Handfasting of Jennifer & Tom
I am pleased to announce that on June 24th during the afternoon twilight, Tom and I became handfasted under an ancient oak tree in a local forest grove. I created an appropriate rite of handfasting using various sources such as Handfasting & Wedding Rituals by Raven Kaldera and the website of Gaol Naofa. A good friend became Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for the occasion and she also baked our wonderful cake and took the majority of our pictures. Her husband stood as witness and took the rest of the pictures for us. Our ceremony was immediately followed by a small BBQ in our backyard.
Back when I had begun planning our handfasting, a theme presented itself to me quite by accident. I picked up that theme and ran with it as it seemed very appropriate considering the date we chose for our handfasting (which was our 5 year anniversary). That theme was a Midsummer-Night’s Dream.
Through this house give glimmering light,
By the dead and drowsy fire;
Every elf and every faery sprite
Hop as light as bird from brier;
And this ditty, after me
Sing and dance it trippingly.First, rehearse your song by rote,
To each word a warbling note,
Hand in hand, with faery grace,
Will we sing and bless this place.Now until the break of day
Through this house each faery stray,
To the best bride-bed will we,
Which by us shall blessed be.
