Free Your Inner Maude

A Celebration of Love: April 26, 2022

Posted on by Maude

On April 26, 2022, our three year dating anniversary, Jesse and I were joined by a small group of friends on the mountains above Santa Barbara. We pledged a lifetime of love, compassion, and understanding in tandem at La Cumbre Peak in Los Padres National Forest. When we first arrived it was overcast and quite windy, it seemed like we might be getting wed wearing our heavy jackets. Then, just in time for the ceremony, the sun peaked through and temps were more comfortable.

The guests arrive!
Our dear friend Kris agreed to officiate the ceremony.

We have loved one another when we’ve been 7,000 miles and 22 hours apart, and we have loved one another quarantining together in a cracker box for months on end.
You inspire me.
You delight me.
You appreciate me…

Words by Jesse
Jesse’s mom performed a beautiful handfasting with us.
Our friends Matt and Rema provided the music and Jen M. (not pictured) surprised us by adding beautiful harmonies to the performance of the song Bandit (Neil Young). Matt’s daughter looks on and the love was palpable.
Ellen (center photo) graciously agreed to be our “official” wedding photographer and she is credited with almost all of these photos. Thank you so much dear! Jen (right) keeping Matt’s daughter warm,

You have taught me a depth and level of love that I never knew existed.

I still find it difficult to believe that someone can both love me so deeply
and still allow me to fly so freely. May we hold onto this delicate balance always.

You inspire me daily to be a more patient, gentle, and loving human.
You inspire me to continue striving to be the best version of myself that I can be.

Words by Heather
Thank you for loaning me your beautiful necklace to wear, Michelle. And , of course, for the impromptu interpretive dance!
Michelle also knows exactly when champagne is called for!

Heather and Jesse, do you promise to continue to communicate with clarity, honesty, and love? And to assume best intentions of one another?
We do.

Do you promise to support each other in growth and change, and with each big decision, promise to consider its impact on yourself, your partner and your amalgamation?

We do.


Will you perform regular relationship check ups and work together to adjust course, as needed?
We will.

Official Wedding Vows
Carrot cake and lemon cupcakes gifted to us by friends Josue and Lele.

Following the ceremony we were joined by additional friends in our backyard. The company, food, and weather were all perfect. The entire day was everything we hoped it would be. The only thing that would have made it better would be the presence of friends and family from afar that could not join us. We hope to visit you all soon!

Our $9 each silicone rings because we are us and that’s all we need 🙂

With Love, Heather and Jesse ~April 26, 2022~

5 thoughts on “A Celebration of Love: April 26, 2022”

  2. Congrats Heather and Jesse!
    I wish the best for you both.
    Hope to see you back East soon.

  3. Such a magical day, to die for cupcakes and meeting your wonderful assortment of friends was all so amazing. Thank you for honoring me with the request to join your hands in binding love. It was very special that some of my spiritual practice was included and you honored me! Not al all losing a son, but rather gaining another daughter to my heart.
    May you two live long wonderful lives together and separately as you travel through the landscape of your lives. Marriage takes work and you two have already learned that lesson will, may that continue through you lifetimes
    Love and much joy
    Janie

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