1. Real Weddings

Inger & Joel: A Summer Wedding in Castle Rock, CO

Inger and Joel met at church. Detained by the Sunday school class she teaches, Inger, rushed into worship late one Sunday morning and was immediately

Inger and Joel met at church. Detained by the Sunday school class she teaches, Inger, rushed into worship late one Sunday morning and was immediately struck by the new intern pastor up front playing guitar. The Bride Inger Halverson, an assistant retail manager The Groom Joel Payne, an intern pastor The Date June 23 After the service, Inger introduced herself to him (he was talking to one of her friends). Pretty soon, it was just Joel and I talking, and everyone else standing around, says Inger. Talk about love at first sight: That December, after the annual Christmas program, Joel asked Inger to marry him in the church parking lot. We talked about getting married on our very first date, says Inger. We knew it was meant to be.

Inger chose her wedding dress the week that Joel proposed -- strapless, with simple beading on the bodice, which was the second gown she tried on. On the day of the wedding, Joel's sister Meredith presented the bride with a silver and turquoise necklace. Their mother grew up on a Navajo reservation and turquoise symbolizes good luck, explains the bride. The beautiful necklace, wrapped around one of Inger's feet as an anklet, would fulfill both the something new and something blue requirements.
The Guests
The Cake
Storm clouds and a darkening sky seemed inauspicious, as Inger, Joel, and their guests gathered for the outdoor ceremony held on a cliff overlooking the mountains. There was also a great deal of wind to contend with. We have some great pictures of my veil flying straight up in the air, says Inger, with a laugh, and the unity candle stayed lit for about five seconds. A harpist provided gentle, lilting music, which seemed well suited to the mood, despite the threat of rain. I was calm, so was Joel, remembers Inger. I was a little worried that it would rain, but that happened after the ceremony, and only for about ten minutes.
The Ceremony
Inger's bridesmaids wore blue dresses from Ann Taylor.