Opening Words
We have been invited here to share with Lisa and Bryan
a very special moment in their lives. Along with the families gathered
today, some of us may be old friends, and some of us may be new friends.
But we all have one thing in common: we are here to celebrate this
couple’s love and devotion to one another.
In the four years they have been together, Lisa and Bryan’s
love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now
they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.
Marriage
is a supreme sharing - perhaps one of the greatest and most challenging
adventures that two people can embark upon. It is the joyful uniting of
two people whose care and affection have transformed into a deep and
abiding love - a love that will last for the rest of their lives.
And
though they join together in union, those who embark on this adventure
do not lose the ‘selves’ they once were. No, instead they gain another
aspect of themselves, and become stronger in their unity. As they take
their vows, Lisa and Bryan
seek to honor not only each other, but also their friends and families.
Because to them, today is not only about celebrating their love toward
each other - but love itself.
Vows
Lisa and Bryan,
do you pledge to help each other to develop your hearts and minds,
cultivating compassion, generosity, patience, enthusiasm, concentration,
and wisdom as you grow older together? To brave the good moments and
the bad with love, joy, and equanimity?
“We do”
Recognizing
that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that
internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in
negativity, do you pledge to see all these circumstances as a challenge
to help you grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each
other; and to generate compassion for others who suffer?
“We do”
Understanding
that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each other person is also a
mystery to us, do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each
other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and
to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy?
“We do”
Do
you pledge to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, and to
share it with all beings? To take the loving feelings you have for one
another and your vision of each other’s potential and inner beauty as an
example, and rather than spiraling inwards and becoming self-absorbed,
to radiate this love outwards?
“We do”
When
it comes time to part, do you pledge to look back at your time together
with joy–joy that you met and shared what you have–and acceptance that
we cannot hold on to anything forever?
“We do”
Do
you pledge to remember the disadvantages of ignorance, anger, and
jealousy, to apply antidotes when these arise in your minds, and to
remember the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them?
Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your
compassion, wisdom and skill?
“We do”
Do
you pledge day to day, to be patient with yourselves and others,
knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration
from your friends, family, and mentors not to become discouraged?
“We do”
Exchange of Rings
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership.
Do you, Bryan promise to love, cherish, and honor Lisa? Do you promise to practice generosity, mindfulness, and wisdom? To treat Lisa
and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time
you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the
two of you make it?
“I do.”
Please place the ring on Lisa’s finger.
And do you, Lisa promise to love, cherish, and honor Bryan? Do you promise to practice generosity, mindfulness, and wisdom? To treat Bryan
and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time
you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the
two of you make it?
“I do.”
Please place the ring on Bryan's finger.
Pronouncement
By the power vested in me by the State of California, and through the wishes of Lisa and Bryan, as well as the blessing of their family and friends, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.
Presentment
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in congratulating Lisa and Bryan!
