Alysons Orchard, Walpole, NH
October 11th 2008




Julie and Bob would like to take a moment to thank you all for being here with them today. They know that making the journey took considerable effort for a good many of you and for this they are deeply grateful.
All of you are the most important people in their lives. All of the time and conversations that you have had with Julie and Bob before they even met helped to make them who they needed to be to find first themselves and then each other.
You have shared in their best and their worst days, and you are an irreplaceable part of their yesterdays, their today and all of their tomorrows. So as you can see although many of you don't live right around the corner you are never far from their hearts.
And so today we gather in this place of apples, to draw upon their gift of fertility, in mind, body and spirit and it is here that we ask for the spirits of those who have passed into the next world, to join us as witnesses, welcome..' slight pause...

4 readings:  ELEMENTAL BLESSINGS
Elemental Blessing

Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for JULIE and BOB the blessings of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer; the attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves.

(NANCY) We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom.

(GREG) Spirits of Fire, we ask that JULIE and BOB's passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life.

(TODD) We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds Julie & Bob. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure.

(MARLIN) Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."

(DEBI) Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love."

Julie and Bob are delighted that you have chosen to witness this, the most mystical of unions between a man and a woman.

It is a time for tying a knot in the rope of their lives and saying: We will not slip backwards from there, but go forward together. It is a time for one thing of which they are certain - their love for one another and their desire for that love to last forever. To signify the bounty that has come to them through their love, they will be sharing bread and wine which I bless with the power of family and unity....as i pass the bread..then the wine...you eat and drink while I say...

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. As time passes, remember... Like a star should your love be constant, Like the earth should your love be firm. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, Let the powers of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience each with the other, For storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in giving of affection and of warmth; Have no fear, and let not the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease, For the powers that be are with you, Now and always…

you hand back the goblet...

Now we have rings....I suggest an apple shaped pillow...or an apple....

Rings are a perfect circle, they have no beginning and no end, as such they symbolise that love has no definite moment of beginning and once found has no end.

Julie, place the ring on Bob's finger and repeat after me...

Bride (facing Groom and putting the ring on his finger)	I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding and enfolding you day and night.
Groom (facing Bride and placing the ring on her finger)	I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding and enfolding you day and night.
Officiant (To the assembled well-wishers)	Each of these rings represents the full circle of a life, as one is given into the care of the other. All of you standing in a circle, holding hands, represent the community that will surround and support this marriage with love and friendship. No partnership exists in a vacuum. It is beholden upon each of you to honor and respect this union.

Julie and Bob, in the presence of your spirits, protectors and guides, family and friends, you have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives.  It is my legal right as the coolest rev. in the universe and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. 
May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.
Blessed Be!
Kiss!