From a recent wedding I shot. The happy couple had a friend of theirs officiate the wedding. Here is what he had to say….
Welcome
Friends, family, and all who have come here to bear witness to this momentous day – or for a great meal; Welcome. Without your love and support, Hirono and Kevin would not be who they are today – as strong, confident individuals and as partners building a life together.
This day was inevitable, time always moving this couple toward their destiny.
They said they built the train track over the Alps between Vienna and Venice before there was a train that can make the trip. They built it anyway. They knew that one day the train will come.
Friendship
It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round.
However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel.
True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life – it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic.
True friendship holds a mirror to our foibles and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness.
True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential.
This couple came together as friends, they pledge to each other not only their love but also their strength, warmth and, most importantly, to continue the fun of their true friendship.
Marriage
What is Marriage?
Love knows no bounds. In its truest form, marriage knows not of gender, faith, or color, but of two souls united by a common destiny in friendship and in partnership to build their future, together.
Many speak of defining love and marriage. But few capture the essence of what it really means to be married.
It has been said; “You don’t marry someone you can live with – you marry the person who you cannot live without”
And it has been said; “To love someone deeply gives you strength. But, being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.”
It has also been said; “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”
“There is no choice more intensely personal, after all, than whom you choose to marry; that choice tells us, to a large extent, who you are” says Elizabeth Gilbert.
Pablo Neruda once said; “Love is a fire that feeds our life.” and it is in that spirit that we are gathered here today – to feed our souls as we honor their union and to feed ourselves as we celebrate good food and the foodies who love to eat.
Toast
And now a toast to wedded bliss:
May you feast upon limitless possibilities
May you dine upon dreams
May you devour this love as if it was your last
May you relish the sweet taste of affection
And May you always need one another – not so much to fill your emptiness, as to help you to know your fullness.
Like any good recipe, a marriage is more than the sum of its ingredients:
First bring a great friendship to a rolling boil,
Next, add the spice of attraction
A dash of Passion
A tablespoon of forgiveness
A cup of faith
A sprig of honesty
A pinch of patience
And a teaspoon of trust
Top with heaping scoop of laughter
Serve generously with good friends and family
And so today is but the first course… |
Vows
Kevin & Hirono, today you celebrate one of life’s greatest moments and we are here to give recognition to your love and friendship, as you join together in the vows of marriage.
Kevin, do you take Hirono to be your Wife? (“I do”) Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? (“I do”)
Hirono, do you take Kevin to be your Husband? (“I do”) Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? (“I do”)
You may now exchange rings as a symbol of your commitment to this matrimony.
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!
Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Yonei into yo
