INTRODUCTION
We are gathered here today, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but
rather what already is. We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We
can and do, however, celebrate with Nancy and Troy the wondrous and joyful
occurrence that has already taken place in their lives.
Nancy & Troy, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of marriage.
VOWS
Nancy: When we first met, I didn’t think I liked you. You made me question
myself as a person, and question my life. As I got to know you better, I began
to change my mind. Here was someone who challenged me, yet always seemed to be
there when I really needed it. You became one of my best friends. Our
relationship grew, and began to change, and I realized that in you, I not only
had a dear friend, and confidante, but a partner as well.
I’m not afraid when I am with you. You give me strength.
There are times when our eyes meet that I melt inside, and I lose myself in your gaze.
When we are apart, and I think of you, I smile and know that I am truly happy. There is only one other person who knows my heart as well as you do, and she is here to witness this promise.
And so, I promise to you my friendship, my hand to help you whenever you need
it, my trust, my happiness, and my love, for as long as you wish it.
Troy
:
I affirm the special bond and unique relationship that exists between us, and promise to make it the priority of my life.
I promise before these our friends to protect and nurture you, trust you and be trustworthy in return, to lead when I know the path, and follow when your knowledge prevails.
I promise to love, respect and honor you, sharing your plans and interests, ideas and emotions, through all the trials and tribulations of life, as well as the joyful times.
I promise to be your confidante, always ready to share your hopes, dreams and secrets. To listen to you and not discount your opinion, even when it differs from mine.
I promise to comfort and encourage you, be open and honest with you, and stay with you for the remainder of our days or until the ending of the world.
RINGS
These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.
<Said
as rings are placed on fingers> "Just as this circle is without end, my love for
you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to
you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed."
CLOSING
Nancy and Troy, remember to treat both yourself and each other with respect, and
remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty or fear assail your relationship – as they threatened all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part that seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the times when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you
takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together
will be marked by abundance and delight.
We will close with a reading from “The Prophet”
Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
And stand together, and yet not too near together. For even the pillars of the temple must stand apart; and the oak tree and the cypress will not grow in each other’s shadow.
Remember that love gives nothing but from itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love.
And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course.
Troy & Nancy Griffith
After the ceremony, Troy and Nancy, along with a very small wedding party, went to the inn where Troy and Nancy would spend their wedding night; to check in before heading to The Black Sheep for a nearly as small get together.
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Then it was off to The Black Sheep...
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After the party, Nancy and Troy returned to their room...
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