Today we did it! We married a little after 3PM. For weeks now, since August in fact, we’ve been planning on marrying up here in beautiful north central PA. We didn’t tell anyone except one or two people. We just wanted to get married and not make a big fuss or spend time trying to get everyone’s schedule in sync. A simple, straight to the point ceremony is all we wanted. We figure we’ll throw a party in the Spring or Summer when people are all available.

We made arraignments for the Mayor of Mansfield, Thomas Weirbowski, to wed us at the Veteran’s Gazebo on the outskirts of town at 3:30PM. We drove past at 3 to see if he happened to be there early. When we saw him there, in his car alone, we stopped and asked if we could do it right then.

So, while the wind blew it’s cold precursor to winter and the sun played hide and seek with us we were married. Exchanging Navajo made rings of silver set with earthy stones in a pattern called Native Earth, we are now husband and wife.

I have never done anything with such clarity of vision and desire in my entire life; something she said to me as well. I know it’s only been four months but I just know in my soul, in my heart and in my mind this is where I have been struggling to get to all my life. I am complete.

Soon after we married we went to this location we’d spotted the day before to do a wedding photo. In fact, we spent a good deal of this day just driving around, enjoying the stunning beauty of the landscapes and taking self-portraits. What a magical weekend it’s been.

Not too long after this photo was taken, two mated bald eagles flew over us and screamed. I believe that is a good omen, especially in light of our rings.

To check out more photos from that day feel free to visit Our Elopement gallery.