Just married – congratulations, Judy & Ellen!

In yesterday’s ceremony at the Community Theatre, brides Judy Lingerfelt & Ellen Roberts listen as Rabbi Sarah Newmark sings, under the wedding canopy (chuppah) designed by Judy for the evening, representing the home they have built together. (Photo by Ian Byington)

Sometimes you’re lucky….that’s how I felt when Josie & I attended our good friends Ellen & Judy’s wedding ceremony at the Community Theatre last night.

The brides were beautiful, family & friends were plentiful, the ceremony was both moving & uplifting, and folks left with that glow that comes from attending something special. Together for 18 years, the two were able to tie the knot after the right to marry for same-gender couples became legal in Washington state last fall (previous stories: in December & after the election in November). Here’s more, in remarks prepared by the family:

Judy (left) and Ellen enjoy the reception in the Theatre’s lobby with music, food, cake & friends & family. (Photo by Ian Byington)

This was a first for the San Juan Community Theatre, hosting a wedding on the patio of the Steele Memorial Garden.  About 100 relatives and friends gathered from around the country and Canada to celebrate with Judy Lingerfelt and Ellen Roberts at their wedding.

Rabbi Sarah Newmark of Gig Harbor performed the ceremony under the chuppah that Judy designed and created. Angel Michaels sang Dodi Li, a traditional setting of the verse, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” The reception featured music sung by many friends of the couple, accompanied by Jim Collado.

Ellen and Judy moved to the island 11 years ago, after Judy retired from teaching elementary school in Vancouver, WA. Ellen worked until retirement here as a social worker. Why did they choose to be married at the theatre? Ellen says it is her “home away from home,” where she volunteers primarily as a stage manager. Judy and Ellen love the arts. The active community theatre, along with scenic beauty and the quiet lifestyle, attracted them to live in Friday Harbor. Judy and Ellen love the supportive community with so many opportunities to contribute their time and skills to improve the lives of others. They volunteer through Soroptimists and other local organizations.

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