As some of you night know I got married on June 20th to a wonderful woman Heather. The ceremony was great. It was performed by my cousin Casey Church. He is a pastor and currently lives in New Mexico. The ceremony we had was a blend of Native American and traditional culture. Also the whole ceremony started a hour behind schedule, but that was ok, because everything after that was great. During the set up I had my friends and family help set up the hall. A big thanks to Aaron and my best man Ross. I was out there making sure that the tables and the seating was correct and that the decorations were going well. Casey's wife, Lora, and their children were a great help. It was then that I was thankful for having worked at Jafax as the Chief Volunteer Coordinator.

Having had to keep track of volunteers and many of the inner workings during Jafax has made it possible for me to channel stress and chaos to keep myself calm and focused. I do want to thank Katie for taking me as her helper monkey while she was volunteer coordinator. I learn all that I know from you Katie.

The ceremony started with the Groomsmen walking out to the floor followed by me. Then the Maid of Honor, my sister Marie, and the Bridesmaid, my niece Delaney. Then Heather walked out with her father to Pachelbel's Canon in D major. This is were we bring in the Native American side. The stage is set up with a table in front of Casey with a blanket on it and set on the table is, among other things, is a calm shell, an eagle feather, and a pipe.

Casey blessed everything on the table with burning sage and blessed Heather and I and our rings. Casey also smoked tobacco and pointed the pipe to the four directions the sky and the earth and then himself symbolizing that God is everywhere and in himself.

Also during this blessing, pictures and filming is not allowed in keeping with tradition.

Then Heather and I gave one another gifts that were symbols of our roles we created for ourselves in our relationship or interests. I gave Heather a plush toy bear because I know that she is wanting to be a mother and that I know that I have been called a big teddy bear. I forget what I said exactly, but I know that she really likes toy animals. She gave me a flash drive and artist pens, because of my love of computers and drawing.

After the gifts, we did our vows that Casey wrote and is was also at this time that he asked that the married couples in the room took the hands of there spouses and used it as a time to renew their vows. After the vows Heather and I were placed under a blanket and "Everything going on under there is their business."

Then there was the open mic part of the ceremony where family and friends come up to a mic and say a few words to the new couple. This was a real emotional part of the ceremony. Another aspect to the Native American ceremony is that laughter and giggles are encouraged as it is part of keeping balance. There were some very heart felt things said during this time. Mentions of family members that had past on and how they would be happy to see out marriage and giving of advice and words of hope and happiness.

After the open mic we were introduced to the room as Mr. and Mrs. Michael Church and Heather and I walked off to the Theme to Star Trek Voyager. This is not only because we are both fans of Star Trek, but also because Heather and I agree that the song is fitting to beginning a new adventure together.

It was awesome to see my family and my friends all together in one room. And I'm glad that everyone had a great time. I also got a few pictures taken with everyone while Heather and I are sitting in chairs in front of everyone. Good times were had and there are photos on my Facebook and Flickr page will soon have some too.