Opening Words

“Marriage consists of entrusting our deepest selves into the loving care of another. It is a public and legal act, as well as, an emotional and spiritual act. The spiritual aspect of marriage should be embraced openly, seriously, and completely, as marriage is a conscious act of will. A couple who are wed must continually renew their will to be joined and accept the challenges that living together in love offer. They must decide that they will face the fears that are a necessary part of establishing and nurturing an intimate relationship.

Mauy and Rizkallah commit themselves today, to each other, in sacred trust. They promise to embrace conflict, as well as peace; to work as well as play; to struggle as well as bask; to give as well as receive; and to be with, stay with, and move toward one another. They view marriage as a coming together at all levels of being, mind, body, and spirit. A commitment includes the willingness to be open and vulnerable; and the courage to take risks.”

Welcoming of the Guests

“Amid the hectic pace of today’s world it is easy lose site of the important things in life. This is not so for Maguy and Rizkallah. Family and family life are very important to them. Although I’m sure that you are all very happy to be here with them, they wanted very much to express how deeply grateful they are to have you both here today and in their lives. All of you are those nearest and dearest to them. You all supply them with different aspects of that which they will need to accomplish their goal of living a long and happy life together. Those of you who have the wisdom of age, it is from you whom they can seek council in times of difficulty. In the children here, they see the embodiment of their hopes and dreams for the future. And the rest of you… You are like the personal record keepers of times and places and events in their lives. Without all of you and the sharing of these events our memories would lose the scents and colors and the flavor and emotion that keeps them vibrant and alive. Without all of you the past would fade to black and white over time, so please remember that your presence here is a vital part in this celebration.”

Maguy and Rizkallah

“In the brief conversations leading up to today, I must say that I was overjoyed to hear the way in which Maguy and Rizkallah spoke of one another and of their relationship. There was a kindness of disposition and a tone of admiration in their voices that led me to believe that they are already at a place in their lives that many couples aspire to. Maguy related how she feels that she already has a new family here. And Rizkallah spoke with sound resolution in his voice, that there was no doubt in his mind that Maguy was the one for him. They have been blessed to have known one another for the last 10 years and they share a common background and history. Yet marriage is a serious commitment, and even for those as blessed as themselves it will require work. Marriage is a promise that takes a lifetime to fulfill. There is not a choice that a couple makes somewhere among the years, whether their journey shall be one of obligation and duty, or one of fun and joy and excitement. For the perfect balance there is an aspect of all these things yet they are guided by love, mutual respect, and the deepest of desires for the happiness and well being of the one whom you each love most in the world. I was recently at a wedding where the father of the bride told the young couple that marriage is not a give and take relationship. It is a give and give relationship, for if both people give wholeheartedly to each other and to the spirit of their marriage, there is never a reason to take, because all ones needs have already been met. This seems to be a truth that Maguy and Rizkallah have already found and embrace.

addressing couple

Today is your public affirmation and the acknowledgment of all that you are to each other. Seemingly, your relationship will be as it has always been, and yet there is a power in the spoken word. May that power bring you all the warmth & closeness, security & comfort, joy and happiness that this world has to offer.”

The Rings

“May I have the rings please?”

“You are about to present a ring to each other. The wedding ring, a complete circle, is the symbol of the completeness a husband and wife find in a marriage relationship. The ring has no beginning and no end, just as true love is never-ending. The ring also is made of precious metals, just as true love is a precious treasure. As you place the wedding ring on each other’s hand, may it not only remind you of the endless love you possess for one another, but may it also be a reminder of the precious gift that has been given you to make you complete.”

Ring Vows

“Rizkallah, in committing yourself to Maguy, you must promise to continue to be sensitive to her needs and to listen when she explains their nature. You must promise to be there when she needs you and to do everything in your power to ensure her security, happiness and peace of mind. You must promise to share with her your joy of living and be a loving companion. Do you so promise?”

Rizkallah: “I do.”

“Will you then place this ring upon your beloved’s finger and repeat after me please…

“I, Rizkallah, take you Maguy, to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

“Maguy, in committing yourself to Rizkallah, you must promise to continue to be sensitive to his needs and to listen when he explains their nature. You must promise to be there when he needs you and to do everything in your power to ensure his security, happiness and peace of mind. You must promise to share with him your joy of living and be a loving companion. Do you so promise?”

Maguy: “I do.”

“Will you then place this ring upon your beloved’s finger and repeat after me please…

“I, Maguy, take you Rizkallah, to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

Closing Words

“May you have many joys, and be the light of each other’s days. May all that you are, always be in love; And may all that is love, always be in you. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges that life brings your way make your marriage grow stronger. May you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love..”

Pronouncement and Presentation

“You are now as your hearts have always known: Husband and Wife. You may kiss the Bride!

Bride and Groom kiss again are greeted by their guests!