Wedding Charles & Susan 9/19/2004 Stonehurst Park

The Wedding of Charles & Susan:

September 19, 2004 - Our Native American Wedding at a community park. I am of Ojibway (father's side) Native American and German (mother's side) heritage. I told you it was getting serious between me and Susan us as a couple. Susan has turned out to be a great partner, and companion. The two most important ingredients to have a successful relationship. I asked Susan to marry me August 19, 2004 while we were visiting her mom and son in Ohio.

September 19, 2004

Pam and Larry setup the altar. Everyone, family and guests help setup circle of chairs where the guests will sit.

I play a Native American Flute to call in the guests and visitors to the circle. My mother, father, and sister sit at the bench while the people come to the circle.

Robertjohn explains that today this Wedding ceremony will be a mix of modern and ancient traditions because we live in a modern world, and that we are alive and a growing people. Also, we are alive because we continue to practice our ceremonies and in this way, continue the traditions by which we live.
He is holding tobacco and explains how "tobacco has had a 'bad rap' because it has been abused, but it also has the power to heal." Everyone may take some tobacco, say a prayer, and then give it to the couple later in the ceremony.

From down the street, Susan is escorted to the circle by her son Justin, her two bridesmaids helpers, Susan, Ann. My friend Tom brings up the rear guard.

From a distance, I watch as Susan approaches in what must have been one of the longest bridal march ever.

Pam (Charles' Sister), Inge (my Mom), Charles (my Father), Justin (Susan's Son), and a picture of Norma & Frank (Susan's Mom & Dad) sit at the bench awaiting the arrival of the "young" couple.

Before Family, Friends and the Community we Love, Susan and I stand before the Manzanita branch that is firmly planted in the Earth. With the four elements at hand, Earth - Wind - Fire & Water, everything is in place for the Wedding Ceremony to begin.
A musical version of the vows, where contained in the lyrics of the song by Kathy Fisher & Ron Wasserman. The song is "I Will Love You". You can download this song from the band's website.

Robertjohn speaks to the circle. "We have the power to harm, or help this young couple (well they are young to me). In the circle, our prayers are amplified 100 times. Today Susan and Charles marry themselves, and they have invited us here to share in their joy."
In this picture, Susan and I exchange vows, using the Tobacco that was given by everyone attending.

Pam addresses the circle and officiates her part of the ceremony.

Robertjohn sings a prayer to each of the four directions, announcing the arrival of the new couple.

Wrapped in a blanket that joins us together, Robertjohn addresses the Grandfathers in each of the directions.

At home and with great lighting!
Do we look happy? You can bet we are.

	September 19, 2004 Pam and Larry setup the altar. Everyone, family and guests help setup circle of chairs where the guests will sit.
	I play a Native American Flute to call in the guests and visitors to the circle. My mother, father, and sister sit at the bench while the people come to the circle.
	Robertjohn explains that today this Wedding ceremony will be a mix of modern and ancient traditions because we live in a modern world, and that we are alive and a growing people. Also, we are alive because we continue to practice our ceremonies and in this way, continue the traditions by which we live. He is holding tobacco and explains how "tobacco has had a 'bad rap' because it has been abused, but it also has the power to heal." Everyone may take some tobacco, say a prayer, and then give it to the couple later in the ceremony.
	From down the street, Susan is escorted to the circle by her son Justin, her two bridesmaids helpers, Susan, Ann. My friend Tom brings up the rear guard.
	From a distance, I watch as Susan approaches in what must have been one of the longest bridal march ever.
	Pam (Charles' Sister), Inge (my Mom), Charles (my Father), Justin (Susan's Son), and a picture of Norma & Frank (Susan's Mom & Dad) sit at the bench awaiting the arrival of the "young" couple.
	Before Family, Friends and the Community we Love, Susan and I stand before the Manzanita branch that is firmly planted in the Earth. With the four elements at hand, Earth - Wind - Fire & Water, everything is in place for the Wedding Ceremony to begin. A musical version of the vows, where contained in the lyrics of the song by Kathy Fisher & Ron Wasserman. The song is "I Will Love You". You can download this song from the band's website.
	Robertjohn speaks to the circle. "We have the power to harm, or help this young couple (well they are young to me). In the circle, our prayers are amplified 100 times. Today Susan and Charles marry themselves, and they have invited us here to share in their joy." In this picture, Susan and I exchange vows, using the Tobacco that was given by everyone attending.
	Pam addresses the circle and officiates her part of the ceremony.
	Robertjohn sings a prayer to each of the four directions, announcing the arrival of the new couple.
	Wrapped in a blanket that joins us together, Robertjohn addresses the Grandfathers in each of the directions.
	At home and with great lighting! Do we look happy? You can bet we are.