was 24…but I swear I felt the presence of God, the Universe, SOMETHING, that day. I cried. I cried three times actually. Not as much I wanted to, if we’re being honest, simply because I was in a professional setting…but hearing the roosters crow, the breeze across my flesh, the quiet crying of the people around me, and the love Rebekah and Nate had for one another…I wanted to weep with joy for how amazing life is. It struck me how blessed I was, to be there in that moment surrounded with strangers who quickly would greet me as a friend. In fact, Quakers call one another “Friends,” if that gives you any indication of their beliefs.
On top of that, Quakers were one of the first religions to openly accept LGBT people, because they believe it’s more important for humans to connect on multiple levels, rather than focus on said human’s sexuality and gender.
When the ceremony was over, Nate came up and asked what I thought. I looked him square in the eye and said it was a gift. It was probably one of the best gifts a client could have given me. I then asked later in the day if I could attend a meeting with them sometime and meant it. I’m not a religious person but I am also open to new experiences and ideas. The one thing I’ve hated about organized religion is the force-fed ideas that tend to only support narrow-minded beliefs. This is symptomatic of being raised Catholic for years and being force-fed church by my father, but religion is also one of those topics that I’ve never really demanded even my partners meet me on. In fact, the majority of my partners through life have been Christians, even active ones. It just hasn’t been for me.
The rest of the day was perfection. Eden East made the best steak I’ve had in YEARS, people laughed and drank and I got to chat with some amazing people. I ended up sitting at the Quaker table, unknowingly, and again, Nate asked me if that had been okay. I enthusiastically said it had been, not even realizing that these cool peeps I had been talking to had been dedicated Quakers. I just knew they were my peeps when they said that Republicans weren’t going to feel comfortable around them LOL
Weddings like these make me count my blessings in this life. I don’t have much to complain about right now and weddings like this one will fuel me through the weddings that test my patience and creativity. Who would have thought a slow beautiful Sunday afternoon could be so life-changing?
I want to thank Nate and Rebekah for being kind, for being supportive, for trusting me in multiple ways. For being living safe spaces. I’m lucky to call you friends now and don’t worry, you’ll be hearing from me soon.
Back to business:
Venue: Springdale Farm
Food: Eden East
Music: Tetractys
Flowers: D Sweet Peas
