We were married on May 18th, 2019. The ceremony was held at home, among a crowd of friends and family. This was our ceremony…
Opening
Solenne: On behalf of Meg and Vin, I would like to thank everyone for being here to witness, celebrate, laugh, eat, and make merry in honor of their abiding love. They cherish your presence here today, and your love and support enrich their lives immeasurably. Today, we consecrate a relationship that has given them both so much peace, happiness, and joy.
Address
Solenne: Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, their path has not always been an easy one. I've been friends with Vin for over a decade now, and for nearly as long with Meg. Vin went through a period of time where he was hit with a series of hardships and throughout that time Meg offered undueling support, love, kindness, and patience. She's been an incredible rock of a person and a fantastic partner. I've also watched Vin continue to grow as a person and as a partner, and to become as excellent father figure for Amailah, all motivated greatly by Meg. And when I hear Vin talk about Meg, he lights up, and you can tell by the look in his eyes just how deeply he loves her. It's really beautiful watching these two grow together as a couple. They have such great communication, compassion, humor, and love. I am honored to be officiating their ceremony today.
Reading
Solenne: Now I’m going to read something that was written by Meg in January of 2014…
“Love does not discriminate. It doesn’t guarantee a worthy recipient, nor a love affair free from worry and heartache. Love is not a ward against manipulation and lies, nor does it ensure a happy ending. Love is messy, and unpredictable, and often arrives unbidden. It comes with baggage, and can expose our worst fears and behaviors to those with whom we’d only wish to show the best of ourselves.
What we can get from love, though, is unique… It is a fire that can fill us near to bursting, and have us seek it out repeatedly despite the burns we may have gotten. There is such a powerful joy in loving another person, whether family or lover or friend, that it has moved mankind to great purpose for millennia. Love inspires us to create, to improve ourselves, to become more than we already are. It warms us, comforts us, assures us that we are not alone and that our worth is known, at least to a few.
It is a gift that most everyone wants, and it is something I have never regretted giving or receiving, even in the darkest moments and worst trials.”
Introduction to Vows
Solenne: The vows you are about to make together are, at their core, a commitment to love each other fully - not just today, but tomorrow, the next day, and always. Now, please declare your vows to one another.
Vows
Meg: Let us promise to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.
Vin: Let us promise to share our lives openly with one another, to speak the truth, with compassion and love.
Meg: Let us promise to honor and tenderly care for one another, to lift one another towards physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Vin: Let us promise to encourage each others’ fulfillment as individuals, in both mutual endeavors and solo pursuits.
Meg: Let us promise to take one another as we are, to accept both our faults and our strengths, without unrealistic expectations.
Vin: Let us promise to respect one another’s integrity and have faith in our abiding love for each other through all our years, and all that life may bring us.
Solenne: These oaths are ever binding, and will be ever present in your lives together. Allow them to inform your daily interactions as well as your long-term choices. Now we will seal these words of honor with rings. A ring has no beginning or end and is therefore eternal, as love should be. Steve, and Shannon, please bring forth the rings. (Rings are handed each to Meg and Vin)
Do you, Vin, vow to uphold the promises you have made here today, in joy and in sorrow, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and doing all in the service of loving one another honestly and truly?
Vin: I DO. (Meg places ring on Vin’s finger)
Solenne: Do you, Meg, vow to uphold the promises you have made here today, in joy and in sorrow, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and doing all in the service of loving one another honestly and truly?
Meg: I DO. (Vin places ring on Meg’s finger)
Solenne: It is now my honor and delight to pronounce you husband and wife—you may seal your vows with a kiss! (Kissing ensues.)
Now that we have all borne witness to these vows, let us pledge, as family and friends, to stand by Vin, Meg, and Amailah in this new journey together. (Amailah comes to stand with the couple)
Please stand, and welcome the new family!