ONE LOVE: WHITE BANDS AND WEDDING BANDS
UN AMOR: CINTAS BLANCAS Y ANILLOS DE BODA
You may recall a blog post from last December about ONEorlando volunteers Melodie and Edgard who got engaged at ONE’s World AIDS Day event. That blog posted received over a hundred well wishes from all over the world.
This weekend I attended their beautiful wedding, which took place in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Edgard arrived on a boat accompanied by his groomsmen, and met Melodie and her bridesmaids at the sandy beach of Paradise Cove. The ceremony was recited in both English and Spanish, with a guitar serenade of Ava Maria.
When the newlyweds were introduced at the reception, they came in dancing to music of U2′s “Beautiful Day.” The music then varied from rock to spanish love songs and speeches from many family members talking about bringing together two cultures as ONE.
The DJ then announced that the grandfather of Edgard has a special gift. No one would have imagined the gift was for the over 100 attendees at the wedding. The Grandfather had ordered maracas from Nicaragua for everyone to play. These were special ordered, made from the Jicaro Plant, and painted sybolically with the colors used in the ONE Campaign and Product (RED). These ONE maracas were used the ENTIRE evening while dancing…and let me tell you… those folks can dance!
Then it was time to cut the cake(s). Some people may be familiar with the more southern tradition of a groomscake, which typically accompanies the wedding cake, in some whimsical form. I was touched to see that these two volunteers, who have dedicated many hours of their time to focus on the world’s poor, attending events, meetings and helping train others in advocating ONE’s issues for the past two years, focused on ONE on their wedding day. These are two people who truly care about the issues, and take every opportunity to talk about it.
I was honored to be a part of their wedding day and wish them the best. I thank them for their outreach efforts and look forward to working with them soon… (after the honeymoon of course!).
Melodie y Edgard, Felicitaciones y felicidades de UNA Campaña
- Previous Post Faxing for Farmers
- Next Post WaPo for Farm Bill Reform
Blog Contributors
Hot Topics
-
Fight the Famine, Feed the Future
ONE is campaigning to ensure that the Congressional budget does not cut foreign assistance programs like Feed the Future that help people break the cycle of poverty and hunger. -
Crisis in the Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 60 years. More than 11 million people, mostly nomadic pastoralists and farmers in south-central Somalia, north-eastern Kenya, and south-eastern Ethiopia, are severely lacking access to food. -
The Beginning of the End of AIDS
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS. -
Agriculture Accountability
As aid agencies warn more than 9 million people could be affected by a food crisis in East Africa, world leaders are failing to keep their 2009 promises to tackle the causes of chronic hunger and support farmers in the world's poorest countries.
From Our Members
-
Rep. Dicks is not the Norm… he’s a champion
Feb 3rd, 2012 | Posted by Field -
Moved by the war in Sierra Leone, an Ohio teenager finds a way to give back
Jan 26th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
ONE Peoria links up with local Rotary group
Jan 23rd, 2012 | Posted by Field
From Our Partners
-
Use your trivia knowledge to curb world hunger
Feb 6th, 2012 | Posted by Paulena Papagiannis -
The investors’ case for more transparency in oil and mining deals
Feb 6th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
ONE Act a Week: Nominate an idea that promotes equality for girls & women
Feb 3rd, 2012 | Posted by Malaka Gharib
July 24, 2007 at 1:38 pm
You guys rock! Congratulations from the ONEorlando team!
July 24, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Dear Melodie and Edgard, I can’t tell you how much this means to all of us that have come to know you as friends.
Not many can boost the fact that your marriage grew out of the passion to help the least among us. Your marriage will always constituent for me at least the notion of “concern for others”. As you do that please don’t forget to concern yourselves with each other. You need to love “ONE”another for the rest of time. Everytime you have a fight bring out the ONE bands and remember where you came from. You came from the foundation of peace and love.
We love you very much and GOD BLESS.
peace
dk
July 24, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Congrats to Edgard and my now official sister-in-law, Mel. (By the way, they are currently in their honeymoon in Ireland!!) The wedding was beautiful! It was so “them” incorporating everything about them and that of course, included ONE. Now, I must add that there was also this beautiful Nicaraguan dance! (hahaha…wink, wink!). And Edgard, just as an FYI, the maracas were 100% Mom’s idea (supported by Dad and I). She was a bit concerned, but as you can all see they turned out to be a blast! Congrats and can’t wait to see the pictures!
Love,
Maria
July 24, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Dear Melodie and Edgard:
All the best from all of us RESULTS partners to you both! Looks like quite a celebration! Let’s hear all about it at our next event.
With our love,
Joe and Doreen Perry
Susan Keller
Dan Reale
Helga Wegener
Mark Powers
Shawn McNails
Debbie Gabriele
July 24, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Congratulations, Melodie and Edgard on your beautiful wedding!
You two look wonderful together and I really like the white bands in the wedding party. (smile)
This is what ONE is all about – finding common ground with each other to help the world’s poorest people. And sometimes when we are selfless enough to look after the best interests of others, we find that Life has bestowed on us what is in our best interest.~
I wish the two of you a lifetime of Love, Peace and Happiness together.
If you don’t mind, I’m going to make a ONE cake just like yours surrounded by white bands for International Whiteband Day (17 October) as part of our local observance down here in Austin TX.
Take very good and gentle care of each other, Melodie and Edgard. Blessings always.
ALWAYS ONE in the Spirit, debbie
July 24, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Congratulations you two! I am honored to have been a part of your big day. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and I do believe I have never seen friends and family have so much fun!
I am continually amazed at your dedication and commitment to each other, and to the poorest of the poor around the world. We are so proud to have you as part of the ONEorlando family.
Best wishes as you start an amazing new journey together!
Love you guys!
Dawn
July 24, 2007 at 10:39 pm
The wedding was amazing and my best wishes!!!
July 25, 2007 at 10:36 am
Edgard and Melodie,
I am very happy that you have found that One love that fills your life with joy! It was magical watching you commit your lives to each other.
Many years of Love and Happiness…Your friend,
Karen
July 25, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Congrats to you both! I’m so glad to have gotten to know you both through ONEorlando, and all the work you both do is amazing. And even more amazing that you brought it to your wedding day to share with everyone. All the best wishes on your new life together!!!
Amanda : )
July 25, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Congratulations, you are done with all that planning and now its time to live it up in Ireland. Nice meeting you love-birds. Its cool that your wedding included the ONE campaign.
Friends from California… cheers.
July 7, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Great article – thanks! Check out other live wedding bands.