Our Wedding...Reception

On February 14, 1997, after several months of serious contemplation, (and a bit of devious planning behind her back), Brian asked Rieka to marry him. After a few moments hesitation while looking over the rose-gold cladaugh with a purple garnet heart, came a solemn "No." (followed by a bit of laughter), then, "Yes, of course!" The first thought was to wait until summer for the wedding...big... expensive... planning...stress. Okay, small...less expensive... planning... stress. Finally, let's do it for ourselves...by ourselves. Real small... kind of expensive...less planning...no stress, except for "Should I really marry this guy?". On March 15, 1997, in a beautiful room at the Painted Lady Bed & Breakfast in Colorado Springs, we said our vows to each other, exchanged rings, and signed the marriage lisense. On July 12, 1997, in the Common Room at University Villiage Center, we had a party, with family and friends, local, and from as far away as California, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and North Carolina. The bride was radient in a white taylored suit. The groom smashing in kilt, Prince Charlie coatee, ruffles and bowtie, ghillie brogues, and a new dress sporran. Since Brian's family is Scotish and Irish, and Rieka's, Welsh, we wanted a traditional Scotish ceremony. But since neither are Presbeterian or catholic, and the wedding had taken place before, we decided to use elements of our cultures in devising our own traditions. Our invitations featured the Celtic knotwork that symbolizes eternity, unity and interconnectedness, and encouraged our guests to dress in Highland Attire if they chose. We served Mead and Haggis. We were entertained by Chuck Crowley, the Pipe Major of the Fort Collins Pipe Band. In place of the unity candle we lit an oil lamp together. We drank our toast from a Quaiche, a traditional Scotish bowl used for special occasions. Brian's father welcomed the bride into the family by presenting her with a sash in the Lindsay Clan tartan. Brian welcomed Rieka's mother the same way. Rieka presented Brian's mother with a cladagh brooch to match the one she wore.

The Entrance.	The Unity candle	Dad Long welcomes the bride into the clan.	Twins?
The girls look on.	The Toast- Scotish style	Brian's turn.	The Dance
Pipe Major Chuck Crowley	Miss Nielson doing a Highland Fling	Chuck playing the small pipes	Friends make it grand
Andrea Ellis Brian's new Mother-in-law	Rieka's new In-laws Wayne and Sarah Long	Rieka's dad Dick Eastin	Brian's aunt admires the flowers
"May You Never Hunger!"	"May you Never Thirst!"	The Wyoming Gang,Yvonne Long and Her posse	Leonard and Ruth, Lindsay Clan Reps for Colorado