The Ceremony

A priest who has known Alyson's father for years performed the Catholic nuptial mass. Flower petals covered the runner, beautifully hand-painted with the couple's names. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a string quartet playing a medley of Christmas carols; the bride walked down the aisle to Silent Night. Father David Duffy's homily, in the form of a letter written to the couple on their 50th wedding anniversary, brought both laughter (he mentioned our many children, says Alyson) and tears. Before the service was over, the priest invited a group of Alyson's students to the altar for a photo.