Sage Clearing (performed by Stacey) Sage’s botanical name comes from the Latin word “salvarum” which means “to be cured or saved.” In medieval Europe, sage was thought to strengthen the memory and promote wisdom and prosperity. We burn Sage today to separate us from our past lives and strengthen the path before us for a future full of wisdom and prosperity. Burning of Nag Champa (performed by Shelly) Nag Champa is a marriage of magnolia and sandalwood oils; both have a sweet aroma that calm the nervous system and uplift the spirit. We burn Nag Champa today to signify the sweetness of our love that will bring tranquility and joy to our spirits, our home, and our community. Opening of Sacred Space (performed by Christa) The Shaman’s Opening of Sacred Space allows us to leave behind the affairs of ordinary life and to prepare to meet with the Divine. We open Sacred Space now to signify our willingness to move beyond the materialistic world into a space of Divine love in which we place our vows.

Procession of the Bride “The Look of Love” by Nina Simone (performed by Emily) First Poem: “It Happens All the Time in Heaven” by Hafiz (read by Stephen) Second Poem: “On Love” an excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet (read by Sara) Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (read by Elvira) Exchange of Vows and Rings (officiated by Dr. Nadine Rosechild-Sullivan) Drinking of Mead (administered by Andrew) Made from fermented honey, Mead is considered in ancient mythology to be the Nectar of the Divine and thought to enhance fertility and virility. The term “honeymoon” is derived from the medieval practice of gifting the bride and groom with enough mead to last a full moon cycle. We drink Mead together to seal our vows in sweetness, growth, and the everlasting divine waggle of the honeybee to his flower. Third Poem: “On Marriage” an excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet (read by Brian) Fourth Poem: “[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in)]” by e.e. cummings (read by Luke) Planting of the Love Tree (assisted by Dominic) Reading: “These are the Hands” (read by Cindy) Closing Blessing (prayer by Scott) “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” by Billie Holiday (performed by Emily) ~ Let’s party! ~

Derek's: Brie, we have travelled together, moved together, built together, adventured together, and settled together. Through our beginning chapters, I have learned how compassionate toward everyone and everything you are and how deeply you love. You have shown me how much you yearn to learn and to expand your mind, and how beautiful your curiosity for the unknown is. There is no one else I want to be taking these next steps with in this journey. I promise you today in front of our large and ever expanding family, that no matter what challenges are given to us or new adventures opened for us, I will be at your side; learning from you, listening to your joys and your sorrows, and holding your hand as we step into whatever is to come. I promise that I will always share in our dreams and support us as we strive to reach our goals. I promise that I will always share in your dreams and support you as you strive to reach your goals. I promise that I will spend each day with you striving to become a better version of myself, and that I will do my utmost to help you do the same. Brie, I love you. From this day forward, I will spend my life insuring our roots grow and entwine together and that our family will grow strong together in love. Brie's: Derek, Our love is as pleasurably imperfect as a Bukowski poem, As wild and free as a Friday night As perilously grand as the Colorado Rockies As boundless and limitless as the Montana sky As lush and tender as the Pennsylvania moss. You are the most tender, compassionate soul who makes me laugh always, sing endlessly, and cry only by accident. You are my soul's love. Whenever I am lost at sea, the glimmer in your eyes brings me home to you. I promise to adventure with you always, To grow with you even when the sun is hidden, I promise to love you for who you are, And look forward to all that I have yet to discover! I will care for you, smile toward you, and stay with you today, tomorrow, and forever.