It was quiet. I could feel the warm wind blowing my hair. The occasional bird whispered their chirps and whistles of wedding day affirmation. And in the traditional Quaker silence, those that they loved so much surrounded Kendall and Daniel, and one by one said beautiful and thoughtful things about either them as individuals or as a couple, making it a wonderful way to share the day.
They met through World of Warcraft (a massive multiplayer online game in) in the spring of 2009 and played the game cooperatively for two years fighting large monsters and evil masterminds. After both of them had quit World of Warcraft, Kendall and Daniel continued to keep in touch via email and voice chat, never having physically met. But the spring of 2011 changed all of that. Kendall’s spring break plans fell through and she decided to visit Daniel and some of her friends from online, who also lived in North Carolina, instead. At that point, they already had interest in each other, but meeting face to face is obviously very different.
Over time, Daniel realized he found her inextinguishable passion endearing. Kendall isn’t easily deterred or stopped by obstacles (like a broken leg on her wedding day). She doesn’t know how to quit the things she has a love for. And Kendall couldn’t help but notice Daniel’s devotion to his family and friends. He would walk through fire for any one of his friends if they asked him (and sometimes has in fantasy computer games).
Daniel moved to L.A. that December, after maintaining a long distance relationship for 8 months, and proposed very simply. They had a wonderful day together shopping. Kendall had just returned from 2 weeks in Serbia, where she was researching for her dissertation (she’s a graduate student in History of Science at UCLA.) After dinner, before they drove back home, Daniel proposed in the car. It was a nice, private proposal as neither one of them are big on fanfare.
I asked Kendall what she finds endearing about Daniel and her response moved me. “His incredible kindness towards others. No boyfriend signs up to help their girlfriend’s father in hospice care, but to Daniel it wasn’t ever a question that he would help. It meant the world to my mother and I. He extends this beyond family and friends; he’s kind to everyone.” Kendall’s father’s presence was felt at the wedding, along with gratitude that Daniel was able to know him even for a short time.
Getting married with a broken leg is hard work, and Daniel adoringly urges her on.
Sharing in Quaker silence, friends stand up to share their memories and thoughts.
Kendall glows during the ceremony.
Giant Jenga is from Daniel and Kendall’s own game collection, and they made it themselves.
They find each other fulfilling by Daniel’s infectious humor and sharing deep belly-laughs, and by Kendall’s incredible heart. And the fact that they brighten each other’s day every day (even when Daniel is grumpy-pants) I bet my money on these two that they will be playing games long into the sunset of life.
Daniel and Kendall say goodbye to their guests as he chivalrously pushes her down the wooded path.
Dress: Splendid Bridal, wedding gown store; Cincinnati
Suit: Raleigh Limited, men’s fashion store in Fashion Mall at Keystone; Indiannapolis
Rings: Hoppe Jewelers, jewelery store; Richmond (both wedding bands and the engagement ring)
Flowers:Jack Daggy Flowers, florist; Richmond (the main flower was Bird of Paradise)
Photographer: Susanna Tanner Photography; Richmond
Caterer: Barn Brasserie, farm to table restaurant; Muncie (facebook, 117 W Charles St. Muncie, IN 47305)
Cake: Queen Bee Confections, custom cake designer and baker; Richmond
Games: All board games are from their own collection, the corn hole and giant Jenga they made (from scratch) and painted themselves. (The symbols on the corn hole boards are symbols from World of Warcraft, the game in which they met.)
Wedding and reception site: Minnetrista, community cultural center; Muncie
Kendall’s Hair: Renee at WOW Salon; Richmond (facebook, 1810 S L St. Richmond, IN 47374)
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