I wrote this in December, 2001 for a friend's wedding that I officiated over. I also had the extreme pleasure of making her gown.

[Starr]
We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Day and Joe in marriage. Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love; this is the core of your marriage and why you are here tonight. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other and the children that are in your care. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another and to learn and grow together. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both pledge tonight to share together. Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Joseph and Day have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask at this time, who gives Day in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.

Day, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?

[Day]
Yes, it is true.

[Starr]
Children, does your mother have your blessing to marry this man?

[Family]
She does (yes will do too).

[Starr]
Please join hands with you betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember, powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in you marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for God is with you always.

Should there be anyone who has cause as to why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.

Joe, I have not the right to bind thee to Day, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

[Joseph]
It is my wish.

[Starr]
Day, I have not the right to bind thee to Joseph, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.

[Day]
It is my wish.

[Starr]
Joseph, do you take Day to be your Wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

Day, do you take Joseph to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

Joe and Day have decided to recite vows that they have written for each other from thoughts from their hearts.
Joseph, if it be your wish for Day to be bound to you, place the ring on the third finger of her left hand.

{Joe's vows spoken to Day}

Day, if it be your wish for Joseph to be bound to you, place the ring on the third finger of his left hand.

{Day's vows spoken to Joe}

[Starr]
(Handing chalice to the Joseph) May you drink your fill from the cup of love. (Joseph holds chalice to Day wile she sips, then Day takes chalice and holds it to Joseph while he sips. The chalice is then handed back to the Starr who sets it on the table. Next the Starr takes the plate of bread, giving it to the Joseph. Same procedure repeated with bread, Joseph feeding Day and Day feeding Joseph)
Joseph and Day, as the two of you have come into this ceremony that unites you as husband and wife, and as you have this day affirmed your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals. That you respect the thoughts, ideas, and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.

Now, Joseph and Day, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of hands and exchanging of rings, the power vested in me by God and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.

Congratulations! You may kiss your Bride.

It is my honour to present to you for the very first time, Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Littrell.

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