Marriage

This is a transcript of the vows from our wedding:

OFFICIANT:

We gather here today to celebrate the union of James and Gail as they publically proclaim their love. By this union, they begin a new part of life’s journey - a time wherein they look not with their own eyes, but with the eyes of the other. In this, they see the world not only as themselves, but together as one. By this bond, James and Gail hold each other in equality, with honor and compassion, forsaking all others, as they walk together through life.

All of you are James and Gail’s community, and each of you has played some part in bringing them to this moment. This is why gathering as a community is such an important part of this day. James and Gail are now taking a new form as a married couple, and in this form, they become part of their community in a new way.

James and Gail, we are here to remember and rejoice with you and to recount with one another that it is love that guides us on our path, and to celebrate as you begin this journey together. It is in this spirit that you have come here to today to exchange these vows.

VOWS

James, repeat after me:

I James take you Gail to be my wife.
I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly.
I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love and devotion in honor as I join my life to yours.

Gail, repeat after me:

I Gail take you James to be my husband.
I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly.
I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love and devotion in honor as I join my life to yours.

RINGS

For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows. These simple bands are not of great value in themselves, but are made precious by our wearing of them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.

James, take Gail’s ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me:

Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I take you to be my trusted confidante and partner for life.

Gail, take James’s ring and put it on his finger, and repeat after me:

Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I take you to be my trusted confidante and partner for life.

James, you may now kiss your bride.

(Signing of register)

PRONOUNCEMENT

James and Gail, although I’m officiating here today, it is not truly in my power to sanctify, legitimize or bless your relationship in any way, because the two of you have already done that in your hearts. So, by joining hands right now and looking into each other’s eyes, let it be known that you are joined - body, soul, and spirit - in this lifetime, and that this bond is sacred and eternal. And now that you have stood before me and exchanged these rings and these vows, and have agreed to be married according to the laws of Ontario, it gives me gives me great pleasure to announce you as Husband and Wife.