John Knighthawke

This past evening, in a private ceremony held outside of Minoc, Lord Magnus Grey officiated a wedding ceremony between John Knighthawke and Tanda Adkins.  Lady Tanda currently serves as one of the three High Justicars of the High Court of Britannia for the High Council of Britannia based out of Compassion Grove, and John Knighthawke is the recently legitimized son of Grand Marshal Galen Knighthawke, leader of the Britannian Armed Forces.

In a break from the traditional walk of the bride to meet the groom at the altar, instead both Lady Tanda and Lord John began their walks from outside of the hall, coming in to meet each other at the altar from opposite sides of hall, Lady Tanda escorted by long-time friend, Chief Justicar Ra’Dian Fl’Gith of the High Court.  There, Lord Grey began the ceremony with two very warm and touching poems written by the bride and groom.

Paladin
A Knight is sworn to Truth, Lov, and Courage.
His heart knows only Virtue.
His blade defends the helpless.
His might upholds the weak.
His word speaks only truth.
His wrath undoes the wicked.

Tanda Knighthawke

Pagan
Earthen mother — provider of all
Spirit teaches us to be walkers in the light
Air, fire, and water elements of power
Sacred life, harm to none
Incantation, charm, potion and spell
Skyclad we dance with joy
Celebrating life and love.
Sword and vine entwined
Cynic, Optimist; Knight, Alchemist
Armor of steel and visions divine
Thoughts and deeds taken to scale
Misdeeds avenged, needs stated
Love and beauty to unveil
Struggles and triumphs, through life are strewn
Love and death, equally-fated
As rough wood with plane is hewn
Confidant, Naturalist, Lover, Zealot
Yielding, soft, the feminine soothes
Forceful, firm, the masculine smoothes.

The Ceremony

After the reading of the poems, Lord Grey proceeded to more traditional vows, which were then followed with a ceremonial candle lighting.  “This candle you are about to light,” Lord Grey spoke, “is a candle of Marriage.  Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love.”  Once the candle was lit in unison by Lady Tanda and Lord John, Lord Grey then provided the couple with wedding rings as a “symbol of the unbroken circle of love.”  With a few final comments to conclude the ceremony, Lord Grey pronounced Lady Tanda and Lord John as husband and wife.

A celebratory meal was held in reception after the ceremony, and many attendees paid their respects to the newlywed couple.  Among the attendees were Lady Sarah Paumera, Willa of the Yew-Wood (Mayor of Yew), Martyna Z’muir, Chancellor DaKaren of the High Council of Britannia, Ariakas and Malag aste of the Royal Knights of Redemption, as well as several other guests.  The wedding chapel and reception hall were very beautifully decorated, including a sand garden raked into intertwining circles representing the Knighthawkes’ endless love.  Best wishes to the new couple!

The Reception