‘The moment we choose to love, we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others. That action is the testimony of love as the practice of freedom.

We do this by choosing to work with individuals we admire and respect; by committing to give our all to relationships; by embracing a global vision wherein we see our lives and vour fate as intimately connected to those of everyone else on the planet.

In our society, we make much of love and say little of fear. Yet we are all terribly afraid most of the time. Fear is the primary force upholding structures of domination – it promotes the desire for separation, the desire not to be known. When we are taught that safety lies in sameness, then difference of any kind will appear as a threat.

When we choose to love, we choose to move against fear, against alienation and separation. The choice to love is a choice to connect, to find ourselves in the other.

To live our lives based on the principles of a love ethic – showing care, respect knowledge, integrity, and the will to cooperate – we have to be courageous. Learning how to face our fears is one way we embrace love. Our fear may not go away, but it will not stand in the way. Those of us who have already chosen to embrace a love ethic – allowing it to govern and inform how we think and act – know that when we let our light shine, we draw to us and are drawn to other bearers of light. We are not alone.

—

Reading:

‘The Irrational Season’ By Madeleine L’Engle:

Read By Nance Chaubell

“But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.

To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take.If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.”

—

Song:

“Blessings” by the Hollow Coves

Performed by Kale Chesney & Diane Chesney

Find Kale and their many artistic endeavors at :

https://www.instagram.com/buntonhollow/?hl=en

Lyrics:

Sunlight fell and reminded me that life can be so gracious sometimes

And I felt like everything around me was connected somehow

At night I hear the rhythm of the ocean as it breaks on the shore

And I think about all the things that I am grateful for

And they say, hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you

And they say, hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through

Sometimes I get a little bit emotional when I see love unfold

Two hearts bound by reflections of the memories they'll forever hold

And they say, hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you

And they say, hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through

There are blessings all around you

Open up your eyes

Feel the sunlight fall upon you

Let it free your mind

There are blessings all around you

Take a step outside

Let your heart shine in a new light

See it come alive

And they say, hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you

And they say, hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through

—Vows Danny & Drew—

Ring Exchange

“Let this ring be an enduring symbol of your unbreakable bond.

By wearing it, you will know that you are never alone and that you will face all your highs and lows together as equal partners"

—

Blessing of the Hands -Anonymous. Adapted by Drew

Read by Raven

These are the hands of your closest friend, the one you love and adore. They are strong and full of love. As you join hands today, you join your hearts and lives as you make the promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and all of your days. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. May these hands always reach out with love, tenderness and respect. May these hands continue to build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime. And these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. Our collective wish for you is that you continue to build this extraordinary life together. May your union be all you two would choose it to be!

Recessional Song: Cat Stevens: Don’t be shy (alternate version no Piano)

—

Happy Hour S.F. Sutro String Quartet

(songs list by Drew. In no particular order nor necessarily all played depending on time)

Taylor Swift -Lover

Whitney Houston -I will always love you

Whitney Houston -higher love

Katrina and the waves -Walking on Sunshine

Grateful Dead -Ripple

Willy Wonka -Pure imagination

Laendler - Rogers and Hammerstein Sound Of Music

Edith piaf -La Vie en rose

The Verve- Bittersweet symphony

Chappell Roan -Pink Pony Club

Whitney Houston -I wanna dance with somebody

Robyn -Dancing on my own

Edward Sharpe - Home

Dirty Dancing -Time of my Life

Neil diamond -Sweet Caroline

Taylor swift-paper rings

Alphaville -Forever young

King Harvest--Dancing in the moonlight

Carlie Rae Jepson -Call me maybe

George Michael - Faith

Take my breath away - Berlin

Danny&Drew The Peach Jamboree