Getting ready for a Handfasting & Thank Yous

       Whew... Only 4 more days until Kellie and I get Handfasted. It is so exciting... but it has also been exhausting. I knew planning a wedding would be hard, but I didn't realize planning a very simple Handfasting with a small group of family and friends would also be a lot of work.
       I love planning parties, but usually the little details aren't a big deal. But with the Handfasting I have been trying to get everything to work out nicely, and I am hoping everything runs smoothly... I think the hardest part of planning the handfasting has been the research. I know what all the symbols and traditions mean, but I am having trouble explaining it to our friends and family members in a way that doesn't sound confusing... and I also want to explain it quickly without having to delve too much into lessons about Paganism. I feel uncomfortable preaching about my religion because I don't want people to feel pressured into anything... It's easier to write about it in this blog because I know if anyone is uncomfortable with the topic they do not have to read it.
       But besides that, I have been having a lot of fun getting things together. I am so grateful to our friends and family members. They have all pulled together to help me and Kellie with the food and the decorations for the party. Without our friends and family helping out I don't think this Handfasting/engagement party would even exist.
       I would like to thank everyone who has helped me behind the scenes.
       Earlier I was starting to get really stressed out, but one by one our family and friends helped me with things here and there and now I feel so much calmer and I can even relax and enjoy the upcoming days. I am also calmer because the guest list is finally settled. There were a few problems here and there, but luckily they have all been resolved, and now I am so happy and excited to see everyone.

       I want to thank everyone for coming to our Handfasting (especially those who have to travel long distances or leave work) even though we haven't even had it yet... I'd like to thank you all in advance! It's so great that our friends and family have come together to help me and Kellie celebrate this step in our lives. And I'd also like to thank everyone who is bringing food/drink/etc. And I'd like to remind you all to bring your cameras and take lots of pictures! I hope to have a lot of great pictures that Kellie and I can look back on for years to come.

Special Thanks To:
Julie: You have helped me more then you will know. Finding a Broom for me, and lending me lights, as well as buying Champagne, and being supportive through the whole process. You telling me how excited you were for the Handfasting helped me pull through some stress and get more excited myself! Thank you.

Mom (Claire): Thank you so much for making a Vegetarian Dish, as well as buying Apple Cider, and Getting all the Plates/Silverware/Napkins and all the other things you got for us. Also, talking about the future wedding with you has helped me relax a lot. I was stressing out about how Kellie and I were going to pay for our wedding, but you just mentioning that you'd help with the dress and jewelry lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It's also such a blessing knowing that you support my and Kellie's relationship. I'd also like to thank you for all the recipes you share with me. And a really big thank you for showing excitement and interest in Kellie's and my wedding even though you are super busy with Melissa's wedding right now.

Kathy (Kellie's mom): Thank you so much for letting us have the Handfasting at the house, and thank you so much for making the roasted chickens and buying so much of the food. You took a huge weight off of Kellie's and my shoulders when you offered to help pay for the catering at our wedding. Kellie has been super stressed out about how we would pay for our wedding, but now she has been more relaxed and excited. I really appreciate everything. I am blessed to have such a supportive mother in law.

Daniel: I'd like to Thank you for being my Maid Of Honor... or should I say Man Of Honor. It really means a lot to me to have such a close friend in you. I would also like to thank you in advance for helping me with little wedding things, and helping out in the Handfasting ceremony.

Kellie (my fiance): Thank you for being so wonderful and loving and caring. I am so blessed to have found you, and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. Thank you for showing your excitement for our Handfasting and our marriage. It makes me so happy to know that you are as excited and happy as I am. Also, thank you for being supportive when I was stressing out. I love you more then anything.