Bette and Tina vowed their life-long commitment to each when they exchanged the Shared Heart necklaces at the Big Bear Lake cabin in early Spring but after Tina’s impromptu proposal and Bette’s acceptance of her hand in marriage they decided on a public affirmation.

Though not legally binding the public ritual of a commitment ceremony witnessed by others would serve to strengthen and deepen the special family bond that they already shared. They gathered their closest family and friends to celebrate their love and in return receive from them support, blessings, and sanctioning of their union.

They incorporated some traditional elements in the celebration but mostly they just did what felt right. They chose Lake Arrowhead because of the beauty and the extraordinary vistas that it offered as the backdrop for their special occasion. They were able to hold the ceremony and the reception on location as well as have convenient lodging for themselves and their guests at an all-inclusive resort.

They asked Kit Porter the matriarch of the family to officiate as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Tina asked Alice to stand up for her and Bette asked Shane. Angie would be escorted by James and given the honor of handing her parents one to the other. Sophie, Suzie, and Jackie were the flower girls and Joey the Ring Bearer. Lisa is the official photographer/videographer and she is assisted by her two year old son Zach. They hired Carmen to DJ and Monica arranged all the transportation. Lara Perkin, the chef at the Planet oversaw the catering and made the cake.

The rest of the guest list included, Leigh, Emma & Liz who was now 7 months pregnant, Dani & Cindy, Jamie Chen, Julie & her husband Paul, Mark & his wife Karina, Peggy Peabody, Phyllis and her partner Joyce. They all arrived at the resort on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ceremony immediately followed by the reception was set to start just before sunset on Saturday evening. The weekend included Sunday Brunch after which they would all depart to their respective homes.

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Bette and Tina’s Commitment Ceremony

Kit called everyone’s attention and asked them to take their seats. Folding chairs were set up inside a tent which was situated in front of a decorated white canopy overlooking the lake with the mountains in the background. Each guest found a white candle in their seat which would be used later in the ceremony. The area was beautifully decorated with silk flowers but there was little need for anything more to enhance on what nature had provided in this natural setting.