It couldn’t be better—a lovely wedding at an extraordinary historic church in a magnificent New England setting with glorious Indian Summer weather, Laurie and Ned exchange wedding vows in the presence of family and close friends.
Built in 1849 to serve the congregation of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the now nondenominational Hope Valley Church has been privately owned for over 60 years and occasionally provides the setting for special celebrations—mostly for the quaint surrounding community.With pulpit at the center of the raised sanctuary, the small Altar table at right will display the Unity Candles for the “Unity and Brightness” ceremony. The original choir pews at far right will provide seating for the bridal party during the readings and homily.In the sanctuary and at the far left of the Altar is the glorious sounding antique pump organ built in the 1800’s by Estey & Company of Brattleboro VT. It has been refurbished in recent years to produce its original vibrant reed sound. The 8 draw knob stops include (L-R) SubBass, Melodia, Viola, Forte (volume increase for lower Bass stops), Forte (volume increase for upper Treble stops), Flute, Diapason, and Harmonic (octave pitch). Below the keyboard and above the foot pedals is a Crescendo paddle. As the organist continuously pumps the foot pedals to pump air into the bellows, the crescendo (volume control) is operated by pressing against it with the knee—increasing and decreasing volume as desired. As a sign of our times, a young wedding guest inquired, “How do you turn it on?” He was surprised to discover there’s no electricity involved–you must pump it as they did in the 19th Century!Able to tightly accommodate a congregation of roughly 85 people, the church is heated in winter by a cast iron woodstove at right. Since there is no plumbing, the suspended stove pipe runs along the ceiling to extend heat through the church. Above can be seen the original candelabras that can be raised and lowered to light the candles, and with the wall sconces they provided lighting back in the day and today as well. A wall closet for hymnals is seen at left and the historic church document is displayed at right of the door.The entrance is decorated to welcome the Wedding guests. At center can be seen the rope to ring the original steeple bell that will call to service guests who have gathered outside on this beautiful day.Programs set out for guest participation.The Unity and Brightness candles are set and in elogant simplicity, arrangements of fresh-cut white flowers adorn the table, the organ, the aisle, and the front porch.At left, Concert Pianist & Vocalist, Jason Castonguay begins with the Prelude of classical improvisations on the vibrant antique pump organ.With the colonial carpet runner in place, guests will be seated, and the bridal party will process to the Altar.Officiant sets up service book before the ceremony.Groom gets assist with Boutonniere before ceremony.Now he’s all set!
(L) Ned (Dad)–the Groom, Jack & Scott (sons)–the Best Men, & Uncle Ron–the Officiant (Jack’s Godfather and Scott & Kellie’s Honorary Godfather), await the arrival of the Bride and Maid of Honor. (R) Bride, Laurie with Maid of Honor (her daughter) Kellie, arrive for the ceremony at the lovely Hope Valley Church.
(1) Jason begins the ceremony with “Hornpipe from Water Music” by Georg Friederich Handel. (2) Bridal party is in place at the Altar and hear the opening words of the Officiant following the readings and the special song, “No Other Love” (Chopin etude).
The Homily includes discerning the important differences between “Immitation Love” and “Real Love” with excerps from the book, Real Love authored by Greg Baer, M.D.In this photo, at front right can be seen “The Candle of Unity & Brightness” table. Following the exchange of vows and giving of rings, the candle ceremony will occur and Jason will surprise the couple with a special song, “If,” that reflects remarks from the homily.
The Bride & Groom join hands in the exchange of vows.The Blessing of the rings.The wearing of rings to symbolize their love for each other, and to remind them of and announce to others their commitment to each other.Mr. & Mrs. Vogler have been joined in matrimony and receive their friends after the ceremony.Hugs and thank you’s!Congrats!The groom about to hug the music man who touched hearts and caused tears with his voice, and who made that beautiful original antique Estey reed organ all but talk!The bride’s Mom shares with the officiant her delight with the ceremony.Groom’s Dad tells Officiant how meaningful the ceremony was for him.It’s a happy day for the whole “new” family.No words needed here.Mare tells Jason how touching his music is.And they cut the wedding cake.Ned and his sister, Sharon chat at the end of a most beautiful day!
