A lot of people are asking this question, which is funny, because my parents didn't even ask me this. I'll give you a rundown of it though:

Shadia and Keith met online when she was 16 (he was 16 too.). Keith stalked her for about two years, professing his undying love to her. She disagreed with this and told him that it would never work. However, he persisted and eventually his neverending chatter got to her, and she finally called him up on the phone to try and shut him up.

Fast forward a couple years, and Keith still won't be quiet. Shadia, however, has found some ingenius ways to force silence upon him. She has a very good imagination and should be given cookies for this.

Getting married was a mutual decision, because obviously Shadia is batshit crazy and wants to spend forever with Keith. It's probably because he's really pretty, adorably clumsy, and is good at, ahem, other things.

1) The ceremony is held outdoors.

2) A circle is formed on the ground with salt. It is large enough to handle then entire wedding party, and guests, with plenty of empty space. Candles will mark the four cardinal directions (N, E, S, W).

3) An altar is located near the center of the circle. On it is a contract drawn up by Shadia and Keith which they will sign. It also has a dagger (male symbolism); chalice/cup (female symbolism); the first handfasting ribbon (to be tied later by Amy) and possibly a sewing needle. A broomstick is laid beside the altar. Flowers may be spread inside the circle.

4) Music is played, the wedding party walks down the aisle followed by Shadia.

5) A bell is rung three times to indicate the start of the ritual.

6) Amy explains to the guests the significance of the ritual to be performed. Or says something equally cool.

7) Repeating after Amy, the couple each declares their intent to join with the other so that they are one in the eyes of one another, and of the world, zombies, FSM, etc etc. Amy asks the traditional question whether anyone present is aware of any reason why the couple should not be handfasted. Hopefully, nobody objects. If anyone does, they will be shot. Keith being gay is not a valid reason.

8) The couple recites a statement, saying that they have come of their own free will "in perfect love and perfect trust" to seek the partnership of their future spouse. They exchange rings. Each recites a prepared statement, such as: "I, [name], commit myself to be with [name] in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with him/her faithfully all our days." Or something Amy writes for them recite.

9) Amy then takes the sewing needle and pricks each of Shadia and Keith's fingers and says, "As the blood of your bodies joins and becomes one, so do your lives and spirits merge." A few drops of blood are added into the cup/chalice (which will contain wine beforehand). Shadia and Keith each drink separately. Then each holds the cup so that the other may drink. This symbolizes the need for a balance between apartness and togetherness in their future life together.

10) The couple will face each other, joining both their left and right hands together. Their arms and bodies form a figure 8 when viewed from above. a double circle is both the mathematical infinity symbol and an ancient religious symbol for the union of a man and woman.

11) Amy will loosely tie the first ribbon around Shadia and Keith's hands, and say "As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. With the fashioning of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last."  She then invites the guests at the ceremony that brought ribbons to form a line, single file, and each tie their ribbon around Shadia and keith's hands. As each guest ties their ribbon, they are invited to chat with Shadia and Keith and wish them well.

12) After the guests are seated again, Amy then says: "Woven into these ribbons are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for your new life together. In the joining of hands and the fashioning of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another. By these ribbons you are thus bound to your vow. May these knots remain tied for as long as love shall last."

13) Amy asks the assembled guests whether they will support the couple in their new relationship together. They answer "I do." Amy then pronounces the couple to be handfasted as husband and wife and Keith can kiss the bride.

14) Shadia, and Keith, somehow wriggle out of the ribbons or untie them. Shadia, Keith, Amy and other members of the wedding party sign the contract.

15) At the end of the ceremony, the handfasted couple join hands and jump over a broomstick. This symbolizes the effort required to make a committed relationship work.

16) The bell is rung three times, and the ceremony is over.

This is our first post. It is made of words. Words are funny things. Not as funny as Keith when he's drunk though. More posts will come later. Moo.