Clay & Mitzie

04-24-2010

Wedding location, The Cherry Chalet, Kennewick, WA

Photography by Max White

The Ceremony

Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today to witness the wedding of Clay and Mitzie, to take part in a ceremony and to celebrate a meaningful partnership of best friends and parents. 

Let us each today reflect upon the meaning of love, for let us not forget, in the final accounting, love and the search for love, are what life is all about.

A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered nor absorbed by the other. The strength of marriage comes not from a melting of two into one; but rather from a forging of two unique and valuable individuals inseparably to each other. 

Clayton and Mitzie are here today before God and the ones they love to share their marriage vows to one another, to bring a deeper promise and hope into their family and the lives of their children.

As we stand witness to the vows Clay and Miztie make to one another; let us remember, the true union between these two is the private union in their hearts.

It used to be said that in marriage man and woman are one. Today, Clay and Mitzie, give themselves to love; but do not give their individuality away, as it is their individuality and uniqueness of character that the other needs, that draw them together.

Clay and Mitzie understand and believe that this sharing of their lives is not at the expense of either person's individuality; but rather that each of them is stronger for having two people -- two wills -- two bodies -- to rely on and trust. 

Clay, Mitize, if you will please hold hands.

As you move from this moment onward in your lives, I ask you both to always remember, love is many things. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud, rude, nor self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

The fulfillment of love in marriage and union it symbolizes is one of life's highest experiences.  Most importantly, love is forgiving.  It is the glue to mend a broken heart, the light at the end of a dark tunnel. 

Clay, are you ready to enter into this estate with love, concern, trust and respect? [I am]

Before God, family and friends, will you please repeat the vows of your love and commitment to Mitzie after me:

I take you, Mitzie,

to be my wife, lover and best friend.

These things I promise you:

I will be faithful and honest.

I will respect, trust, help and care for you.

I will share my life with you.

I will share with you everything that is to come

throughout the rest of our lives together.

I will try to remember to shut my mouth

when you're good and pissed off.

Do you have a ring for your bride?

Please place this ring on Mitzie’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring is a sign of my love and commitment to you. 

Mitzie, are you ready to enter into this estate with love, concern, trust and respect?

Before God, family and friends, will you please repeat the vows of your love and commitment to Clay after me:

I take you, Clay,

to be my husband, lover and best friend.

These things I promise you:

I will be faithful and honest.

I will respect, trust, help and care for you.

I will share my life with you.

I will share with you everything that is to come

throughout the rest of our lives together.

I will forgive you

for not shutting your mouth sooner

when I'm good and pissed off.

Do you have a ring for your groom?

Please place this ring on Clay’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring is a sign of my love and commitment to you. 

Please place this ring on Clay's finger and repeat after me: This ring is a sign of my love and commitment to you. 

Clay, Mitzie, you have now consented to enter the Estate of Matrimony, and have given and pledged your faith to each other in the presence of God, your family and friends. It is with great honor and by the virtue of the authority vested in me to pronounce you husband and wife.

Clay, you may kiss your bride!

Family and friends, I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Fowler!