A WEDDING BLESSING

 A few weeks ago, Laura and Keith got married in a civil ceremony.......

 Today, they are having their marriage blessed using symbolic foods and traditional prayers.....................

 Hyda, the mother of the bride, serenades them with some beautiful flute music.....

As the newlyweds respectfully listen......

 To this "gift" from a mother's heart.....


As sage is burned, one of the officiants uses eagle feathers to surround the couple with smoke.....

 The other officiant blesses the special foods selected for the ceremony.  She then has them drink water from the black pottery wedding vase--symbolizing life.................

 Hyda offers them symbolic corn.......

 And they share a few bites..............

 Carlos, brother of the bride, offers them fruit representing the joys of childhood.........

After offering meat for strength, there is another blessing...........

 "You may now kiss your bride......"

With a blanket uniting them, the couple gets another special blessing............

Sisi and the other guests are enjoying the ceremony and silently including their own blessings..........

Because every guest is here because he or she  wishes these two newlyweds much happiness....

 Hyda addresses a few words to the couple as she prepares to shower them with rose petals and her own personal warm wishes.....

 Carlos follows suit.....

As does Sisi.......

 Laura and Kieth are humbled as each guest gets an opportunity to personally bless the new husband and wife and shower them with rose petals..............

Finally, the largest shower of all......................

 And the newlyweds begin their life together on a carpet of rose petals.........

Afterwards, the guests enjoyed a reception with lots of wonderful music, eats and happy thoughts...........

The happiest being:  BEST WISHES FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE AND HAPPINESS, LAURA AND KEITH!