 | | | Bride and groom cut the cake at Aegis in Moraga. Photo Sophie Braccini | | | | | | For the first time ever, a wedding was celebrated in the courtyard at Moraga Aegis. It was not residents getting married, however, but Marketing Director Molly Gleason-Kodama who wed during a perfectly simple and touching Buddhist ceremony where all the residents were invited.
Some 150 chairs were installed under a large tent in the large courtyard of the residence. Flowers were everywhere, scenting the air and lifting the spirits. Friends, family and residents sat quietly as Molly, radiant in a white and silver dress, walked in to meet David who was waiting for her at the altar where a Buddhist priest, a friend of Molly's, was going to officiate. The ceremony began, interlaced with Buddhist chants and bells, offering of flowers, and holding of the nenju - traditional Japanese Buddhist beads.
Then the two exchanged vows in front of the assembly and promises were made to be true, to trust, to love, to hear one another, to understand, to be open, to support each other. Live music, cutting of the cake, food and champagne were part of the joyful afternoon.
Candice Moses, the director of Moraga Aegis, was in charge of one thing during the festivities: taking care of Molly's well-behaved little dog. She was also beaming with pride, talking to the residents who were participating and sharing their joy.
She explained that it was the residents who had been at the root of this event: the first ever wedding celebrated in any of the Aegis residences. She said that when residents heard of the marriage, they wanted to be with Molly on this important day. So many wanted to go that the only thing that had to be done was to host the ceremony on the premises. And so it was done.
Moses commented that one of the most beautiful aspects of the event was the lively mix of people who rejoiced and shared their best wishes with the new couple, from young children to most of the senior residents, all united in a celebration of love.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA