For those that could not hear, or those that could not attend, or those that just want to read it over and over again; below is a copy of our ceremony which was put together from various internet sources and was performed by Judge Janet Gaard.
Welcome, welcome. My name is Janet Gaard, Kyle’s ex-future mother-in law, and I have the privilege of performing this marriage ceremony today.
You’ll
notice that for today’s ceremony you are not in the traditional isle or
theatre seating. We’ve tried to make sure you can hear everything, but feel
free to move in closer if you wish.
As well, we are joined by many little people. Summer
& Kyle want you to know that you do not need to be shushed or silenced and
your parents shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you need to cry or move around
during the ceremony. They might do that too.
Welcome family and friends on this beautiful autumn day. We are here this evening to celebrate and bless the wedding of Kyle and Summer. They would like to thank each of you for making the journey to be with them today as they celebrate their marriage. Each of you has touched their lives in a special way, and they are honored to have you present today.
In this ceremony, Summer and Kyle have called us together to make a public declaration of the private commitment they have already made to one another and to Tristan. They are binding themselves together socially and legally as a new family, in a union of mutual caring and responsibility. We join Kyle, Summer and Tristan in this happy occasion to recognize their union into the community of family, friends, and humanity surrounding us.
To all of you, who are gathered here, today will be especially important to this couple, you are loved ones and friends that fill their lives. You are the framework that supports their world. You represent, symbolically, all the people who will be touched in any way by the life of this couple. You represent their families and friends, past, present and future. Marriage is an intensely personal act, but, in order for the couple's marriage to gain strength to last throughout the years, their marriage must be supported by their greater society of family and friends. Today, Summer and Kyle declare their love and commitment to each other, and we gather here to celebrate with them in the new life they have already begun together.
Read
by Minta Zlomke
Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Love is the roots that grow towards each other underground, slowly and determined. And when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, you find you are no longer two, but one. One root, One tree, One Love.
Louis de Bernieres (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin)
Janet (to couple): Kyle and Summer, no matter how long you are together, there will always be more to learn about each other. Will you always be open and honest, trust one another, and be worthy of that trust?
S
& K together: We will.
Janet (to couple): Marriage is an ongoing
dialogue, a series of discussions that will help you find your way together.
Will you communicate with each other fully, and fearlessly?
S
& K together: We will.
Janet (to couple): Every marriage requires a
leap of faith. Will you work, even when the work is hard, to honor your vows?
S
& K together: We will.
Today you make a commitment to Love and care for each other for the rest of your lives. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a unique bond which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. The strength of that bond will provide you courage in the face of adversity; joy and laughter to sustain you through times of sorrow and doubt, and love that will inspire you in all that you do. You will bring each other joy and rejoice in your family.
On this
beautiful day I give you my hand
Under these trees where together we stand
For now
and forever I will be your wife
Your partner in good times and in times of great strife
This is
my promise: your strengths I’ll accept
And I won’t rub it in when I’m more adept.
You’re
strange and funny and one of a kind
The real reason I love you is because of your mind
Yours
forever I’ll be if you grant me these wishes:
Love me, accept me, and do all the dishes!
Sometimes
I’ll need you more than you can face
But I’ll stand up beside you, for that is my place.
When
we’re together we both feel great joy
When we’re with family and our beautiful boy.
I’ll
love you forever, till death do us part
To you I commit my life and my heart.
Kyle’s
vows
Janet:
Will you answer me right now
These questions, as your wedding vow?
Kyle: Yes, I will answer right now
Your questions as my wedding vow.
Janet: Will you take her as your wife?
Will you love her all your life?
Kyle: Yes, I take her as my wife,
Yes, I'll love her all my life.
Janet: Will you have, and also hold
Just as you have at this time told?
Kyle: Yes, I will have, and I will hold,
Just as I have at this time told,
Yes, I will love her all my life
As I now take her as my wife.
Janet: Will you love through good and bad?
Whether you are happy or sad?
Kyle: Yes, I'll love through good and bad,
Whether we're happy or sad,
Yes, I will have and I will hold
Just as I have already told,
Yes, I will love her all my life,
Yes, I will take her as my wife!
Janet: Will you love her if you're rich?
Or if you're poor, and in a ditch?
Kyle: Yes, I'll love her if we're rich,
And I will love her in a ditch,
I'll love her through good times and bad,
Whether we are happy or sad,
Yes, I will have, and I will hold
(I could have sworn this has been told!)
I promise to love all my life
This woman, as my lawful wife!
Janet: Will you love her when you're fit,
And also when you're feeling sick?
Kyle: Yes, I'll love her when we're fit,
And when we're hurt, and when we're sick,
And I will love her when we're rich
And I will love her in a ditch
And I will love through good and bad,
And I will love when glad or sad,
And I will have, and I will hold
Ten years from now a thousandfold,
Yes, I will love for my whole life
This lovely woman as my wife!
Janet: Will you love with all your heart?
Will you love till death you part?
Kyle: Yes, I'll love with all my heart
From now until death do us part,
And I will love her when we're rich,
And when we're broke and in a ditch,
And when we're fit, and when we're sick,
(Oh, CAN'T we get this finished quick?)
And I will love through good and bad,
And I will love when glad or sad,
And I will have, and I will hold,
And if I might now be so bold,
I'll love her my entire life,
Yes, I WILL take her as my wife!
Janet: Then if you'll take her as your wife,
And if you'll love her all your life,
And if you'll have, and if you'll hold,
From now until the stars grow cold,
And if you'll love through good and bad,
And whether you're happy or sad,
And love in sickness, and in health,
And when you're poor, and when in wealth,
And if you'll love with all your heart,
From now until death do you part,
Yes, if you'll love her through and through,
Please answer with these words:
Kyle: I DO!
During
the following the Rings will be exchanged….
We
all know marriage is more than two people standing up here repeating vows. There
is an art to any creative activity. So too in marriage.
Part of the art of marriage is finding room for the
things of the spirit.
So to you two I say continue in your search for the
good and the beautiful in this life.
Part of the art of marriage is being flexible. So in
your marriage cultivate flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of
humor.
Part of the art of marriage is to comfort each other
and strive to be each other’s best friend. Most important, develop the
capacity to forgive and heal your differences day by day.
Today a new family is born and our world will be the
better for its birth. For this we
all celebrate.
But please, do keep it dignified.