The Ceremony

Photo courtesy of PurpleFlor Photography.

I realize that our guests may like to know what exactly our ceremony consisted of, since I was barely able to whisper my vows loud enough for Andrew to hear them. So here's a transcription of our ceremony:

(Processional played by trio.)

Greeting by Rev. Morrison:

We come together this beautiful fall afternoon to share in the celebration of marriage of Andrew David Haberbosch and Eva Karene Romero. family and friends, we gather in faithfulness to offer our promise to be helpful and supportive of the commitment they make today. And we come to share in the joy of the way their friendship has deepened into a promise to spend their lives together.

Both families are here to give their blessing to this marriage. And friends have an important role in helping their love endure. Today we have this candle as a remembrance of Andrew's father David and stepfather Douglas who are here in spirit. Family and friends, give them your prayers, your words of encouragement, as we affirm our belief in love and commitment.

Questions of intention:

Do you, Andrew/Eva take Eva/Andrew to be the husband/wife of your days, to love and to cherish, to honor and to comfort, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship and in ease, to have and to hold from this day forth?

(We did.)

This marriage touches each one of us. A new family is established in our midst. Do you, who are family and friends, affirm your continuing support and love to Andrew and Eva as they grow and deepen in this marriage?

(They did.)

(Rupa and Chick signed the marriage certificate.)

Prayer:

God, you are creator of life and love, you have given Eva and Andrew the grace and gift of marriage. Be with them now in their life, and fill their days with wisdom and joy and abundant life. May the love these two have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is compassionate and life giving. May the spirit of your love help brighten the face of the earth. May the source of all love touch and bless us and grace our lives with color and courage. Amen.

Reading of "On Marriage" by Kahlil Gibran delivered by Rupa Shenoy.

Meditation:

This is a happy and holy moment, and your marriage will be the most sacred and treasured part of your lives. It is a celebration of all the mystery and wonder that deep love can bring to living. Andrew and Eva, you speak of having companionship and also respect for each others individuality. I ask you to remain loyal to these qualities. I remind you to re-choose each other every day. And I remind you of the responsibility of keeping alive this relationship: to maintain the capacity for wonder, for spontaneity, for humor. To remain flexible and warm and sensitive. Give fully to each other, show your real feelings to each other. Save time every day for each other. And as you grow in loving each other more fully, may you discover out of this love a love for all creation in which the mystery of your love has happened.

Vows:

In the name of God, I Eva/Andrew take you, Andrew/Eva to be my husband/wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

Presentation of Rings:

Your wedding rings serve as a symbol of the promise you have made to each other. It is the symbol of your hearts bound together. It is the finest of earth's metals, just as your love is the richest of spiritual values. AS this ring has no seam or edge, has no beginning or end, so it symbolizes your eternal love.

Ring Vows:

Eva: In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring, I thee wed.
Andrew: May it keep you ever in my heart and mind when we are absent from each other.
Andrew: In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring, I thee wed.
Eva: May it keep you ever in my heart and mind when we are absent from each other.

Announcement of Marriage:

Andrew and Eva, you have said your vows, you have given and recieved rings as the symbol of your love. We have all witnessed your commitment. You are now married, and you may kiss as husband and wife.

(We kissed.)

Blessing:

We rejoice with you in this deepening of your relationship. We joyfully and willingly promise to uphold you in your life together, with our friendship, love and prayers. Let your life together be a source of strength and inspiration to the community of your family and friends and the wider circle of the world.

I present to you Andrew and Eva, husband and wife!