Māori; to show kindness, generosity, and support — Reflecting upon the significance of Maori culture and language in the life of all New Zealanders, Matthew’s parents shared a traditional Māori blessing (whakatauki) and presented the couple with gifts of pounamu, a precious greenstone from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Polish; “bread and salt” — Matthew and Paul observes the Slavic tradition of bread and salt, through which Paul’s parents honored them and granted best wishes for their marriage.

Matthew and Paul acknowledge that their wedding took place on the traditional territory of the Mohican and Schaghticoke tribal nations.