Butterfly Wedding

Dustin and Jennifer's wedding on Oquaga Lake was just beautiful! They were married on the dock at the Chestnut Inn in Deposit on May 23, 2009. The bride was gorgeous and glowing, but Dustin's 5-year-old daughter, Destiny, was almost just as pretty. She played a very important part in the ceremony which included a sand ritual and a butterfly release. First, I poured the natural-colored sand to represent the marriage's foundation of unconditional love; then Dustin, Jen, and Destiny each poured a different color of sand into the vase to symbolize the blending of these three individuals into one harmonious family. Jen read her vow to Destiny, promising that she would always be present to help her learn and grow, and gave her a butterfly necklace. At the close of the ceremony it was Destiny's job to release the butterflies that symbolize new beginnings, freedom, and happiness. One butterfly just sat on Destiny's hand and she said delightedly: "It wants to stay with me!"