Created for a performance, the three costumes for "Marriage of the Snow Goose" are inspired by Wheeler’s sighting of “a field so white with snow geese” during her graduate studies at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. "Marriage of the Snow Goose" honors the Hopi mantle woven by a groom’s father for his son’s wife-to-be, who keeps it until death when it is then placed at her feet to help transport her to the next phase.

The performance sequence begins with the Handmaiden of Life dance; proceeds with the Bride dancing with the Handmaiden of Life; and concludes with the Bride taking off her cape and handing it to the Handmaiden of Death as they dance together. The inlaid designs in the summer winter weave represent a compass with four directions. The veiled headdresses simulate face painting; and the stuffed birds are based on Plains Tribe paintings. "Marriage of the Snow Goose" inspired this poem by the artist’s husband, Glen Wheeler:

“Phases”

The blood of life’s fertility comes flooding in a rage.
Only to subside, waiting for the new moon phase.

Cloaked in virgin beauty, dawns with early light
Only to recede until the proper light.

Then as the birth of innocence wanes, seeking with demand
Life becomes a struggle that shoulders each command.

Aging with distraction, her life becomes sublime
Fading into darkness, she stood the test of time.

Time cannot destroy her or her memory of her life,
Slipping through the blackness she soars to the early light.