outdoor-atheist-spiritual
Connecticut Wedding C and B’s Wedding (80 degree day with guests standing, no-one fainted. Her atheist father thanked us for the language used.)
Prelude music John
Processional
Welcoming words Amy
Friends, Family, dearly beloved, We have gathered together today to witness and celebrate the love that exists in these two hearts. This is a love that has grown and deepened over six years and blossomed into a mature and joyful union. This day, before their community, they pledge themselves to a life together of mutual love, honor and companionship. What a wonderful day! What could be more symbolic of the love that C and B share than the beauty of this day, these trees, this land? Here we are surrounded by playful breezes, joyful bird song, and welcoming water.
The sun shines upon and warms us, like the love C and B share which warms and nurtures and magnifies so that it shines so brightly it fills our lives with joy as well. And what could be more symbolic of the next step they are taking as a married couple than this, the site of their new home?
Marriage, like building a home, is an awesome undertaking. It takes patience, flexibility, hard work, humor and the support of community. C and B have asked you, their loved ones and community, here to witness this event, because you have played a part in who they are and are part of the reason that they are standing here today. They wish for you to be a part of their celebration and also to make a commitment to support them as they embark on the next step in their journey together. If you so pledge, please say, “We do.” (gathering says “we do”) So shall it be.
“I don’t know why” by Shawn Colvin Tom and Kyle
Intent C, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to B in marriage? C: I have.
B, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to C in marriage? B: I have.
Vows (C to B)
We now come to the part of the ceremony that holds the greatest significance for the two of you‐ the vows.
A vow is a sacred promise, witnessed by this gathering, who have given their word to help you keep these promises. C, please repeat after me, so all can hear, your vow to B:
Before our family and friends who have given us the gift of love, I C vow to love you B and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will seek to encourage and inspire you to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. I will help you when you need help and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
Vows (B to C)
B, please repeat after me, so all can hear, your vow to C:
Before our family and friends who have given us the gift of love, I B vow to love you C and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will seek to encourage and inspire you to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. I will help you when you need help and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
Exchange of rings
AMY C and B have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of their equal and loving partnership. (C to W, Tom provides ring) C
This ring is a symbol of my commitment to be your partner as we make our way together through this life.
(B to C, Jennifer provides ring)
This ring is a symbol of my commitment to be your partner as we make our way together through this life.
TAKE HANDS
Present the couple Spirit of love, ground of being, that which we hold most sacred, which is called by many names, be with us as we call down blessings upon this loving couple. We wish for them the rewarding joy of partnership, the lasting joy of love. In the music of their life together, may their commitment, and their love sustain them through the sour notes and lift them even higher when their life together is filled with harmony. For all the days of their lives, may they continue to make beautiful music together. [SILENCE]
You may seal your vows with a kiss. (kiss)
May I present to you the newly married couple: B and C!
Recessional – John (C and B and Tom and Jennifer leave) C and B invite you to enjoy refreshments up at the tent. They will join you in about 1⁄2 an hour.
(Amy indicates that the gathering may leave)