| ~ Bilingual Ceremonies ~ |
| Church of Ancient Ways Home ~ Sample Wedding Ceremonies ~ Sample Marriage Readings & Poetry ~ Our Philosophy ~ Testimonials ~ New York State Marriage License Information Fees ~ Articles ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception Locations ~ Contact ~ Newsletter ~ FAQ Empire State Building Valentines Day Weddings ~ Funerals ~ Videos ~ Site Map If you have not found what you are looking for try the key words below Wedding Officiant, Wedding Minister, Wedding Officiants, Wedding Ministers, Wedding Ceremony, Marriage Ceremonies, Wedding Services, Marriage Officiant, Wedding Officiate, Wedding Pastor, Wedding Pastors, Wedding Celebrant, Reverend, Wedding Clergy, Justice of the Peace, JOP, Priest, Rabbi. Elope, Elopement, Serving New York City / NYC, Long Island, LI, L.I., Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Surrounding Areas Copyright © 2000 - 2010 Marie April Gismondi |
| Charlotte and Chris ~ Preamble ~ “Good afternoon and welcome! As we will be beginning shortly I would ask that those of you with telecommunications devices, Cell phones, blackberries and such, if you will please turn them off or switch them to vibrate at this time.” ~ Annonce Préliminaire ~ « Bonjour et bienvenue à tous. Avant de commencer, je vous remercie de bien vouloir éteindre vos téléphones, PDA et autres appareils ou de les mettre en mode silencieux. Charlotte et Chris, si vous voulez bien me rejoindre accompagnés de vos témoins, nous allons pouvoir commencer. » ~ Welcoming of the Guests ~ “Charlotte and Chris would like to begin this ceremony by thanking all of their guests for being here with them today. They know that it has taken a significant effort for many of you to be present, as this ceremony brings together people from all over the US and from France. They are deeply moved that you have all chosen to be here with them tonight. Charlotte and Chris would also like to thank you for being loving enough to let them know that you wanted to share this moment. They were worried that asking you to come was asking too much effort from you. Their emotions were at odds with practicality, but if they cannot express their emotions when getting married, before those of you whom they love most in the world… then when would they be able to do so? This is why they are overjoyed to have you all here with them – because you are their families. Born or chosen, you are the people that they are grateful to have in their lives. Charlotte’s mother says that 'you’re marrying a person, not their family…' And they agree with that, but while they are only marrying each other, they are gladly adopting each other's friends and families as their own.” ~ Accueil des invités ~ « Charlotte et Chris souhaitent tout d’abord vous remercier d’être venus aujourd’hui. Ils savent que beaucoup d’entre vous ont fait un effort particulier pour pouvoir venir à cette cérémonie depuis les quatre coins des États-Unis et de la France, et sont particulièrement émus que vous ayez choisi de venir partager ce jour avec eux. Charlotte et Chris souhaitent également vous remercier de leur avoir fait comprendre que vous les aimiez trop pour rater cette cérémonie. Ils s’inquiétaient de vous demander un trop grand effort, et étaient prêts à sacrifier leur désir de vous voir à des considérations pratiques. Mais s’ ils ne peuvent pas laisser libre cours à leurs sentiments le jour de leur mariage, devant ceux qui leur sont le plus chers, quand le pourront-ils ? C’est pourquoi votre présence leur apporte une joie profonde. Vous êtes leurs familles, par naissance ou par choix, et ils sont reconnaissants de vous connaître. La mère de Charlotte a pour habitude de dire « On épouse une personne, pas sa famille ». Même s’ils sont d’accord et qu’ils n’unissent qu’eux-mêmes par les liens du mariage, ils sont heureux d’adopter leurs familles et amis respectifs comme étant désormais les leurs. ». ~ Charlotte and Chris ~ “Charlotte and Chris already have much in their lives to be thankful for – wonderful friends, loving families, no major health or financial worries, and of course, the joy that has been with them since they met each other… Their love stems from their enjoyment of one another as human beings ... people who have strengths and weaknesses, beauty and flaws, good days and bad days. Their relationship has a firm foundation of friendship, appreciation, and respect. Charlotte's individuality, humor and intelligence excite Chris, and she in turn finds happiness and strength in how caring, true and creative he is. It is only natural to want to share this happiness with you all… But beyond that, they want to commit now, to living their lives in a manner that each day is a renewal of the promises they make to one another tonight. They understand that there will be difficulties and conflicts in their lives and in their relationship, as is always the case, but they also know that the journey will be a little easier and a lot happier as long as they have one another to share it with. For them marriage, doesn’t mean a sacrifice of their individuality, but rather a way to form a coherent whole which celebrates each person, and the love that binds them together. It's a pledge to grow together and build a life together, a promise to support each other, challenge each other, and urge each other forward. They want to be the best that they can be for each other -- with each other -- and to strengthen and support one another as husband and wife.” ~ Charlotte et Chris ~ « Charlotte et Chris ont toutes les raisons d'être heureux – des amis merveilleux, une famille aimante, aucun véritable problème de santé ou d’argent, et, bien entendu, le bonheur de s’être rencontrés. Leur amour est le fruit de l’estime qu’ils se vouent l’un à l’autre. Deux êtres humains, avec leurs forces et leurs faiblesses, leurs beautés et leurs défauts, leurs bons jours et leurs mauvais. Leur relation prend ses racines dans l’amitié et le respect qu’ils se vouent mutuellement. Chris apprécie l’indépendance, l’humour et l’intelligence de Charlotte, qui puise sa force et sa joie dans la bonté, l’honnêteté et la créativité de Chris. Quoi de plus naturel que de souhaiter partager ce bonheur avec vous ? Ils souhaitent également s’engager aujourd’hui à vivre leurs vies jour après jour en accord avec les vœux qu’ ils vont échanger ce soir. Ils n’ignorent pas qu’il n’a a pas de vie ni de relation sans difficulté, mais ils savent pouvoir compter l’un sur l’autre pour faire le chemin un peu plus facile, et beaucoup plus joyeux. Ils voient le mariage non pas comme un sacrifice de leur individualité, mais comme un moyen de créer un tout plus grand que la somme de leurs êtres, qui célèbre à la fois chaque personne et l’amour qui les unit. C’est une promesse de construire leurs vies ensemble, de s’entraider, de pousser l’autre à avancer et à aller plus loin. Ils veulent apporter ce qu’ils ont de meilleur à l’autre, devenir meilleur pour l’autre, et s’ apporter force et soutien en tant qu’époux. » ~ Presentation of the Rings ~ “May I have the rings please?” Officiant is given the rings ‘Charlotte and Chris have chosen to wear wedding bands as a symbol to themselves and to others of their marriage. They believe that marriage is a constantly evolving part of them, moving forward with every choice they make. They find comfort and happiness in this notion, and the rings will help them to always place their love for each other above all else. The rings are a reminder that the one whom they love - who loves and trusts them - is at their side in body, thought and spirit, giving them strength, courage and joy.” ~ Présentation des Alliances ~ « Puis-je avoir les alliances ? » Les alliances sont remises à l’officiante. « Charlotte et Chris on choisi de porter des alliances comme symbole de leur union, visible à eux-mêmes et aux autres. Ils croient que leur mariage fait partie d’eux-mêmes et qu’il évolue à chaque instant, avec chaque décision qu’ils prennent. Cette idée leur apporte bonheur et réconfort et les alliances les aideront à faire toujours passer leur amour mutuel avant le reste. Ces alliances leur rappellent que la personne qu’ils aiment, qui les aime et leur fait confiance, est à leur côté en chair, en pensée et en esprit pour leur apporter force, persévérance et bonheur. » ~ Ring Vows / Échange des Vœux ~ “Charlotte and Chris have chosen to write their own vows. Chris will you now tell Charlotte what is in your heart?” « Charlotte et Chris ont choisi d’écrire eux-mêmes leurs vœux. Chris, que souhaitez-vous dire à Charlotte ? » Chris speaks his heart Chris prononce ses vœux en anglais puis en français “Will you now place the ring on Charlotte‘s finger and repeat after me?” « Passez à présent l’alliance au doigt de Charlotte et répétez après moi. » Chris places the ring half way on to Charlotte’s finger Chris tient l’alliance sur le doigt de Charlotte “I Chris take you Charlotte to be my wife. I will love you, and honor you, respect and cherish you For all the days of my life.” « Moi, Chris, je te prends, Charlotte, pour épouse. Pour t’aimer, t’honorer, te respecter et te chérir chaque jour de ma vie. » Chris places the ring the rest of the way on to Charlotte’s finger Chris dépose l’alliance sur le doigt de Charlotte “Charlotte will you now tell Chris what is in your heart?” « Charlotte que souhaitez-vous dire à Chris ? » Charlotte speaks her heart Charlotte prononce ses vœux en anglais puis en français “Will you now place the ring on Chris‘s finger and repeat after me?” « Passez à présent l’alliance au doigt de Charlotte et répétez après moi. » Charlotte places the ring half way on to Chris’s finger Charlotte tient l’alliance sur le doigt de Chris “I Charlotte take you Chris to be my husband. I will love you, and honor you, respect and cherish you For all the days of my life.” « Moi, Charlotte, je te prends, Chris, pour époux. Pour t’aimer, t’honorer, te respecter et te chérir chaque jour de ma vie. » Charlotte places the ring the rest of the way on to Chris’s finger Charlotte dépose l’alliance sur le doigt de Chris ~ Pronouncement and Presentation ~ ~ Proclamation et présentation des mariés ~ “Hemingway once wrote that ‘All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.’ Charlotte and Chris have shared their truest sentence: one of love, trust, and commitment to themselves and to their marriage. So let your love for one another forever be your highest truth. Let truth grow and change with you, and let truth be the heart of your love. « Hemingway a écrit “Il suffit d’écrire une phrase sincère, la phrase la plus sincère que vous connaissiez.” Charlotte et Chris ont échangé aujourd’hui leur phrase la plus sincère, un message d’amour, de confiance et d’engagement, envers l’autre et leur mariage. Que l’amour que vous partagez demeure à jamais votre vérité première, et que cette vérité grandisse et mûrisse avec vous au cœur de votre amour. You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, Husband and Wife. You may kiss your beautiful Bride!” Vous êtes maintenant unis par les liens que vous aviez déjà reconnus dans vos cœurs. Je vous déclare mari et femme. Vous pouvez embrasser la mariée. » Bride and Groom kiss Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Charlotte Buecheler!” Couple kiss again and exit to greet their guests! Les mariés s’embrassent « Mesdames et messieurs, je vous présente M. et Mme Chris et Charlotte Buecheler! » Les mariés s’embrassent à nouveau et vont saluer leurs invités |
| Charlotte & Chris were married at the Alger house in Manhattan in a French and English civil ceremony. Although I offer bilingual ceremonies I myself am by no means fluent in anything other than English. Charlotte's sister graciously translated the ceremony below, section by section and co-officiated with me. |
| Marcia and Fernando ~ Opening Words ~ "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Marcia and Fernando. They have come here today because they share a commitment to nurturing the love between them, and to maintaining it as an integral part of their lives. Today is the day that they will formally and publicly make their promises to one another. Although this is indeed a high point, marriage is a journey not a destination. Marriage is more than any one single event or promise. It a way of life and a series of decisions that have been made, and will continue to be made over and over again, every day, that shows each of their care and concern for the one whom they each love most in the world. Marriage is a promise that strives to ensure that his dreams will always be her dreams, and her dreams will always be his dreams. That they are joined by a sense of belonging rather than ownership, and that says to the world "my heart has found its home." This dear friends is the wonderful place that Marcia and Fernando have come to in their lives, and that which we are truly here to celebrate." ~ "El Día de Su Boda" ~ "Marcia and Fernando have chosen to include a reading in their ceremony. Carmen, will you come and read for us?" reader comes forward, introduces and delivers the reading "Son dichosos por compartir la felicidad de un compromiso tan sagrado, y por haber creado una hermosa relación, basada en la amistad y la confianza. En el día de su boda, el regalo mas precioso que se pueden entregar es el amor incondicional. Cuiden de ese amor, ya que es un gran tesoro, y ayúdenlo a crecer y a florecer, con la misma dedicación con la cual crearon su amor. Lo que ustedes tienen en sus manos es algo único y hermoso. A través del tiempo, sean sinceros y fieles, y escuchen con el corazón, prestando atención a lo que su pareja siente y expresa. Solo así podrán comprender los pensamientos y deseos mas iíntimos de cada cual. Compartan los triunfos y celebren juntos las victorias. Digan "te amo" a menudo, para que el cariño y la amistad que ha crecido entre ustedes jamás deje de ser. Recuerden que es importante mantener el sentido del humor, aun cuando sientan enojo. Después de todo, ustedes son mejores amigos. Permanezcan unidos, presentes el uno para el otro, y dispuestos a enfrentar la vida juntos. Que la paz llene sus mentes y sus almas Y que cada día sea su mayor bendición, para que así puedan alcanzar sus metas y sus sueños." reader returns to place ~ Welcoming of the Guests ~ "Marcia and Fernando would like to thank you all for being here with them today, and for supporting them through everything that it has taken to make this day a reality. They know that your taking the time, and making the journey, took considerable effort for a good many of you and they wanted you all to know the deep appreciation and gratitude that they feel in their hearts for this. All of you are the most important, and have been the most influential people in their lives. All of the time, and conversations, that you have had with Marcia and Fernando even before they met have helped to make them who they needed to be to first find themselves and then each other. You have shared in their best and their worst days, and you are an irreplaceable part of their yesterdays, their today and all of their tomorrows. For all of you are among the greatest gifts that life has given them. All of you are those they can call Family and Friend." ~ Presentation of the Rings ~ "May I have the rings please?" Officiant is given the rings "These beautiful rings are meant to serve as a physical reminder of the feeling you have in your hearts at this very moment. There are times in life that we tend to focus the things we have not yet accomplished, there will also be times of sorrow and loss. Yet as you look to your hand and your wedding band, it will softly speak of the great gift that you have been given and all that you have in one another. It shall also be a reminder in the times of great joy, that you have someone to share it with. Never again do you walk alone for your love shall be with you always." ~ Ring Vows ~ "Fernando, do you take Marcia to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you vow to love her and care for her For as long as you both shall live? Do you accept her, with all of her faults and strengths, And offer yourself to her with all of your own faults and strengths? Do you promise to help her when she needs help, and to turn to her when you need help? Do you promise to be a faithful and loving companion and to always put the promises you make this day above all else?" Fernando: "I do." "Will you now place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me?" Fernando places the ring half way on to Marcia's finger "Yo, Fernando, te recibo a ti Marcia, como esposa y me entrego a ti, y prometo serte fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los dias de mi vida." Fernando places the ring the rest of the way on to Marcia's finger "Marcia, do you take Fernando to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you vow to love him and care for him For as long as you both shall live? Do you accept him, with all of his faults and strengths, And offer yourself to him with all of your own faults and strengths? Do you promise to help him when he needs help, and to turn to him when you need help? Do you promise to be a faithful and loving companion and to always put the promises you make this day above all else?" Marcia: "I do." "Will you now place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me?" Marcia places the ring half way onto Fernando's finger "Yo, Marcia, te recibo a ti Fernando, como esposo y me entrego a ti, y prometo sete fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los dias de mi vida." Marcia places the ring the rest of the way onto Fernando's finger ~ Closing Words and Pronouncement ~ "Como los dos ahora afirman su amor el uno para el otro y ambos han consentido ser unidos en este matrimonio se han hecho una promesa de vivir como marido y esposa cambiandose anillos como un simbolo de esta union, de hecho, por la autoridad concedida en mi por las leyes del estado de Nueva York, yo ahora los pronuncio marido. Buedes besar a su nueva esposa." Bride and Groom kiss! |
| Liz and Luis Married at the Foundry in Long Island City Best First dance I have ever seen! They changed right after the ceremony and the Tango that began their reception was spectacular! |
| Although I am not fluent in Spanish there are a few parts of the ceremony that I can do from memory. When mixed, as in the ceremony sample below, with a reading or two it makes for a nice balance of Spanish and English. For a Spanish speaking officiant I recommend Hilda Gieco and Raymond Rodriguez of A Celebration of Love |
| Click on the Church Banner to email me or call 516-785-4191 Anytime! |
