Ding Dong: the bells chimed at midnight

If you wish you were here last night . . .
If you were wondering what was said . . .
Now at least you'll have the script:

(MINISTER Ruby):
We are here to join together these two in matrimony, which is honorable among all people; and is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this estate these two now come to be joined.

Marriage is a union in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for help and comfort given in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving and legally stable environment may be attained.



Through marriage, David and Brian make a commitment together to face disappointments – embrace dreams – realize hopes – and accept failures. Brian and David will promise one another to aspire to these ideals through mutual understanding and openness – and sensitivity to each other.


A marriage stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.



Love One Another, verse by Kahlil Gibran,

Love one another, but make not a bond of love
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone
though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping;
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow


The vows


Do you Brian take David be your lawful wedded
husband? Brian responds, "I do.”

Will you love, respect and honor him throughout your years together? Brian responds, "I will."

Do you David take Brian to be your lawful wedded
husband? David responds, "I do.”

Will you love, respect and honor him throughout your years together? David responds, "I will."

Brian, Repeat after me:

I take you David
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer,
in sickness and in health
for as long as we both shall live.

David, Repeat after me:

I take you Brian
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer,
in sickness and in health
for as long as we both shall live.


The Rings

Would you place the rings in my hand?

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this unity, these two lives joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and all women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home they establish be a place that all will find a friend.

May these rings forever symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts.


(Handing ring to Brian)

(MINISTER RUBY)
Brian, place the ring on David’s finger and repeat after me:

“David, I give you this ring
as the pledge of my love
and as the symbol of our unity
and with this ring, I thee wed.”

(Handing ring to David)



(MINISTER RUBY) David, place the ring on Brian’s finger and repeat after me:

“Brian, I give you this ring
as the pledge of my love
and as the symbol of our unity
and with this ring, I thee wed.



Pronouncement

An Apache prayer expresses our parting hope:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.

Go now to your home,
To enter into the days of your life together,
And may your days be good and long upon the earth

(MINISTER RUBY):

May you always share with each other the gifts of love, generosity and kindness.


As David and Brian have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family, have pledged their love – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.

You have taken vows of marriage, but remember to always be each other’s friend.



And so, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you married.


–
Congratulations.




PHOTOS COMING SOON.
Just waiting for the bidding war between The National Enquirer and People to end.