“i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear)…
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)” E.E. Cummings
The morning was bright and sunny. I woke up marveling at the knowledge that today was THE day and I was the bride…this day long, long desired and anticipated. This day held in it such promise, and the culmination of a hope restored and a story reconciled. This day held in it the history of our lives leading up to this moment…the mystery, peace, and comfort of merging our two lives together…the presence of a God that was good and faithful and present….the unfathomable, immeasurable love of so many people.
In the months leading up to that Saturday, we had experienced the overwhelming stress of all the planning details and choices, the grace-filled generosity of our parents and friends, and the exuberant excitement and encouragement of our tight-knit friend groups and community. Had we ever felt so loved?
And, the day unfolded…while Frank and his groomsmen got dressed in the little house that would be Frank’s and I home, I met my bridesmaids and parents at the Fields. I felt both calm and overwhelmed, both joyful and nervous. My mind was full with awe, excitement, and “this-is-all-too-good-to-be-true-but-it-is-true” thoughts.
Without a doubt, our ceremony was the most sacred, profound, and significant hour of my life. I’ll never forget walking into the room on my dad’s arm and seeing the OCEAN of beloved ones- all of our friends and families that played unique, life-giving roles in our histories and lives…and at far end of the aisle, Frank. I’ll never forget he and I exchanging covenant promises, serving communion to our friends and family, and hearing Jordan, our pastor and friend, speak such truth and blessing over us.
Mr. and Mrs. Schweikhardt!
And then we celebrated. Aver’s pizza. A Crescent Doughnut tower. Samuel Adam’s beer. A live, electronic musical masterpiece by our favorite Nate Utesch of Metavari. Hours of chatting and laughing and dancing with friends and family who had came from around the country and from all over Bloomington. The night wound down. Everyone that was left at 11:00p linked arms in a circle and sang along with the Beatles…”All you need is love!” All you need is love…”
That’s the secret to life. Love. Sweet love.
(Photography by the wonderful Jeff Mackey Photography. Enjoy…)
A big, big thank you to the following people and businesses:
Tina Lampke- Wedding Planner
Natalie Lambert- Hair Stylist
Aver’s Pizza- Best Reception Food Ever
Zac Fishman- Samuel Adams Beer
Neil Kjeldsen, Eva & Lucas Allen- Ceremony Music
The Fields Clubhouse
And all the friends and family who worked so hard on Friday and Saturday to make it all happen.
