On Aug. 29, 2009, as a soft breeze played with streaming, colored pennants flying from a flotilla of magical boats (many long-time family favorites restored for the festivities), loved ones gathered on the shores of Griffin Bay to witness the exchange of marriage vows between Robin F. Meyer and Philip A. Tate.

Granddaughter Sonora Tate attended the couple as flower girl, and grandsons Nathaniel and Luke Grobins and nephew Bradley Tate assisted in bringing food ashore from Capt. James M. Campbell’s vessel, Sundown.

After an afternoon of sea breeze, laughter, seafood and sailing, guests hiked back to the couple’s home to enjoy sharing around a bonfire while lamb cooked to slow perfection, and to finish up with intimate sharing, cups raised to love, and Nicole’s blackberry pie.

The couple’s children include Pete and Nicole Grobins of Vaughn, Andre and Lisa Tate of Friday Harbor, Allan and Jaime Hooper of Gig Harbor, Marie Bisceglia and her partner, Gabe Peckman, Julie Tate of San Francisco, and Chelsea DeCouteau of Friday Harbor.

Also attending the ceremony was Robin’s mother, Norma Meyer of Gig Harbor; and Phil’s brother and brother’s wife, David and Cindy Tate of Puyallup.

Phil is a long-time San Juan Island resident, fine woodworker and boat builder who is currently writing and illustrating stories. Robin is also writing with him, and is an English instructor at Skagit Valley College.

The couple plans to celebrate the joy of life together by honoring their vows to be present, mindful and always compassionate; by spending happy hours creating art and writing; by enjoying family and friends; and by taking Zephyr on many Northwest sea adventures.