Opening Words

“Marie and Barbara have been together for 30 wonderful years and consider this marriage ceremony a reaffirmation of their lifetime commitment to one another.

They feel very blessed that each one of you are here to share in this history-making event with them, as 30 years ago this was not an option for them to consider. Yet, first with a foundation of friendship, then trust, then great love, spiritual guidance and the support of their families, they came together as a couple and have grown and function as one; each supporting the other when necessary and each consoling the other when needed.

When asked of them – What they think makes for a 30 year successful relationship? They replied: Never take one another for granted. Be thoughtful and courteous to one another.

When asked what they love most about one another, and their relationship, Marie said how fortunate she feels to have found Barbara, someone to look to for guidance and decision making. Barbara is her provider, protector, her rock and the anchor to Marie’s universe. Barbara is logical, patient, gentle, generous, and non-judgmental.

And Barbara feels she is extremely lucky to have Marie in her life. Marie is her foundation, keeps Barbara grounded, organized and on track, she is a wonderful homemaker and brings peace and serenity and offers comfort to the hectic world outside. Marie is beautiful, loving, caring, generous and kind. She is the ultimate family nurturer.

From the earliest days of their relationship, Marie and Barbara have shared an undeniable connection. There has never been any hesitation, as the natural progression of their love kept them strong and steadfast in life’s journey together.

Their strengths and their differences complement each other so well that it has added a sense of balance to their lives. They know what is important to them and the well being of their relationship. They are committed not only to one another, but also to the quality of life that they share.

Dinners together, Sunday afternoon cocktails and playing backgammon, a loving, accepting and supportive atmosphere in their home, communication that goes beyond words to understand not only what is said but what is meant, all guided by loyalty, love, truth and trust. These are all to precious to ever let fall by the wayside.

They both feel they have found their soul mate in one another, someone to rely on for all the love, joy and sadness the world throws at them. They are the forever love to each other.

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

Hand Ceremony

“A hand blessing is a ritual that is meant to draw you closer to one another. It has been said that the hands are a connection to the heart, and a hand blessing symbolically brings two hearts together.

Shakespeare said, “Now join your hands, and with your hand’s your hearts.” So please now face each other. First join your right palms, and then your left palms. This forms an infinity symbol with your hands, which symbolizes a love that will go on forever. Please look into one another’s eyes.

These are the hands of your best friend. They are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you continue to build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

May these hands always reach out with love, tenderness and respect. May these hands continue to build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime. May these hands be blessed this day. May they always hold each other. May they have the strength to hang on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May they continue to build a relationship founded in love, and rich in caring. May these hands be healer, protector, shelter and guide for each other – always.

With eyes locked, and hands linked, this ritual is a beautiful symbol of the union of two hearts, two lives, and two souls.”

Presentation of the Rings

“The ring finger on the left hand, beside the side of the body that holds the heart, has long been used for the wedding band, because for centuries people believe that there was a vein that ran directly from that finger to the heart. And they believe that the words spoken during the placing of the band was the symbol of perfection and completion and eternity, that those words would resonate over and over again like the circumference of the band itself, into the heart and soul, and would be the biggest promise that you could ever make, a promise to spend a lifetime together.

May I have the rings please?

Officiant is given the rings

These wedding bands are a symbol of eternity, with no beginning and no end, they are a visible and constant reminder of the vows you make to each other today to be together for as long as you both shall live. You give each other these rings to wear with love and joy and although you will each wear only one ring, these rings will essentially belong to you both. They are meant to serve as a physical reminder of the feelings that you have in your hearts at this very moment, and the promise that yours will be a long and lasting love. As these rings have no end, neither shall your love for one another.”

Ring Vows

“No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to pledge.

Barbara, do you take Marie 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 all of her strengths and offer yourself to her, with all of your own faults and strengths? Do you promise to love her faithfully through tears and laughter, sickness and health, work and play, now and forever? Do you promise to be a respectful and loving companion and always put the vows that you made this day above all else?”

Barbara: “I do.”

“Will you now place the ring on your beloved’s finger and repeat after me?”

Barbara places the ring half way on to Marie’s finger

“With this ring, I thee wed. And giving it, I give you all my life, All that I am, All that I have, And all that I will become; From this day and forevermore, I choose you to be my lifetime companion.”

Barbara places the ring fully on to Marie’s finger

“Marie, do you take Marie to be your lawfully wedded spouse? 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 all of her strengths and offer yourself to her, with all of your own faults and strengths? Do you promise to love her faithfully through tears and laughter, sickness and health, work and play, now and forever? Do you promise to be a respectful and loving companion and always put the vows that you made this day above all else?”

Marie: “I do.”

“Will you now place the ring on your beloved’s finger and repeat after me?”

Marie places the ring half way on to Barbara’s finger

“With this ring, I thee wed. And giving it, I give you all my life, All that I am, All that I have, And all that I will become; From this day and forevermore, I choose you to be my lifetime companion.”

Marie places the ring fully on to Barbara’s finger

“As you look to your hand and your wedding band throughout the years, it will speak softly of the great gift you have been given in one another and may it be a reminder of this moment, that you have someone to face the challenges of life with, who loves you more than anything else in the whole world, never again do you walk alone, for your love shall be with you always. For you, Marie and Barbara, your rings specifically represent the resiliency of your relationship with the brilliant stones, and the three round stones signify the three decades of faithfulness, friendship and love that have flourished throughout your shared journey of life.”

Pronouncement of Marriage

“Having witnessed your marriage vows, with all who are assembled here today and by the authority vested in me by the State of New York, it is with great joy, that I now pronounce you united legally married, spouses for life.

You may now kiss your spouse.”

Couple kiss

Signing of The Marriage License

“Ginger and Jeanne, you have been asked to act as witnesses for Marie and Barbara. This is an honor that they wished to bestow upon you. You have both shared with them the ups and downs that life has brought, celebrated their joys and comforted them through their sorrows. And yet in the signing of their marriage license a tangible piece of you shall be with them always, to match the feelings they hold for you in their hearts. Will you please join us for the signing of the license?”

Couple step to behind the table where they are joined by Ginger and Jeanne. Marriage license is signed.