With the first part of their handfasting complete, Rayna and Thorne seal their vows with a kiss.

The High Priestess then bound their left hands together, symbolically joining them together in permanent union as man and wife. At that point, The RenGeek stepped forward with the dagger -- a virgin blade -- which Thorne used to perform a Blood Bonding together with his Lady. This was a very personal part of the ceremony, marking their relationship as a union not only of Body and Soul, but Blood as well! (Photo, right).

It wasn't over yet! With their hands still bound, the High Priest hands a full drinking horn of Mead to Thorne as a further pledge of his vows to Rayna (Photo, left).

As The RenGeek looks on, Thorne tilts the drinking horn up to his lips. At that point, he threatened to drain the horn dry -- a full fifth of Mead in one gulp! -- which provoked an approving laugh from the assembled guests and well-wishers at the Ceremony. (Photo, left).

With ladylike finesse, Rayna sips heartily at the drinking horn, further sealing their mutual vows, oaths and pledges taken that night (Photo, right).

More Asatru Handfasting...