Wedding Ceremony

I was recently asked to write the ceremony script for my parents - mother and step father- wedding. It was one of the most profound tasks ever asked of me and I was overjoyed. I did forget to put in the kissing part but they took care of that. ;)

We've gathered here today to honor the commitment Susan and Mark first made to one another nearly 21 years ago. That covenant grows deeper today as they are joined together as husband and wife.

Marriage is an honorable estate that exists to embody, nurture and protect the delicate and precious balance between companionship and individuality. Marriage symbolizes the ultimate allegiance between two people. It is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but humbly and soberly, with certainty, with mutual respect, and with a sense of adoration.

To love and to be loved is the most profound blessing any of us can hope to experience. At its best, love calls forth the purest qualities in each of us. It brings us closer to the illumination of Truth and shelters us from the darkness that exists our world. Mark and Susan have been unwavering in their love for one another through both sunny and stormy days. They stand before you now and formally bind themselves together in love for the rest of their days.

Minister to Mark:
Do you, Mark, take Susan as your wife, from this time onward, promising to tenderly care for her, to respect and cherish her as she is, to inspire and to empower, to join with her and share all that is to come, and remain loyal to her with all your being?
Mark: “I do.”

Minister to Susan:
Do you, Susan, take Mark to be your husband, your friend and companion, promising to remain loving and loyal, to advise and to listen, to share all life's joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, being honest and true forevermore?
Susan: “I do.”

Please exchange rings. As a ring has no end, neither shall your love for one another. Wear them proudly and remember this joyous day and the vows you have made.

As you Susan, and you Mark have consented together in wedlock, and have pledged yourselves each to the other in the presence of GOD and of this company, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. Let all others honor your union and the threshold of your home.

May all blessings attend you,
May joy pervade your lives together,
May your home be forever a place of peace and true fulfillment.

They were married on the 4th of July. Congratulations! I love you both.