I was invited to document an incredibly intimate ceremony called a Blessingaway held for Marissa the day before her wedding celebration in September. Not really knowing what to expect of this Native American ceremony, I was greeted with a cup of the most amazing tea from Light of Day, served by Angela Macke who grew most of it and made the blend by hand. Normally I’m not into tea but I have to admit, this was wonderful.
The other surprising element was that there were no feathers, leather skins or drums. When I hear “Native American ceremony,” my mind goes instantly to my grandpa who used to hunt for arrowheads and would bring us to pow-wows, complete with beating drums, bonfires, and full-feathered dancing. This ceremony, however, was about honoring the bride and giving her support and encouragement as she starts this new chapter in life. The most significant women in her life were in attendance – her mother, grandmother, great aunts, aunts, cousins, new family members, along with her closest friends. They were asked to bring a small token that represented a memory as well as a story, prayer, poem, or blessing to share with the bride.
It. Was. Beautiful.
After Angela did her presentation on the teas served, the women began telling the most touching stories. With each story, I learned who Marissa was and how she loved. I watched how she interacted with her new son and daughter who were clearly smitten with their new mom. There were tears over the stories of very real pain and stories of inexplicable joy; laughter trumpeted the childhood stories of how she would taunt her sister and grown-up stories of venturing to new cities. She lived life fully and deliberately. I was truly blessed to have witnessed such a precious time.
Meet Marissa (left)
The tokens were hung from a wreath in the middle of the room
Meet her two gorgeous new kiddos. I'm smitten.
Stay tuned for part two, the wedding celebration!
christina wrote: wow, that looked amazing! i wish i could've been there! looks like it was a ton of fun. :) (12/01/09, 12:54 am)
Kenny Kim wrote: In the words of Emerille, your photos are kickin' up a notch these days. Very nice.... what a great event to photograph! (12/01/09, 2:34 am)
Jenny Duffy wrote: What a happy event! You captured it beautifully, Jen! (12/01/09, 8:23 am)
Karyn May wrote: Gorgeousness!!! And I want those tea cups- so pretty! :) (12/01/09, 3:34 pm)
tammi wrote: What a beautiful tradition and you captured the emotion of the day perfectly. As I looked through the pictures I felt like I was there. What a lucky bride to be a part of a family so special and supportive. (12/02/09, 2:34 am)
Joanne Sanborn wrote: I'm sitting here in tears...don't know the bride-to-be or any of her family....don't know the stories they shared, but I can FEEL the emotions, the love, the fears, the heartfelt advice being shared. I don't even know the photographer - but I am in love with her work - what she has captured and shared here. Thank you for posting this. I will share it with young women that could benefit from gathering their family and friends to spend some time with her before she goes on to the next chapter in her life. To honor this passage with a ceremony including powerful women and the best teas available was a brilliant combination. Pure Magic bursting with what we women are good at - loving each other and being able to speak it with our presence as well as our creativity and words. Great to have the young ones there as well...notice how it was uncomfortable for some of them to 'share'...they will grow from this and learn the importance of true communication. I feel blessed to have experienced this today. Thank you, Joanne (06/06/10, 11:48 am)
Jen Kroll wrote: Joanne -- Thank you for your kind words and taking time to comment on how this sweet ceremony impacted you! This was a first for me as well and it, indeed, was magical. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing this story! -Jen (the photographer) (06/07/10, 1:19 am)