July 5, 2003

Dear Family & friends of Heather & Darren.We are here today because two well loved & admired people have decided to join their lives as one. Realizing the guidance & nurturance that their families have so warmly given them, and the joy & richness that friends have added to their lives, Darren & Heather have asked me to express their great happiness that you have all come here today to celebrate their marriage. Others that were not able to be here, and loved ones who are no longer with us, are in their thoughts & hearts. We give thanks today for joining together Darren & Heather as one, by the commitment of marriage. This ceremony represents the union of these two soul's with the spirit of love. This love makes them strong & courageous. Heather & Darren have reached the point of self discovery where they can offer themselves completely to one another. They both come now to be joined, each respecting the free will of the other.

First Reading

Love one another, yet make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup, yet not drink from the same cup. Give one another of your bread, yet eat not from the same loaf. Sing, dance, and be joyous together, yet let each of you stand alone. The strings of a lute are alone, though they vibrate with the same music. Give your hearts, yet not into each otheres keeping. For only the hands of life can contain your hearts. Stand together, yet not too close together, for the pillers of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree & cypress grow not in each other¹s shadow.

Song

Darren & Heather have come here today with precious gifts - they are a greater undrerstanding of love, life, commitment, & sacrifice. They have trust in each other, and they have faith in life's meaning & purpose. They are chosing to share their life experiences in enduring love & loyalty. The decision has already been made in their minds and in their hearts, so we are here today to witness the public expression of the commitment that they have already made privately to each other. I encourage you both to grow in such a way that you find your greatest joy & satisfaction in the giving of love & honor to one another. Cherish this vision of love that you both now hold, and believe in this idea of love which you both share, for it is binding, and is the final truth.

Exchange of Vows

I Darren/Heather ask you Heather/Darren, to be my partner, my friend, & my wife/husband. I affirm my intention to give you my deepest friendship & love-not only when our moments are high, but when they are low. I promise to love you & respect you, to give thanks for you, and to serve you with my wit, my strength, & my heart. I will be there, to listen to you, to encourage you, and to believe in you, even when you doubt yourself. I will love you & be there always.

Blessing & Presentation of Rings

Heather/Darren let this ring, which has no beginning & no end, symbolize to you my constant love & faithfulness.

Benediction

Spirit of love & life, out of this whole world two soul's have found each other. Their destinies shall be woven into one design. May your home be a place of happiness for all who enter it. Let it be a place for love, growing & sharing, and a place for music & laugther. May the beauty of your love for one another constantly enrich those closest to you. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband & wife. You may kiss the bride!!!!!!!

Closing Prayer

Now may those in the unseen world, who men have known and called Angels, walk close by each one here, as they set once more their foot upon the path. To bear them up, least they dash their foot against a stone. Let no one stumble, let no one fall, rather let each one be born up on wings of Angels.

Until we meet again... It is with joy, love, & honor that I introduce for the first time Darren & Heather Miller.

Song - all you need is love

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