Usher's Ferry Historic Village: 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411

3:00 pm - venue doors open 3:30 pm - concert/opening music 4:00 pm - ceremony 4:30 pm - social hour 5:30 pm - dinner 6:45 pm - live music begins

Hayley, It’s amazing how life can change. Five years ago I was in the wrong career, grappling with the end of a wrong relationship, struggling with depression and purpose. When I tried to envision my future, I struggled to see forward. It felt like a void - nothing to look forward to. I wish that version of me could see the present version - to know that there is a future where I am able to thrive in ways I wasn’t sure was realistic, with a partner that is supportive, wise, and beautiful. To be here, getting married to someone I care for and love deeply, is fulfilling in a way that would have been difficult for me to imagine just a few years ago. At our cores we have a shared passion for music. Before I met you, the analytical part of my brain sometimes wondered why music resonates with so many of us as humans, and why I always seemed to come back to music despite having other more traditional paths available to me, like practicing law. After all, music doesn’t feed us or give us shelter - it’s not absolutely necessary to live. But music touches our souls and speaks directly to our emotions - the feelings that truly elevate our experiences. For people with high support needs, for example, music cuts through in a way logic and reasoning often can’t. For those with dementia, music continues enrich their lives when they can’t even remember their loved ones names. As a music therapist, you use your numerous talents as a musician to help vulnerable people in ways few can. It’s awe inspiring and it’s motivating to remember why we share this gift with the next generation. Every day I’m reminded that you are thoughtful, insightful, and committed. I look at you and I see the person I get to share my life with, and I’m honored you’ve chosen to share your life with me. I love you, and I look forward to the evolution of our partnership. I look forward to all our future travels to distant lands. I look forward to facing unknown challenges, big and small, as a team. And I look forward to growing as individuals, together. Recently, a student of mine requested to learn a song - part of the lyrics are: “This is a place where I don't feel alone. This is a place where I feel at home.” I think even a cardboard box could feel like home if I had one specific person with ice tea colored hair there with me.