We were SO excited when we got Kathi’s inquiry about photographing her wedding.

“We're doing the entire ceremony with the candle, rings, blood oath, handfasting, broom jumping and bell ringing to keep the good energy around. Tribal Scottish music. Our dog will be ring bearer, and we all will be wearing medieval of sorts - meaning not totally authentic, but leaning toward renaissance pirate/wench because I want them to pick their clothes and bring their creativity to it. Beautiful flat area with chairs in a spiral. I will not allow it to rain.

Reception is in the barn next to it. Doing a renaissance buffet - meats, root veggies, mead toasting. Bonfire, fireworks...

So it's going to be a blast! Spiritual, lighthearted and straight from the heart.”

It was a truly amazing and moving ceremony to behold, and we couldn’t be more honored to have been there for Kathi and Charlie.

How did you and your partner meet?

We met over 30 years ago through friends - went to the same parties together, hung out together for years. After we were both divorced, we started dating.

When did you first know he / she was "the one?"

A couple of months after we started dating in 2007, we took a motorcycle trip out to Sturgis SD bike rally. We also toured through a few other states, but spent 15 days on a bike together. That pretty much did it.

How did he / she propose?

Both of us were adamant we wouldn't get married again. But, sitting on the sofa one Sunday, watching TV-and it wasn't the first time the conversation occurred, but was the first time it went past the laughing part
Charlie: 'Wanna get married?'
Kathi: laughing, 'Yeah, right'
C: 'No really'
K: laughing 'Stop it. You keep saying that. One time I might take you seriously.'
C: 'No seriously'
K: After looking at him suspiciously 'You really mean it? What changed your mind?'
C: 'seems like a good idea'
K: 'OK sure'

What are you most looking forward to?

Retiring to the tropics together

Are you including any traditions / religious rights in your wedding?

Part of Kathi's heritage is Scottish, so there will be representation of the clan Jamieson tartan. Our wedding is medieval themed, with a ceremony that is thousands of years old and rich in spirituality. We are marrying right at the beginning of Samhain, so the rites and traditions of paying homage to ancestors, and celebrating the dead will be throughout. The welcoming of guests includes the Samhain prayer that would be given at a wedding for this time of year. Our wedding program has a section that outlines the ancient wedding traditions and how they became modern day ceremonial activities. We buried a bottle of spirits at the location 1 month prior to ensure good weather, per pagan and ancient medieval custom.

Describe your ceremony in three words:

Druid blood handfasting

What is your ceremony music?

Scottish war drums and bagpipes during movement of people into and out of the ceremony area. War drums and pipes for the bridal party. "There Is Love" by Petula Clark during the sage cleansing of the space by the officiant.

How did you go about planning your ceremony?

Kathi had planned an outdoor wedding with this theme and type of ceremony since she was pre-adolescent. Now that she's an old hippy she has a man with impeccable taste who agreed to it. Been inside the head as the dream wedding for a lifetime.

Who is your officiant? How did you choose him/her?

Kristine Deni, a dear friend. She has also officiated at other family weddings.

What are your ceremony readings?

An ancient Druid ceremony that dates back about 3000 years. Very little has changed from the original translation.

Why did you choose the ceremony and reception locations?

Glenmoore farms is beautiful, large, has great energy, and the owners are amazing. We had tried 2 farm settings prior but this one had all the right stuff. Charlies daughter also got married there. They will allow our dog to be the ring bearer.

How would you describe your reception theme?

Medieval style seating, amazing food, wonderful people, music from the Summer of Love so everybody walks around singing, bonfire, s'mores to end the night but most importantly lots of food and honor for the great souls that fill our lives each day. Because the wedding has a medieval theme in it, several people other than the bridal party have asked if they can also dress up. Potentially it's scary, but should bring some beautiful lighthearted fun to see friends kick back and really get so immersed in our celebration

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding?

Bringing the vision of a dream wedding to life and gifting it to a bunch of great friends and family.

Were there specific blogs / websites / apps / resource materials you found useful during your planning process?

Wedding Wire did have some useful blog items and tips. Thumbtack was really helpful in locating the DJ for a good price along with ratings available. Linen Tablecloths has the best seating planner around and it’s free. The internet was invaluable for finding the ceremony and pretty much everything we are using.

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

Carving a wedding pumpkin for Charlie, and making the flowers for my ladies, and the Boutonnieres for the guys. The guys have something on their boutonniere that reflects things they are into. One is a sommelier - he has grapes, another likes craft beer - his is hops, etc hunting for the perfect rings, clothes, caterer, cakes, music....

What was the worst part of the planning process?

Chasing after people who will be providing services to the day, seems like none of them want to return an e-mail or call. Also, cutting and sanding the tree slabs that go under each plate.

Are there any DIY details you’d like to tell us about?

The entire wedding is a DIY and took a year to create

What food are you most looking forward to on the wedding reception menu?

OOOHHH so much! Spiced wine, lavender lemonade, squash soup, cheeses, chicken rubbed in star anise, beef and bean stew, honey corn pudding, parsnips... and signature cocktails, one invented by Charlie’s son!

Tell us about the cake!!

3 flavors of bouche noel: Chestnut, Pistachio, Chocolate Raspberry. From C'est La Vie Bakery in New Hope PA, where we, and our dog have eaten breakfast each Sunday for a couple of years. Joel, the owner makes little dog biscuits. The cakes melt in your mouth! Amazing.