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Emily and Nick were married along the shores of Lake Tahoe in August. Now – you might be thinking – isn't Lake Tahoe in California? And, Jessie, don't you officiate weddings in New Jersey and New York?

Emily & Nick, married in Lake Tahoe - ceremony by Eclectic Unions, officiated by a friend of the couple

Emily contacted me a few weeks before her wedding regarding my wedding ceremony writing services – they were having a friend officiate, and were having some trouble putting together a ceremony that really reflected them and showcased their love and relationship. So I worked with Emily and Nick, cross country (hurray for email!) to create a personal and special ceremony for them. It was so lovely to be a part of their wedding, even if I wasn't actually there!

Some special elements of Emily & Nick's wedding that I just loved:

- It's a Lake Tahoe tradition to throw a flower into the water, in honor of those who can't be at the wedding, because of distance or those who have passed on. So sweet!

- They asked their family and friends to offer advice for a good marriage, and had Nick's sisters read these during the ceremony – they were funny, touching, meaningful, and hysterical! They ranged from: “If she cooks dinner, he better do the dishes!” to “Above all else – forget your head and listen to your heart!” (Both excellent advice, by the way)

- Emily gave me a few prose pieces that she and Nick love, and I included this one from Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie in their closing remarks:

There are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage:
If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.
If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.
If you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.
And if you don't have a common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.
Your values must be alike. And the biggest one of those values? Your belief in the importance of your marriage.
Love each other or perish.

- Their Love Story! Emily & Nick were roommates and best friends before they started dating… and they both mentioned a specific moment, when they had attended one of Emily's sorority formals as friends, while they danced to Eric Clapton's “Wonderful Tonight” – they felt a slight tugging in their hearts, and they knew that they were going to take the next step in their relationship.

So, from New Jersey to California, I got to be a part of Emily and Nick's special day, without ever leaving my own state (though I hear Lake Tahoe is beautiful!). The bride and groom shared some photos with me as well – it looks like it was an incredible wedding (THAT LIGHT)!

(love this shot!)