Vows, as requested

After the ceremony a few folks asked if we might write up the vows we shared. The process and language of the ceremony was thought over the many weeks on the trail the month before the big day. On our last full day in California we finally were ready to write down the thoughts about our relationship, our marriage, our future- we spent a lot of time figuring out what we wanted to get out of the wedding and how to make it truly mean something as we continued our life in a more committed way- or I guess in order to continue our life in a more committed way, as that is supposed to be the milestone of a wedding.

Here we are happy to have finally written out the ceremony:



For us the time on the trail is inextricable from the bond that happened by getting married. So here's what came of both:

[Peter says:] Nathan and Sage, you're here after many years, and many miles together. You have arrives happy, healthy, and strong, and I can see that strength reflected in your bond.

Nathan and Sage, have you both found one another to be an able and willing partner in life's work, in daily chores, the work of adventure, the labors of creativity, and in forging the dreams of the future?

[we both said yes]

And do you trust that your work together will continue to be fair and fulfilling?

[we both said "I do"]

Have you both found a shared purpose through your individual commitment to the health of the body and the world?

[we both said yes]

And do you trust that your marriage will support your shared goals?

[we both said "I do"]

Have you both found your conversations to be generoud and from the heart?

[yes, yes]

And in your exchange of ideas, and feelings have you grown as humans?

[yes, yes]

[This part got skipped accidentally in the actual ceremony, but it was okay because Sage was getting hypothermia, we said this bit when we signed the legal doc with our witnesses Elishua Ferdon and Megan Perry]
And do you trust that that well won't dry up? (we do)
Have you both found your bond to be inexplicable, unavoidable, and deep , and wide?]

And do you trust that the light you each have within you will be brighter together?

[We both said, enthusiastically that, we do]

[More ceremony followed and Peter concluded with this:]

This is the moment when the words that you've spoken to each other are put into practice, and as witnesses to this wedding, we, as your family, promise to support you as you take your frist steps in your journey together as Husband and Wife

[big kiss and we started everyone off with an accordion accompanied sing-along of "this little light of mine" It was a blast, thanks to everyone who was there and there in spirit.]