Singing in the rain

My sister in-law Elaine walks on the sunny side of the street wearing rose-colored glasses and sipping from a glass that is always half full.

So, when clouds began to form ahead of her Florida beach wedding, Molly and I prepared to be outraged.

“How could it rain on a wedding so clearly meant to be held under bright blue skies?” we readied ourselves to rail.

But a funny thing happened on the way to our indignation. The storm turned out to be the perfect backdrop for two people whose first date and engagement took place on a beach and whose honeymoon involved a transatlantic crossing.

Water remains a central theme in their lives.

We celebrated Elaine’s marriage to the affable Chip on a pretty white porch overlooking the beach. A gentle rain pattered as the bride made her way down the aisle and her choice of entrance music, Isreal Kamamawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow” seemed prophetic.

Then the storm grew.

Thunder accented the vows, jagged lightning streaked the sky behind the bride and groom and waves crashed on the beach below.

Another bride and groom may have sulked a little, but this couple simply enjoyed their elegant reception.

I think the storm actually energized the guests, who took to the dance floor after dinner and never left.

The symbolism that weaved its way through Elaine and Chip’s wedding made the day even more meaningful.

The bride’s blue earrings and white dress represented tradition, the sand ceremony unity, the roses love, the champagne toast luck and the Bible readings faith.

With its wind, thunder and driving rain, the storm symbolized something as well — passion.

As Chip and Elaine sail off for an enviable honeymoon we wish them a life full of tradition, love, luck, faith and passion.