"The Tartan is a symbol of the family in Scottish tradition. In it’s bright colors and in the intricacies of it’s weave, it represents and reflects the inner workings of the family, the thing that holds it together, the brilliance and exciting things about the family. This is the tartan of the MacDougall family, the MacDougall Clan, of which Jeff Howell is a member, and of which I, a McDowell, am a member, and of which Samantha is now becoming a member. The handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the binding together of two people in love. Bless these hands that will hold one another in passion and love. Let these hands that will bake bread for one another, and build shelter for one another. Bless these hands that will hold their children, and that will comfort them in grief, and hold them in affection."