Under the Walnut Tree: A Love Story Takes Root

I was determined to make everything perfect for my sweet friend Maggie and her fiance Lesly on their special wedding day. When Maggie and Lesly asked me to officiate their intimate wedding ceremony, I suggested they hold it under the walnut tree, and they instantly agreed it would be the perfect location. 
I mowed a large circle beneath the tree and threw the fallen walnuts into the alfalfa field to prevent anyone from tripping on them. As I raked and pulled weeds, I shared with the walnut tree what was happening beneath its canopy later that day.
 I often spoke to the tree; it held a special, magical presence in my life, radiating peaceful and soothing energy. When we moved to the acreage, we were told the walnut tree had been struck by lightning, died, and then came back to life. The previous owner, Bernice, jokingly referred to it as the “Jesus Tree.” 
I decorated the center of the tree with flowers. I gathered pink, fragrant, naked lady lilies from the yard and arranged them in the gaps of the decaying bark where busy black ants scurried about. 
Maggie’s friends Paris and Mary were the first guests to arrive, greeted in the driveway by our excited cairn terrier, Birdie. Shortly after, Maggie, Lesly, and Lesly’s parents pulled in. 
Lesly stepped out of the red jeep looking elegant in a soft, sleeveless, champagne colored dress, holding a stunning bouquet of mixed pastel-colored flowers. 
Maggie looked striking in a black button-up shirt tucked into her black pants, handsome as always. I’d never seen her so happy. She beamed from ear to ear as she hugged me and whispered, “Can you believe I’m getting married?” 
We gathered beneath the walnut tree, surrounded by the beauty of nature, with birds singing, crickets chirping, and a wind chime tinkling in the distance. 
Maggie and Lesly emerged from the house and made their way down the patio stairs, crossing the yard toward the walnut tree. The ballad “Eres Mi Religion” played over a Bluetooth speaker; a timeless love song about finding your soulmate and being devoted to them.
Birdie raced to greet them, following them to the tree while leaping up towards Lesly’s bouquet as if she was carrying a dog treat. Fortunately, the brides found it adorable and referred to Birdie as their flower girl. 
After the intimate ceremony, the small wedding party gathered on the patio to toast with sparkling apple cider, enjoy charcuterie, and sign the marriage license. 
The day was simply perfect; the weather was beautiful, everything unfolded just as it should have, and it couldn’t have been any more delightful. 

Maggie & Lesly 8-11-2024