Sunday, July 19, 2009

Our Wedding Day - Part 2 - The Ceremony

At last Rosie and her maids at arrived at Pluscarden Abbey!

Bridesmaids Mason Dixie and Kira were the first to alight from the car, careful not to crush their taffeta gowns or their bouquets of highland flowers with touches of heather.

As the music began, Asta and Stanley hurried to their seats, accidentally on purpose tripping over Lacie's blender extension cord and slipping her some nice sticky, chewy butterscotch to keep her jaws shut for the duration of the ceremony.

Ahhhhh! I caught a glimpse of my bride, gathering her bouquet from her Maid of Honor Gabbi. Even at a far distance, she took my breath away....

Rosie's bouquet of red roses was her "Something Borrowed." It was Toffee's Mom's actual wedding bouquet last July 19th! Happy Anniversary!!!

First down the aisle, Auntie Bailey stood in for the Mother-of-the-Bride. Auntie Martha picked out this Mary Stuart-inspired ensemble when she was working the couture shows in Paris as Just Martha. Auntie Bailey seems less than convinced, although she did get a kick out of wearing the Spencer tiara, even though she has abdicated her throne (for the time being.)


Matron of Honor Martha showed her runway panache as she slowly and gracefully made it down the aisle....("Martha, why the long face?" "It's my face and if it's good enough for the Chewnel #5 campaign, then its good enough for you!")

Next to traipse down the aisle was Maid of Honor Gabbi, wiping a wee tear away from her lovely eyes, then winking at Jake.

I waited anxiously with Officiant Mango and my handsome groomsmen—Bestest Man Eric Square Dog and groomsmen Jake, Joe Stains and Alfie.

...while across from us, Rosie's maids waited all in a row, with co-Officiant, Marvin the Hollow Hound.

Here comes the Bride!!!

Ah, Snoop looks so proud the buttons are about to burst off his jacket. And have you ever seen such a beautiful bride as my Rosie Posie?

The first of many Scottish wedding traditions was the paw-fasting. In the Middle Ages, hand-fasting was a temporary marriage that lasted a year and a day (longer than most celebrity marriages!) until a clergyman passed through the village and could perform a marriage ceremony. Today, our paws are bound together during our vows with a tartan cloth to symbolize that from this day forward, we are no longer two, but are one!

Then Rosie read her personal vows to me:

Ithers seek they ken na what,
Features, carriage, and a'that;
Gie me love in him I court,
Love to love makes a' the sport.
Let love sparkle in his e'e;
Let him lo'e nae maid but me;
That's the tocher-gude* I prize,
There the luver's treasure lies.

* A tocher-guide is a marriage portion.

Then I delivered my vows to Rosie:

O my luve is like a red, red rose, that's newly sprung in June:
O my luve is like the melodie, That's sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a' the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
And I will luve thee still my dear, While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only love! And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my luve, Tho' it were ten thousand mile.

At that point, Marvin and Mango asked for the rings....


I then presented Rosie with a Luckenbooth, a beautiful brooch that was exchanged between lovers on betrothal, all the way back to the 1600's. On the back, I had it inscribed: Of earthly joys thou art my choice.
The pinning of the Tartan is another Scottish tradition, that shows the acceptance of the Bride or Groom into the other's clan, or in my case, making her an honorary Terrier!

And as the bagpipes swelled outside, we turned to face our family and friends....

Lads and Lassies....may I present Petey and his lovely wife Rosie!!!

Oh! P.S. Some of you may have been wondering if Petey's catbro Mica or Rosie's catbro Gus was in attendance. Actually, they had the best seats in the house! With so many dogs around (not to mention Lacie), they felt more comfortable from this perch, where they had a wonderful view and enjoyed a lovely cup of milky tea, hold the tea.

35 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

What a fabulous ceremony! There wasn't a dry eye in the house as you and Rosie took your vows, Petey! Your bride is a vision of lovliness and how special is her bouquet?!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

The Black and Tans. said...

An absolutely brilliant wedding and a fabulous post. What a day to remember.

Molly and Taffy.

PS. We are still looking for Monty, last seen hiding behind the pews with a bottle of finest Malt keeping a low profile from Lacie!

Abby said...

Hi, Petey...

What a beautiful ceremony...

Rosie looks absoultely gorgeous & you are quite handsome in your kilt...

You vows were beautiful...

Abby xxxooo

Jake of Florida said...

What awesome touches to make this the most lovely and traditional yet modern wedding ever! "My luve is like a red red rose.." has to be one of the most beautiful poems ever -- and to use it as your vows, how pawfect.

Mom couldn't sleep last night, she was so eager to see how everyting unfolded.

We wish you all the best, Petey and Rosie -- and who knows what new adventures await!!!

Jake and Just Harry

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

We are joining everyone in clapping our paws. And wiping our tears of joy in between claps. Weddings always make us weep and this was a very touching beautiful ceremony.

And your photographer is excellent. She could give ours a few pointers.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

(we had to do this over because our silly secretary doesn't proofread very well - you know as you age the eyes are one of the first things to go)

Agatha and Archie said...

Oh dear I am still a little leaky!! Welcome to our new honorary terrier!! Love A+A

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

What a lovely wedding. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

The tears of happiness have returned as I take it all in again!

Evfurryone looked pawtastikh!

I wish woo both years and years of happiness!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Tank woo Stanley fur bringing some butterskhotch to keep the Lacie's deer jaws shut!

the magic sleigh said...

WOOOOw WOOOOOOO! hat a stunning bride! I am so proud to be even a part of this ceremony. I truly thank you Petey for including me in your special time. Congrats!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Penny said...

Congratulations Rosie and Petey! Rosie looked stunning! She must have been distracting while you were saling your vows!You looked amazing too Petey!
Love the Kilt! And all the tartan,at the ceremony! Very scottish!
Hope you have a long and happy life together.
Lots of sloppy licks your dear pal,Penny!=]
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX=]

Gus said...

Sigh...what a lovely wedding. Your wedding planner did a splendid job incorporating both of your cultures and traditions. And we always knew Rosie had a bit of terrier in her. We could see it in her eyes.

gussie

Golden Samantha said...

What an absolutely pawsome wedding - I love the traditions, the Browning poem (first I don't know... woof!), the presentations of heirlooms and all the Scottish marriage traditions - loved learning all this! Thank you for showing us this magnificent wedding - Petey and Rosey - you must be the most gorgeous couple Scotland's ever seen! (Rosie - that dress is to die for!)
Hugs xo
Sammie
Sammie

Dexter said...

Well, Petey, you really outdid yourself! What a fantastic party. Every doggie looks absolutely great (especially my large and handsome self).

Glad the little beast got distracted. Figures.

Now the real party begins, huh?

Slobbers,
Mango

Bijou said...

Wow what a unique wedding! You, Rosie and the entire wedding party looked pawesome!! We hope you and Rosie have many happy years together.

Wags & wiggles,
Bijou

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Well, I certainly be mandog enough to admit that it even brought a tear to my eye. Lucky Morgan was there to comfort me!

What a beautiful wedding, all the party looked so amazing and so very traditional. I liked all the little Scottish touches. You one lucky dog Petey.
~lickies, Ludo

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

It was absolutely beautiful! I may have to nip away from the post-wedding celebrations for a bit, as Mr. Watson may need my continued assistance at the British Open (hey... since I was in Scotland anyway....). But you two are the most handsome couple ever seen!

*kissey face*
-Fiona

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

mdnajrudhgmeodjt!!
jdjhedjhaudbhjeudjfkg!!!!!

hdhsgajduddhh!

XXZOOXXOO

MEMACUEDGYK!!!

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Um Petey...Lacie tried to leave a comment but that garganguan Sugar Daddy sucker that Asta gave Lacie to shut her up is wrapped around her fangies and has seemed to permanantly stuck Lacie's jaws together...Two paws up to Asta for that move...

So I guess I need to give the fashion commentary on the wedding clothes.

The Hens looked pretty in their um criss crossed costumes...er um plaid, Stanley sez....you gents looked like the wind might be blowin' up ur skirts, but very dashing!!! What do ya keep in those sporan things? Heather spores???? Wow...you should see Lacie laughin' with her trap glued...wonder if she's gonna choke...(On that thought, Scruffy runs for a tennis ball for a quick game...) That bridal costume on Rosie was HOOOOOOOOOOOOGE!! I mean, it made her look hooge...er..um it made her body look really small but the rest of her looked hooge...Oh man...(Scruffy wipes the beads of sweat of his brow and chews his tennis ball thoughtfully....) I seem to be havin' major issues with this comment....

And that bouquet of Toffee's mom? Has it been in the fridge the whole time? It's so fresh...like the roses are all perky...

The chuch is real pretty too...I heard most of your vows...(is this what nuns do? are ya gonna be a nun, Petey??) but Lacie's confounded blender was makin' a bit of racket...I noticed you had a quick weddin' chillin' smoothie in the middle of the ceremony, didn't ya?

Wasn't it funny when Asta and Stan tripped over that extention cordie...wonder why they were late? Asta's back seemed to have a lotta heather on it...wonder if they got caught in a heather storm or somethin'....

This comment is long or somethin' but Petey, it was a real pretty wedding...ask Lacie next week for a copy of the article she wrote for the NY Times celebrity section...she had a lot more of those adjective and adverb thingies...

Pawslaps...and on to the reception....

Scruffy and Stan who had no part in the writing of this comment.

Morgan in Pittsburgh said...

Rosie's BIG dress was just beautiful! And her roses were a perfect addition to her "look"! She made a beautiful bride, and Petey was just sooo handsome. the photographer really captured the moment! What an effort on the part of the wedding planners! Such attention to detail! Everyone was just perfect, and the ceremony.. OMD, the Scottish-ness of it all made me just want to run out and find a field of heather and sheep to herd! Then Ludo had is little "moment" so, I felt compelled to tend to him for a bit.. I am still trying to get past his calling another doggie "hun-bun", but seeing him in his kilt made it difficult to concentrate on all of that.. Very thankful that Asta gave Lacie something sticky to chew on. It made it so much easier to hear the beautiful vows... Cannot wait to see photos of the rest of the day. Morgan

Deefor said...

What great pictures. Congrats to you and Rosie. All the doggies look fabulous. I'm toasting you with some Colorado tap water. (Sorry that's all I have-- not too festiver)

Deefor

Eric said...

Me oh my. Your bride and her girlies were a vision of beauty walking down the aisle towards us. And darling Rosie Posies dress? Wonderful. I'm sure she must have the same designer as the dog in Pet's in the City ( hang on isn't that me?!)And thank dog Martha didn't go down the Martha Stewart route for her and Bailey's outfits.

Loved Marvin's service. Great choice Petey. And the wee traditions- like the binding together of the paws.Not sure you are Rosie should of started playing tuggie at that point with the tartan cloth but Rosie really deserves the honary terrier brooch. She's one tenacious girlie. And your vows to each other were perfect. You sounded almost north of the border yourself Petey when you barked "Och aye, I doo".

What a wagging day of love and happiness. My bowl runeth over.But never fear. I'll soon finish it. Need some Scotts courage for them speeches. Don't let me forget - must remember to raise a toast to the wedding co-ordinator and photographer for such a fine job!!

Let's get going, your guest await you and your wife.....

Eric xxx

Joe Stains said...

What a BEAUTIFUL bride! omdog!! I was quietly crying the whole time!! It was the most wonderful wedding ever! I know that you two will be happy furever and I am so glad to be part of it all.

Also, DANG I look good in a kilt!!

Ziggy Stardust said...

I have a lump in my throat. That was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen, well almost. Thank you for sharing that and I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon.

licks and sniffs, Sasha

Asta said...

I am almost speechless..the cewemony was so moving and pawfect.
I've nevew seen a loveliew bwide and Petey was so handsome. theiw love wasevident in evewy wowd and deed.Wosie's bouquet is not only bootiful, but so vewy special in it's meaning. Hew dwess is magnificent.

I loved leawning about all the bootiful twaditions and will tweasoowe the memowy of being pawt of such a magical wedding. Thank you fow letting me and my Stanley Love be pawt of it. ( I was happy to help out wif Lacie, hehehe).
smoochie kisses
ASTA

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Wasn't Rosie just the most beautiful bride and you look so handsome, Petey. It was an awesome ceremony.

Woos, the OP Pack

Mochi and Bali said...

Rosie's dress was gorgeous! And you looked so handsome, Petey! The wedding party all looked great too! It was such a great ceremony!

Mochi

Lorenza said...

Pawesome! Pawesome! Pawesome!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

OMDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!
We were there with all of youuuuu!!!!
We can't believe!!!!!
Thanks thanks thanks dear friend to give us the possibility to participate at your Great day!!!!
We're very very very honored!!!!
We're licking again reading your sweet and lovely votes!!!!
Awwwwwwwwww...you and Rosie are a great match and we wish you the best life is possible!!!!
You were sooooooooooooooo handsome in your kilt!!!!
All were perfect!!!!!
We love youuuuuuuu!!!
have a wonderful life together!!!!!!!!
Sweet kisses and licks

Mason Dixie said...

what a great rendition of the wedding day. Rosie was a beautiful bride. =) What a blast

Hamish Westie said...

I've never ever in my long life seen so much tartan and I live in Scotland! I suspect that some of our American friends are perhaps a little confused about the concept of wearing the family tartan - there appeared to be quite a few mongrel outfits out there...

But these are just niggles. Rosie the bride looked totally gorgeous. As did the bridesmaid, matron of honour and mother of the bride.

And the wedding photographer is clearly a genius.

On a personal level, I was delighted to have the opportunity for a good long chat with sweet Stella from Minnesota.....

All in all, a great day, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cheers, Hamish.

Nibbles Treats said...

Bravo! What an event! What a post! What a ceremony!

Lots of treats,
Tinkerbell, Oscar and Tucker

Unknown said...

Oh Petey - sorry I've not been visiting sooner...WOW! What a fantastic wedding! Everyone looks just incredible (and I LOVE what my stylist chose for me - woohoo!) - I can't believe all the work and attention that must have gone into the wedding. Big kudos to the organisers!!

Rosie looks absolutely divine and I just LOVE all the boy doggies in their kilts...(ooh, my human says she used to think boy humans looked good in kilts until she saw the doggies!!) But my favourite picture has to be of Mica & Gus, I think...so nice that they were not left out! :-)

Can't wait to see the rest of the festivities!

CONGRATULATIONS to Petey and Rosie!!!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

Toffee said...

Rosie looks absolutely beautiful in that gown! So happy that mom could help out with her bouquet!

awesome!

Tee said...

What a beautiful ceremony! We' learnt alot about scottish weddings from this!

licks and wags

Tuffy and the Dog WOods Pack

Marvin said...

oh my, I am only just catching up with it all Petey, so much has happened since I have been unable to blog.

The photos are very, very good and very funny too.

Sorry to be so slow in commenting, my Jeannie has had lots of visitors and an especially difficult one last week........so we have taken a wee blog break.

lotsaluv, Marvin xxxx

hope to see you when the summer is done and our visitor season has calmed down ;0D