Barbie and Shelley's 
Commitment Ceremony
Blessings

 
photoBlessing Priestess Kat presides:
In Ancient times when people gathered together to witness those ceremonies that can be considered beginnings, such as these two loved ones joining their lives together, it was customary for the community to bestow blessings in the form of spiritual gifts.  If you feel so moved, you are welcome to bestow such a gift on Barbie and Shelley now.

My blessing to you is this: May you be the star in each other's night.  May you be the brightness in every morning.  May you be the story of every guest. May you be the good report from every land...
The ceremony witnesses are given an opportunity to make a blessing statement.  Many many blessings are made with indescribable love, respect, and sincerity during this spontaneous and touching section. Follow this link if you are curious about what they said.
photo

 
Upon completion of the blessings from the community, Priestesses Karen and Laura assist Niece Halise prepare a bread and wine blessing.
photoNiece Halise presents the bread to Shelley:
This bread symbolizes the harvest of your happiness together. May it be fruitful and fulfilling.
photoShelley tears off a piece of bread and feeds it to Barbie, saying: May my love be abundant and nourish your soul. 
All witnesses say: May you never hunger.
Barbie feeds a piece to Shelley, and all repeat: May you never hunger.
photoNiece Halise presents the wine to Barbie:
This wine represents the energy flow of your relationship.  May it be strong and deep.
photoBarbie places the chalice to Shelley's lips, saying: May my love sustain you and never run dry.
All witnesses say: May you never thirst.
Shelley gives Barbie some to sip, and all repeat: May you never thirst.
photoSister-in-law Kathy wraps the chalice in towels, explaining the tradition of the chalice-smashing in Judaism: ...and Barbie and Shelley are smashing this chalice to symbolize their commitment to each other for better and worse.

Shelley successfully smashes the chalice to the applause of the witnesses.
photoNiece Amanda, Mistress of Ceremony announces:  Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you life-partners Rochelle Anne Diamond and Barbara Lyn Belmont!
All priestesses say: Blessed Be!
Everyone says: Blessed Be!

The brides kiss and embrace. The witnesses applaud.

 
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