Karin & Craig's Berkshires Wedding on Style Me Pretty

I love it when one of my couples shares their wedding with a blog, especially Style Me Pretty, the #1 wedding blog!  I had the pleasure of officiating Karin and Craig's wedding last October at The Mount, Edith Wharton's estate in Lenox, Mass.  A published novelist herself, Karin's love of literature led the couple from Washington, D.C. to a special wedding at the home of her favorite writer.

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Karin said...  "I am beyond pleased--elated would be more appropriate--with everything Hannah did for us during, before and after our wedding ceremony. She created a custom wedding ceremony for my now-husband and I that incorporated not only our different Christian backgrounds but my Japanese heritage and our love of literature. Not an easy task! But she made it beautiful, personal and it all flowed together seamlessly."

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There were so many beautiful elements in their wedding ceremony from the spectacular location to the carefully chosen readings to the tender wedding vows they wrote for each other.  One of the most unique elements of the wedding was the san-san-kudo, or sake ceremony, honoring the bride's Japanese heritage.  Here's an excerpt:

In Japan, the heart of the Shinto wedding ceremony is the san-san-kudo, the sake ceremony.  This ancient and powerful ritual is done in silence for, as the bride and groom take turns sipping from a single cup, they are in essence taking their marriage vows. 

Craig made this beautiful wooden altar to hold the pottery cup Karin’s father made many years ago.  Today, before the couple performs the san-san-kudo ceremony that will join them together, I would offer this norito, or Shinto prayer: 

Bless this couple as unmoving and eternal.
May their lives flourish like luxuriant trees. 
May they, bride and groom, together with heaven and earth, with the sun and the moon, continue to give out light and radiance.
Thus we do reverently pray.

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From Style Me Pretty:  "A classic affair never fails to put me in my happy place. There is something about that timeless style that just seems to strike a cord, and this beauty from Sweet Monday is filled with all the reasons why. A royalty-worthy reception, a gorgeous couple, and too many pretty details to miss – perusing this gallery should be on the tippy top of your to-do list today. See more here"

Photography: Sweet Monday | Floral Design: Cassandra Redel Special Events | Cake: Royal Icings | Catering: Mezze Catering | Hair And Make Up: Seven Salon | Ceremony And Reception: The Mount | Officiant : Grace Ceremonies