Here is a copy for posterity of the wedding vows I came up with for my marriage to Kim. I used several different sources and wove together the ceremony text. I got most of my insperation from the my wedding vows site. The top paragraph started as a word for word from Paul Newman’s wedding vows and I reworded it to fit our needs (Thanks Mr. Newman). The second to last sentence is a quote from Robert Heinlein that I snuck in. Tara performed our wedding ceremony and did a wonderful job. It was easily one of the happiest days of my life.
Tara
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is looking for parts of each other that make you happy. It is further cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the happy and the beautiful in all that life brings. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. If you are ready, Bobby, pronounce your vows to Kimberly.
Bobby
Kimberly, our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes but to navigate them successfully. Let us commit to the miracle of making each day work . . . together. With this ring I offer all of myself to you for all our life. (places ring)
Tara
If you are ready, Kimberly, pronounce your vows to Bobby.
Kim
Bobby, our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes but to navigate them successfully. Let us commit to the miracle of making each day work . . . together. With this ring I offer all of myself to you for all our life. (places ring)
Tara (does handfasting ceremony, then)
Bobby do you take Kimberly to be your lawfully wedded wife, till death do you part.
Bobby
I do
Tara
Kimberly do you take Bobby to be your lawfully wedded husband, till death do you part.
Kim
I do
Tara
I now pronounce you bonded together throughout this life
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 will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. May you live as long as you wish and love as long as you live. You may now unite this union with a kiss