The Ceremony

Prelude

A Day Without Rain
Enya

Processional

Wedding March
Wagner

Opening Words

Friends, we have come here today so that we may celebrate the love that these two special people have for one another. It is important to note that we are not marking the start of a relationship but honoring a strong bond that already exists. I have known them as a couple for six years and never have I met two people more perfect for each other. You may have asked yourself after six years why a wedding now? It could be because Natalie had a beautiful new dress and no where to go, Jamie has always wanted to see Stonehenge, or they really want those satin sheets.

Whatever their reasons I know that Jamie and Natalie are intensely committed and in love. And this marriage is but one expression of that love.

Love is essential, and when I speak of love, I mean that feeling we all hope to someday find one person that we care about as much as ourselves. It is a readiness to come out of ourselves, radically to extend ourselves for the sake of another, to find that kind of love is as the poet Evelyn Barkins said “above the bounds of logic and common sense, it is the gift sublime.”

We gather here today in the midst of verdant spring, a time of new beginnings in relationships as well as in nature. Yet while the first flowers of spring are beautiful to behold, and sweet to the senses, we know that it takes several seasons, much tender care and the weathering of many storms for the fruit of those perennial flowers to grow and ripen. In this same way, it takes time for love to mature and reach its rightful completion.

This spring wedding should remind us that, like the seasons, human life moves in cycles. To be in a loving relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every winter, spring will come again.

Today we come together to celebrate Jamie and Natalie in the union of marriage. This is not just a union of two people but the blending of two families. On behalf of Jerry and Carol, I welcome Jim and Linda, their family and friends into ours.

Recitation of Vows

Jamie and Natalie you come before this gathering of family and friends to proclaim your love and devotion for one another. Jamie please take Natalie’s hand and repeat after me.

Natalie I promise to be your lover, companion and friend.
Your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict.
Your greatest fan, and your toughest adversary.
Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher.
Your consolation in disappointment.
Your accomplice in mischief, your comfort and strength.
And most of all your partner in life.

Natalie please repeat after me.

Jaime I promise to be your lover, companion and friend.
Your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict.
Your greatest fan, and your toughest adversary.
Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher.
Your consolation in disappointment.
Your accomplice in mischief, your comfort and strength.
And most of all your partner in life.

Exchange of Rings

The circle is a sign of completeness, An unbroken and never-ending circle, symbolized by the ring you are about to present to each other, is a reminder of the commitment, love, and vows which you have made here today. May we have the rings please?

Jamie please repeat after me.

I Jamie, give you Natalie this ring, as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

Natalie please repeat after me.

I Natalie give you Jamie this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

Recessional

I am honored to present you Jamie and Natalie who today have vowed their love in our presences. We now recognize them as husband and wife. You may now kiss. Congratulations.

Raiders March
John Williams