From Friday evening, a short video of our wedding ceremony, from the starting procession to the offerings of a drink to the faeries, sweetgrass for the cardinal spirits, tea for the parents of the bride and the beautiful song from Mike and Valierie. Set in the idyllic gardens at Rural Roots under the clear blue arc of the solstice sky accompanied by the birdsongs and rustling breeze. Best wedding I ever went to ...

May is attended by Rieko Sudo (also in kimono), and Paul Stewart and Rhoadie by me, with Karen Holgate, Sue Montgomery and Maureen Schmidt as May's bridesmaids and Nolan, Kaelin and Riordain are our attendents, Donna Andrew is our officiant, and with Mother Nature Dee Ashman holding it all together with her own very special magic.

Afterward we retire to sign the paperwork while the guests mingled, the cake was cut, the bride and bridesmaid changed, the bonfires were lit and the trumpet, guitars and accordions filled the air well into the darkness. The evening was, in every sense, perfectly our wedding. The vows were inspired by other ceremonies on youtube, from examples from our officiant Donna Andrew, and some simply inspired by the beauty of the bride ...

HANDFASTING AND VOWS

Welcome. My name is Donna Andrew and I have the privilege of performing this handfast ceremony. On behalf of Gary and May I welcome each of you and thank you for being here. They are delighted that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives.

Today their relationship changes. All of us know it will grow, and become stronger and better. This day is a day of hope, a day in which May and Gary demonstrate their commitment, devotion, and mutual respect, as well as their faith and love in one another. You who are gathered here as witnesses are called to continue your support and encouragement as they unite in marriage.

As we begin today’s celebration, others would ask, "Who gives the bride in marriage?" but Woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken. We ask simply if she comes of her own will.

May, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?

May: Yes.

We all know marriage is more than two people repeating vows. This ceremony today is a most serious covenant made before all of us as witnesses.

Part of the art of marriage is finding room for the things of the spirit.

So to you two I say continue in your search for the good and the beautiful

in this life.

Part of the art of marriage is being flexible. So in your marriage cultivate flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

Part of the art of marriage is to comfort each other and strive to be each other’s best friend. Most important, develop the capacity to forgive and heal your differences day by day.

Always remember that your love can prevail. It can be the miracle that invites you to learn, to blossom, to expand your horizons.

THE EXCHANGE OF VOWS AND THE HANDFASTING

Gary and May, we now come to your vows. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other.

Gary and May, above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time passes, remember. . .like a stone, your love should be firm; like a star, your love should be constant. Let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for all storms will pass. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of others give you unease.

May, will you cause Gary pain? (I may)

Is that your intent? (no)

Gary, will you cause May pain? (I may)

Is that your intent? (no)

Will you both share each other's pain and seek to erase it? (yes)

(Donna ties the first loop)

... and so the first binding is made.

May, will you share in his laughter? (I will)

Gary will you share in her laughter? (I will)

with both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other? (yes)

... and so the second binding is made

May, will you burden him? (I may)

Gary, will you burden her? (I may)

Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union? (yes)

... and so the third binding is made.

May, will you share in his dreams? (I will)

Gary, will you share in her dreams? (I will)

will you dream together to create your realities and hopes? (yes)

... the fourth binding is made

Gary, will you cause May anger? (I may)

Is that your intent? (no)

May, will you cause Gary anger? (I may)

Is that your intent? (no)

will you take the heat of anger and use that to temper your love? (yes)

... and so the fifth binding is made.

will you honour Gary and is this your solemn vow? (yes)

will you honour May and is this your solemn vow? (yes)

will you both seek to never cause to break that honour? (yes)

... and so the sixth binding is made.

Tying the knot did not start out as an abstraction; the lovers' knot that binds two hands together represents an indissoluble union; the tying is still practiced in many cultures as a symbol of love, affection, faith, friendship, and duty."

the six vows are now tied, where there were two are now bound as one.

Just as the way is not in the sky but in our hearts, the knots of this binding are not formed of these cords but by your vows. Either of you may drop the cords for as always you hold in your own hands the making ... or breaking ... of this union.

(Gary and May release hands, leaving the scarves still tied in a hoop-circle)

THE GIVING AND RECEIVING OF GIFTS

The flower is the sign of the joy of life, the passing on from generation to generation, defiantly beautiful, forever going forward.

The earth laughs in flowers.

Gary, I have not the right to bind you to May; only you have this right. If it be your wish, please repeat after me:

May, I give you this flower

as a sign of the vows we have made this day.

I pledge you my truth,

my love, and respect,

my laughter and my tears.

With all that I am I honour you.

May, if it be your wish for Gary to be bound to you, please repeat after me:

Gary, I give you this flower

as a sign of the vows we have made this day.

I pledge you my truth,

my love and respect,

my laughter and my tears.

With all that I am I honour you.

May the love which has brought you together continue to grow and enrich your lives. May your marriage be one of ever-growing depth and meaning. May the happiness you share today be with you always and may every word you have pledged here be a living truth in your lives.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

Gary and May, we have heard your promise to share your lives. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day. Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done, it is my honour and delight to declare you henceforth husband and wife.

BENEDICTION:

As they say in the sutras: ‘This is not idle talk, but the highest of truths’:

may the Lord bless you both and keep you, and lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

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