Ceremony Opening
To All:
We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Mark and Matthew the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives. This is not a new relationship, but rather one that has been tested over time and has grown stronger. This is a celebration of years of partnership.
To Mark and Matt:
True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.
Will the two of you please join hands?
No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities.
Reading: "Love is a Place" by Jimmy Shaw and Emily Haines
There’s spring in the air.
They’re sweeping the streets
Wind is a breeze.
The sun becomes her; he agrees.
What’s holding up her face?
Nothing but blue skies:
Passageways to windows
That don’t close.
Where do you live?
Love is a place.
Where are you from
She says, “ask yourself, ask anyone.”
What’s holding up her face?
Nothing but blue skies.
Passage ways, the mind’s eye contemplates
Love is a place.
Vows
Do you Mark, promise to be Matt’s partner in times of joy and in times of trouble, to provide for and support you in friendship, trust, and love and will you promise to build a life and home based on love?
Do you Matt, promise to be Mark’s partner in times of joy and in times of trouble, to provide for and support you in friendship, trust, and love and will you promise to build a life and home based on love?
Declaration
Since Mark and Matt have vowed to be loyal and loving toward each other, formalizing in our presence the existence of the bond between them, we bear witness to the ceremony they have performed-- the ceremony that has made them partners in life.
Because you have spoken a covenant of love and trust to each other you have made for yourselves a marriage and by the authority vested in by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) [and the state of __Indiana__], I am delighted to declare that your lives are now joined in marriage.
We gladly accept you in your new relationship one to another and pledge to dedicate ourselves to the continuing task of helping you build a deep and abiding love that touches all the world. We rejoice with you and as you prepare to leave it is with abiding confidence and affection we send you forth upon your journey of life together.
Benediction of Couple:
May all that is noble and lovely abide now and forever with Mark and Matt. May the love you have here declared blossom into that of fulfillment which only love can bring. With hearts full of joy, we make this our hope for you.
Benediction of Gathering:
May we leave here full of hope, joy, and love and may we remember always the two gathered here with affection, love, and supportive thoughts.
Presentation of Couple:
It is now my pleasure to present to you Matt and Mark- officially husbands! You may now kiss.