Oh harpist, where is thy luck?

In my 17-year career of playing for weddings, I’ve only had one outdoor wedding get rained out. That’s a pretty good track record.

This year, my lucky streak ended.

Yes, that's rain gushing off the roof. Two feet from my harp.

Frantic brides, soggy lawns, leaky tents, uncomfortable guests, lightning, puddles. Waiting and waiting and waiting for a break in the rain.

In the end, the ceremonies happened. Everybody still got married, every bride got her outdoor wedding. Some officiants rushed through the ceremonies with eyes on the sky. Some made good analogies about not being able to control our futures or another person any more than we can control the weather and isn’t that what marriage is all about (good point, Pastor Steve). Some good-naturedly stood there getting soaked, giving heart-felt readings from first Corinthians.

I watched them all from the garage, the tent, the covered deck. Waited for my cues. Played my heart out. Stomped through more mud in cute shoes than I ever have before.


Maybe it’s because I’ve also played at more outdoor weddings this year than ever before. There must be something more and more appealing about getting married outside. More adventurous couples, more risk takers willing to give up control and see what the future holds.

Kind of gives me hope for the future of young marriages.