On July 5, our son, Jack, and his lovely partner, Kasia, were married at an historic manor farm near Krakow, Poland. And what a joyous celebration it was!
Jack and Kasia joined together, pledging their commitment to each other. Our two families came together as one, pledging our commitment to support both offspring. Friends and family traveled from far and wide to celebrate this union, also committing to nurture their connections to the newlyweds — and to the many bonds that were strengthened or forged over the weekend of festivities.
The actual wedding ceremony took place at three in the afternoon under Poland's bluest skies and gentlest breeze. Just over a hundred guests attended, representing 17 nationalities, including six darling babies under 18 months. As the guests gathered, a trio of talented friends played classical selections (cello, viola and violin).
Officiating were the Polish civil registrar (speaking Polish) and an English translator. Jack’s longtime friend, Bradley, and Kasia’s brother, Marcin, were the witnesses. Flower girls Hazel (age 6) and Ada (age 3) scattered fresh petals ahead of Kasia’s procession. Ring boy Norbert (age 4) performed his duties admirably. Kasia was stunning in her fairytale dress and traditional braids. Jack looked especially handsome.
After the official business of the ceremony, the exchange of rings, and the kiss, the couple joyfully recessed to applause and showering of more petals, making their way to the terrace where they greeted guests and received their well wishes.
At the doorway to the venue's restored 19th-century stone granary, Kasia’s parents, Agata and Michał, and Ed and I welcomed the newlyweds by presenting them with the Polish tradition of bread and salt. The bread representing abundance and the hope that the couple will never experience hunger. The salt symbolizing the challenges and hardships they may encounter, and the need to cope with them. Together, the four of us gave them our blessings with love.
A beautiful dinner was served in the upstairs hall followed by a few heartfelt speeches. Then, downstairs, the music began, first with Jack serenading Kasia with Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” followed by the Polish song: “Umówiłem się znów na dziewiątą” (“I made a date with her at nine”) with a rousing chorus by all the Polish guests.
Dancing began at 6 p.m. and lasted ‘till the sun came up on Sunday morning. A second dinner was served, then rose jelly-filled donuts (pączki) instead of cake, and a BBQ late in the night. (There may have been other food, but sometime after midnight Ed and I turned in for the night in the manor house, leaving all the grandkids and most of the guests still dancing!)
The celebration continued the next morning and all through the afternoon/evening. Breakfast was offered on the sunporch of the manor house, followed by midmorning/early afternoon snacks, then a late afternoon meal (prepared by friends of Agata). Food must be their love language, for it was offered in abundance!
I’m not entirely sure what made this wedding so magical. Perhaps all the thoughtful details? The venue? The food? Or the perfect weather? The graciousness of Jack and Kasia and Kasia’s immediate and extended family? The camaraderie of the guests? I suspect it was all these things, magnified by the love emanating from, and surrounding, Jack and Kasia.
It is Ed's and my wish that Jack and Kasia live in harmony, with their love strengthened by patience, respect and joy. Kasia and Jack: we love you both dearly.
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To give you some sense of the joy that abounded...
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| Ring Boy Norbert, Flower Girls Roscoe (honorary) and Hazel |
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| With nieces Molly and Katie |
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| Newlyweds greeting cousins Glenda and Nathan |
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| Entertainment for all. |
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| With my girls |
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| Maggie with Ring Boy Norbert |
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| Before dinner with Cousin Nathan |
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Katie, before meal #1
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Meal #2
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| Pączki: Rose jelly-filled donuts, instead of wedding cake |
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The Louisville Collegiate School contingent:
Dan, Bradley, Glenda (6th grade English teacher), Brandon, Carl, Maggie and Mary.
Missing from photo: Exchange student Max
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| Dancing in her pjs well after midnight |
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| Dancing 'till dawn |
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| Sunday morning |
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| Kasia's dad, Michał, manning the Sunday BBQ |
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| The newlyweds, sending love from Paris |
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