We had so many requests for a written version of the ceremony and vows to be available to read! Thank you for all the kind words of praise about the ceremony. We are touched that you found it enjoyable!
Gathering Words
Good evening & welcome. We invite you to leave behind the worries and concerns of every day life and join us in the celebration of this marriage.
This is an opportunity for us to share not only in the joy of David and Belen's love, but also to reaffirm and appreciate the love and the friendship we experience in our own lives.
Belen and David have chosen these beautiful surroundings to be the setting for the public affirmation of their love.
David and Belen 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.
Marriage is a conscious act of will. The married couple 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. Belen and David, you have made the commitment to create and recreate this conscious partnership.
Marriage also 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.
David and Belen 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 coast; to give as well as receive; and to be with, stay with, and move toward one another.
Blessing to the Four Directions
[Four candles on stands will be set - to each side, behind Andre and behind us.]
Throughout history, humanity’s faiths and creeds have universally believed the human soul shared characteristics with all things celestial. They therefore designated virtues to the East, South, West, and North. So, in keeping with that tradition, we begin this ceremony.
[Meltem says and lights]
We light this candle, symbolizing the renewal of all things. We bless this marriage with the virtues of the East: communication between your hearts, minds, and bodies; fresh beginnings with the rising of every day's Sun; and the value of the wisdom of sharing silences.
[Andre says and lights]
We light this candle, symbolizing the fires of passion. We bless this marriage with the virtues of the South: a warm and welcoming home; the delight of your hearts' passion; and the ability of both to lighten the darkest of times.
[Paul says and lights]
We light this candle, symbolizing the depths of understanding. We bless this marriage with the virtues of the West: the deepness of the lake; the swift flow of the river; the newness after rain; and the all-encompassing fervor of the sea.
[Andre says and B&D light]
We light this candle, symbolizing a secure foundation. We bless this marriage with the virtues of the North: the trust and support of one another; a constant home to which you will always return.
Each of these blessings emphasizes things that will help you build a happy and successful marriage. But remember, they are only tools; tools you must both use – individually and together, in order to have what you seek from this marriage.
Through the lighting of these candles, we have completed a circle symbolizing the unbroken commitment into which Belen & David are entering.
Vows
This wedding ceremony is the public recognition of a commitment that David and Belen have already made privately in their hearts. It is also their commitment to their family and friends who know and love them.
By inviting you to bear witness to their vows this day, they have chosen to take you with them on the first step of their journey into marriage. Belen and David, have chosen to express their love and commitment to one another in the most personal and meaningful way—through vows they, themselves composed.
David's Vows:
Belen, canim.
I wish I can only hope to put into words, into vows, what you have given
to me, what you mean to me and what I offer of myself to you.
Along with the tradition of vows, I also want to offer my sincere thanks
for just some of the many things you have already brought to my life. You have taught me so much, patience, balance, thoughtfulness, and even
where the toothbrush belongs.
Thank you for making me laugh and glow uncontrollable countless times,
for teaching me to grow in a million little personal ways. For
challanging me, daring me, putting up with me and sharing this life with me. I look forward to learning and growing through you, to spending the rest
of my life creating memories, experiences with you.
Belen, I promise that I will always listen. That I will treat you with
courtesy and respect. I will share all of myself, my thoughts and my
love with you, without bonds or restraint. I have and will continue to
love all aspects of you, enjoy and treasure all of your facets. Continue
to work through, with understanding, all differences and troubles that
may arise. I will continue my unending struggle to give you beautiful
wrinkles through laughter and joy.
Above all you have my faith, trust and love.
Belen, by placing this ring upon your finger, I seal the promises I have
made in my heart and soul to you. I ask you to publically accept my hand
in marriage, to live our lives by these vows and promises.
Ruhlarimiz her daim bir olsun.
Belen's Vows:
Since we met, you have pushed my boundaries, redefined my paradigms, and generally turned my world upside down...and as it turns out, I rather
liked it. You were not who I expected to be The One...and yet, today, I cannot imagine my life without you.
You have become my strongest supporter and my harshest critic, my lover, my best friend, my business partner, and my favorite companion. You challenge me and sooth me. You encourage my independence and soak in my adoration. You pick me up when I hurt, and you hold me down when I fear.
You have taught me that happiness comes from being true to myself and not sacrificing it for others. You have encouraged me to go after my dreams, while leaving myself open to possibilities. You have shown me courage, self-awareness, strength, honesty...and I can truly say that I am a better person for knowing you.
I have moved more, slacked more, kissed more, and wrinkled more than I ever thought possible in only five years.
In the years to come, I promise you:
Laugh lines to rival the Grand Canyon's beautiful chasms
Patience for your penchant to begin debates at two in the morning
Nagging to do what it takes to become a healthy old man
Understanding for the bad days and
Glowing for the good days
Support for the things you love and
Encouragement for the things that take work
I offer you my commitment to a lifetime of happiness, pushing through the struggles to get back to the peace.
Having tasted the darkest and lightest of times with you, I promise to grow into a wrinkled, spunky old woman by your side. These are my vows to you, my love. Do you accept them as my pledge for our future?
[I Do]
Then I offer you this ring as the seal to the promise I made when you asked me to be your wife. I give it as the outward symbol of our connection and commitment to share our lives. Seni seviyoum, canim.
Affirmation of the Community
Every person present here represents an opportunity to love and support this commitment made between Belen and David. You each carry an obligation to be an advocate for their relationship.
Now that you have heard David and Belen exchange their vows, do you, their family and friends, promise to encourage and support them in creating a strong and vital marriage?
"We Do"
Concluding Prayer
It was love that brought you here today. It is love that makes your relationship a glorious union. It will be love that makes your marriage endure.
Today, you are embarking on a new journey. This is a journey no two have traveled before; it is unique to you.
It is up to you to make the most of your life together. Dream big dreams, love like there’s no tomorrow, and become the best people you know how to be.
May laughter, truth, peace, love, and hope flourish always in your union.
Benediction
[Andre puts out Belen and David’s candle]
Deep peace of the earth to you. May serenity and strength be with you.
[Andre puts out Paul’s candle]
Deep peace of the waters to you. May the streams of your lives flow unimpeded and the stillness of the deep pool reflect in your souls.
[Andre puts out his candle]
Deep peace of the sun to you. May you feel its warmth on your faces and in your hearts.
[Andre puts out Meltem’s candle]
Deep peace of the air to you as you breathe in its goodness. May the wisdoms of old flow to your ears.
We, your friends and family, hope that the inspiration of this ceremony will not be forgotten.
May you continue to love one another, always.
Marriage Pronouncement
Belen you are a compassionate friend, a creative soul, and a fountain of serenity. David you are an inspiration, the embodiment of adventure, and a source of original thought. I, for one, can not wait to see what wonderful achievements you will attain as a couple.
David you may kiss your bride!
[The Kiss]
It is my greatest pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. Schneider!
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