A question about a big kilted get together.

[Dreadbelly]

My wife and I have talked now and then about re-affirming our vows to each other, and having some kind of celebration of some sorts when we do it. After thinking about it for a long while, I have decided to make this some sort of reality. No idea as to when, but maybe this year, maybe in the fall, when the leaves are ablaze with beautiful colours. To make it even more fitting, I have given serious thought to having it done on Halloween.

I've wanted to go back to our roots and have a handfasting ceremony, where all of the guests bring a length of pretty cord or ribbon, and after an exchange of vows before a minister, all of the guests tie said ribbons in a bow around the couple's hands.

For this, we need a minister. Well, maybe not, but we need somebody to help us re-affirm our vows. Maybe a piper, if I can somehow come up with enough coin to do so. Cost is a problem here, I am working with practically nothing. But I know things will work themselves out somehow.

And we need, well, guests. And here here is where I raise one eyebrow and look at some of you. I don't expect people to fly in on airplanes or anything, but if some of you X Markers ever wanted to meet up some place at some kind of formal gathering, here is your chance. I don't even know where I will be having this little shindig... I am open to ideas. Someplace outside maybe, some place free. Some place beautiful hopefully. I'd like it even more if perhaps somebody else decided to re-affirm their vows and did a little handfasting... Mark this as a day of love for multiple people for memories and what not. I'd like for people to have a good time. To gather. To celebrate life. Love. Happiness. Family. I'd like for kids to be there. Husbands and wives.

And of course, I'd like as many of the guests as possible to be kilted.

As for a meal, I was thinking of a pot luck supper, or maybe we could all crash the Blue Ridge Brewery... Call ahead and reserve the place for ourselves. I don't know.

The only thing guests would be required to bring is a ribbon or cord of course, something pretty, something different. Maybe a tartan ribbon. To tie around the hands of those exchanging vows. If we get more than one couple exchanging, we'd need more ribbons of course.

Thanks for sharing in this little dream of mine.

[SnakeEyes]

Sounds like a great idea. I'm pretty much all the way across the continent from you, but I'd be willing to make the trip if finances are in order (or if its sometime before I start college). I think if we could get a significan't number of X-Markers going it would be well worth it, just to meet some of these wonderful folk.

[katmills2005]

Dread, I would love to help you and Your lovely wife with this. Send me a ping later. I've done a lot of weddings and commitment ceremonys. There are several parks downtown that would make an excellent location for a handfasting.

[McMurdo]

I would love to make it down for something like this. My significant other lived in N.C. for a few years, methinks it would'nt take much to convince her to go on a road trip.

[Erisianmonkey]

I'm afraid there's no way I could make it, but I love the idea.

[cessna152towser]

Sounds like a great idea, Dreadbelly, but much as I'd really like to, I wouldn't be able to join you; firstly my wife is disabled and wouldn't be able to travel the distance and secondly when I previously tried to visit the USA twenty years ago I found I was banned because I had travelled to East Berlin as a student in 1972 and the student organisation which arranged the trip was affiliated to the communist party. I know the cold war's ended since the past twenty years but I don't think American transport & security has got any easier to obtain a visitor visa.

[Warlock]

Brother Dreadbelly! That would be too cool! My wife and I were Married on All Hallows Eve or Samhain if you prefer. That would be something to be a part of. Get your dates together and we'll see about coming up. How about July. We will be at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. BTW I've been a minister for years, so if there is anything that I can do, let me know.

[thescot]

Heck, Dread, I try to avoid sacerdotal duties for the most part--I tend to want people to stick with their own ministers--but if the timing works out, I would be willing to do the honors myself if a Methodist works for you.

And living where you live, we'd be close to some really nice places for sure. "Loch" Harwell, the North Carolina foothills, etc., the possiblities are endless.

Give it some more thought, and maybe we can shoot for summer or something. Even if you get another offer for presiding over the whole thing, I'd still like to make it if I can.

Great idea.

[Dreadbelly]

July... Is bad. 120 degree days. I'd only last so long out of doors.

Fall is better. In October, the days were only 70 to 90. Well, some variation there, but it finally did cool down.

Falls Park might be kinda cool.

And Beuth, I'd be honoured.

[GMan]

That sounds great. A somewhat simple ceremony (as it should be) and festivities. Perhaps if the time schedule permits.