This was the premier event of the year, held here at Someren Glen on September 22, 2018, at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon – a wedding ceremony and celebration of our Life Enrichment Coordinator, Tracey Doran, and her fiance, Steven Hlibichuk. The best man and matron of honor were Jack and Dee Deeter, residents of Someren Glen West.
The ceremony was performed on our north patio using our tastefully decorated gazebo as the focal point for the exchanging of their wedding vows.
It was a day of firsts – the first day of Autumn and the first time a wedding was performed and celebrated at a Christian Living Community. Standing room only was evidenced, and the audience consisted of family, friends, team members and residents. The ceremony was presided over by Chaplains Cindy Simpson and Brian Bortz. Throughout the afternoon, a violinist played appropriate music.
As the bride walked down the pathway to the gazebo, there was a hush by the audience as she appeared in a beautiful, sleeveless, long white satin gown with a short train. Her hair was entwined with small pearls, and she was as radiant and lovely as a bride could possibly be. The groom was very handsome. He was as mesmerized by the bride’s appearance as everyone else was.
A particularly moving part of the ceremony was the blending of sand (purple and gray) which Tracy and Steven each poured into a single glass container, symbolizing the blending of their lives and the impossibility of separating them.
Many in the audience were so very moved by the proceedings that they were brought to tears of happiness – perhaps many were reliving memories of their own vows. This was very touching.
And so, everyone finished the celebration by being served a slice of the beautifully decorated wedding cake. The festivities ended on the patio where they began. The bridal couple danced to their favorite music as Mr. and Mrs. Hlibichuk.
This was written by the matron of honor, Dee Deeter, a Someren Glen resident.
