Elisabeth Kushner & Lise Kreps
Ceremony of Union

Point Hudson Resort Pavillion
Port Townsend, Washington
12:30 p.m.,
Sunday August 30th, 1998


1. PROCESSIONAL
The Honiesuckle Alman, by Anthony Holborne.
Performed by Erica Dorfman, Alfred Eberle, John Maloney, Roxanne Maloney, and Jo Slivinksi, recorders.
Chuppah (wedding canopy) Bearers:
Anne Cunningham, James Kushner, Raymond Milne, and Nathan Wilkes
Flower Girls:
Britta Houser and Lily Robbins
Best Persons:
for Els: Nancy Emery and Michele Schasberger
for Lise: Alfred Eberle and Faith Kaufmann

Note: So that we can all be present in the moment, please refrain from taking pictures after the processional until we break the glass at the end of the ceremony.

2. INTRODUCTION AND KAVANNAH
Shechecheyanu (blessing)
Welcome
Hava Nashira (round), started by Faith and Alfred, sung by all

3. BETROTHAL
Centuries ago, Jewish betrothal and wedding ceremonies took place separately. Eventually, due to the difficulties of gathering everyone together twice (!!) the two were merged into one occasion. The betrothal is represented here by the cup of wine shared by the brides, and by a song and poem.
Kiddush (blessing over wine), performed by Alfred and Michele
Lida Rose, from The Music Man, by Meredith Willson;
performed by Joe Anderson, Erin Durrett, John Maloney, Russell Owen, and Glenn Touger
A Birthday, by Christina Rossetti; read by Nancy Emery

4. VOWS AND EXCHANGE OF RINGS
Introduction
Pavane for the Nursery, text by William Jay Smith, music by Lise Kreps;
performed by Ellen Kushner, while the rings are passed around the room for your silent blessings, and Els and Lise circle each other seven times.
Four millenia ago, goldsmiths used circles to represent the sun, the eternal, and the divine. In the Jewish tradition, circling each other is a protective ritual, and the exchange of rings or other objects of value -- rather than the presence of a rabbi -- is what makes the marriage binding.
Exchange of Vows and Rings
"For all that has been--thanks! To all that will be-- yes!" -- Dag Hammarskjöld
Seven Blessings
read by Rodney Kreps & Khadija Goforth, Bonnie Kreps, Judith Arneson, Delia Sherman, Anne Køedt, Ron & Pat Kushner, and Dorothy Kushner
Declaration from Everyone
We will ask you if you witness and bless our union. If so, please reply "We do!"
Breaking the Glass
In the midst of our greatest happiness we remember a moment of sorrow: the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (traditionally symbolized by the breaking of a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony), or any personal loss of love or hope.
As we remember sorrow in joy, so when we are sad in the future may we take joy and comfort in remembering this glad day.

5. RECESSIONAL
Arranged for recorders by John Maloney;
performed by Erica, John, Roxanne, and Jo.

After the ceremony, our Ketubah-like wedding document will be on display near our table. We invite everyone present to sign the matting at some time during the celebrations. Our guest book will be available by the door all afternoon -- please write something in it when you get a chance.

After The Ceremony, The Fun Continues...

6. HORS D'OEVRES AND GROUP PICTURE
Please help move your chair to a table, then head out to the porch for appetizers.
Els and Lise will disappear for about 15 minutes of yichud (private time alone together), and then join you.
Shortly thereafter, we'll all go over to the beach on the other side of the Pavillion for a big group photograph of everyone.

7. LUNCH

8. MUSIC, DANCING, CAKE AND CHAMPAGNE
Music by the Black Cat Quintet (Lori Goldston, Scott Granlund, Kyle Hanson, Matthew Sperry, and Joseph Zajonc). Time to get up and dance!
In the break between the two sets, we will have Wedding Cake and Champagne.

9. 17th-CENTURY ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING
Music by As Many As Will -- if you brought an instrument come play in the band! Dances called (taught) by Russell.

10. MONDAY MORNING: please join us for a BAGEL BRUNCH
On the porch of the Point Hudson Motel (not the Pavillion).

Many, many thanks to:
Our parents: Bonnie, Rodney & Khadija, Dorothy, Ron & Pat, for all their love and support * All the musicians, for learning and rehearsing new pieces especially for us * Alfred, for making our chuppah and the graphics on our web site * Regan Haines, for making the brides' dresses * Britta, for making the flower girls' dresses * Laura Hibbs and Faith, for making our ketubah-esque document * Nancy, for finding such a nice poem * Russell, for calling the English dances * Ellie Weiss, for all her coordinations * Our wedding party, blessers, and ushers (Nova Myhill , Ellie, and Judith), for standing by us * All of our friends and relations who've given us so much advice and help with our wedding -- we couldn't do it without you.