HANDFASTING CEREMONY

Celebrant: Welcome friends and family, those of you who are here today and welcome to those from far away places who join us in spirit. And to those loved ones who are no longer with us on this earth plane, we welcome in spirit, Charlene's mother and father, Don and Millie, Aunt Fay, Malik's grandmother Lucie and daughter Karen, and all the ancestors who through their blood line have made possible this blessed day. We are gathered here together to love and support this woman, this man and his children who join themselves together in a ritual of love. Charlene and Malik have not come here on this day to make a solemn promise or to exchange a sacred vow. They have already done that, long ago in their hearts. They have come here to make public their commitment; to say again their vow, aloud and in your presence, out of their desire that we will all feel a very real and intimate part of their decision, and thus make it even more powerful. They've also come here in the further hope that their ritual of bonding will bring us all closer together in the spirit of Love. You are not here as an audience. Your presence is an intimate part of this ceremony as participants in their rite of passage. Let all who are present within this circle be here of their own free will and let all hearts join to charge this circle with pure and perfect love on this happy day. May this sacred space be consecrated before God and may it be a Guardian and Protector for what we do this day. Let this be a day of gladness, thanksgiving, possibility, and great good fortune for all of us, especially Charlene and Malik who are coming together to demonstrate the wonder of love through the celebration of their marriage.

Celebrant: As we come together within this sacred circle, we ask the One Living Spirit, the omnipresent God, to guide us in this work, to bless these rites and this union. Grant Charlene and Malik harmony and beauty in their lives and let them be ever mindful of their commitment, one to the other.

 

NORTH (Joan Kaufman)

Blessings of EARTH (Basket with green ribbons, salt, stones, sticks, herbs)

Celebrant: I now call upon the blessings of Earth; good health, a happy home, groundedness, and steadfastness
(Joan walks forward to the center of the circle)

Joan: I represent the North, the symbol of Earth, the foundation and sustenance of life. Know and remember that this is the element of law, of endurance, of understanding that cannot be shaken. I bring to your wedding the power of consistency and steadfastness.
Celebrant: May the element of earth, with roots of love that grow deep, bless this man and this woman with wisdom, strength and consistency to be theirs throughout their union.

Joan: Will your love survive the times of stillness and restriction and continue to anchor your hearts together?

Charlene and Malik: It will.

Joan: Then accept these gifts as a symbol of the Blessings of Earth. (Offer the basket) May your union be strong and fruitful and may the light of love shine over your land. (Hand basket to Charlene)

 

EAST (David Gittens)

Blessings of AIR (Basket with yellow and white ribbons, feathers, wind chimes, incense)

Celebrant: I now call upon the blessings of Air; wisdom, good communication, learning, and intellectual growth

(David walks forward to the center of the circle)
David: I represent the East, the symbol of Air, the inspirational breath of life. Know and remember that this is the element of life, of intelligence, of inspiration that moves us onward. I bring to your wedding the power of thought and inspiration.
Celebrant: May the element of air, with nimble fingers, weave tightly the bonds of the heart and spirit between these two. With a whisper of love and the breath of life, strengthen these bonds, and let none undo the fabric of their love.
David: Will your love survive many seasons and continue to breathe life into your relationship?

Charlene and Malik: It will.

David: Then accept these gifts as a symbol of the Blessings of Air. (Offer the basket) May the song of love be carried on the wind and may every new dawn awaken you to morning song. (Hand basket to Malik)

 

SOUTH (Julia Feltus)

Blessings of FIRE (Basket with red and orange ribbons, candle, leaves, red rose)

Celebrant: I now call upon the blessings of Fire; creativity, harmony, sensuality, and vitality

(Julia walks forward to the center of the circle)
Julia: I represent the South, the symbol of Fire, the creative force of life. Know and remember that this is the element of light, of primal energy, of vigor that runs through our veins. I bring to your wedding the power of energy and will.
Celebrant: May the element of fire with it's kiss of desire, give their bond, their passion and love it's own all-consuming ardor, ever burning, yet never consuming one or the other.
Julia: Will your love survive the harsh fires of change and continue to burn even brighter?

Charlene and Malik: It will.

Julia: Then accept these gifts as a symbol of the Blessings of Fire. (Offer the basket) May the radiance of love enter your hearts and may your home be filled with warmth. (Hand basket to Charlene)

WEST (Mike Ernest)

Blessings of WATER (Basket with blue ribbons, shells, willow, water,)

Celebrant: I now call upon the blessings of Water; Understanding, emotional support, intuition, and friendship

(Mike walks forward to the center of the circle)

Mike: I represent the West, the symbol of Water, the lucid dream of life. Know and remember that this is the element of love, of growth, of emotional realms into which we delve. I bring to your wedding the power of emotion and desire.
Celebrant: May the element of water, with it's tender and fluid embrace, grant this couple a love as deep as the ocean and may richness of body, soul and spirit be theirs evermore.

Mike: Will your love survive the ebb and flow of feeling and continue to be a wellspring?

Charlene and Malik: It will.

Mike: Then accept these gifts as a symbol of the Blessings of Water. (Offer the basket) May waves of love pour forth from the sea and may the cup of your life be filled. (Hand basket to Malik)

 

DIVINITY (Shirley Bates)

Blessings of GOD (Basket with purple and white ribbons, Celtic cross, ivy,…???….)

Celebrant: Above you, the stars. Below you, the stones. As time does pass, remember…Like a star, should your love be constant. Like a stone, should your love be firm. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage. Let the strength of your wills bind you together. Let the power of love and desire bring you happiness and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, yet not so close that you restrict one another. Possess one another, yet grant each other freedom to grow. Be understanding and compassionate. Have patience with each another, for though storms may come, quickly they shall pass. Stand strong in each other's strengths. As you give love so shall you receive love. Be free in giving warmth and affection; make love often and with one another be sensuous. As the sun's warmth and the earth's magic bring forth life, so shall you create something new by the blending of your energies. Fear not, lest the ways or words of the unenlightened give you dis-ease, for the blessings of God are with you…(Pick up, offer the basket)…abundance, balance, beauty, freedom, joy, love, order, peace, power, unity, wholeness, and wisdom. These gifts, symbolic of the blessings of God, represent your Real and Highest Self. Accept them as a symbol of your larger understandings, of your spiritual nature and your spiritual truth. (Hand basket to Malik)

(Four Elements be seated)

(Charlene and Malik put marriage baskets on tables)

 

(Celebrant to pick up wreaths and hand to Charlene and Malik)

Celebrant: And now I give you these wreaths symbolizing your individual understanding of earthly things; that you both know and agree how life will be with you in bodily form, and within the physical structure called marriage. Charlene & Malik will now share their understandings, and commemorate that sharing. We'll begin by asking the question, "Why get married?" so they can be sure of their answer, certain of their understanding, and firm in their commitment to the truth they share. Now Charlene & Malik, you have told me it is your firm understanding that you are not entering into this marriage for reasons of security…that the only real security is not in owning or possessing, nor in being owned or possessed…not in demanding or expecting, and not even in hoping, that what you think you need in life will be supplied by the other…but rather, in knowing that everything you need in life--all the love, wisdom, and insight; all the power, knowledge, and understanding; all the nurturing, compassion, and strength--reside in you, and that you are not each marrying the other in hopes of getting these things, but in hopes of giving these gifts, that the other might have them in even greater abundance. Is that your firm understanding now?

Charlene and Malik: It is.

Celebrant: And you have told me it is your firm understanding you are not entering into this marriage as a means of in any way limiting, controlling, hindering, or restricting each other from any true expression and honest celebration of that which is the highest and best within you--including your love of God, of life, and of people; your love of creativity, of work, or of any aspect of your being that genuinely represents you and brings you joy. Is that still your firm understanding now?

Charlene and Malik: It is.

Celebrant: Finally, Charlene and Malik, you have said to me that you do not see marriage as producing obligations, but rather as providing opportunities…opportunities for growth, for full Self-expression, for lifting your lives to their highest potential, for healing every false thought or small idea you ever had about yourself, and for ultimate reunion with God through the communion of your two souls…that this is truly a Holy communion…a journey through life with one you love as an equal partner, sharing equally both the authority and the responsibilities inherent in any partnership, bearing equally what burdens there be, basking equally in the glories. Is that the vision you wish to enter into now?

Charlene and Malik: It is.

Celebrant: We now bind the wreaths together as a symbol of your sharing of these agreements and understandings with love.

(Charlene and Malik place wreaths together, Shirley ties them with ribbon)

The wreath is a traditional symbol of matrimony and friendship. Rosemary symbolizes remembrance; dill, passion; and the rose, unity and beauty. May these wreaths serve as a reminder of the vows spoken here this day.

May you always take the time to find the beauty around you and the passion within you, and to feel the strength that your unity provides you.

(Charlene puts tied wreaths on table and picks up four wreaths for family, hands two to Malik)

 

GIFTS TO FAMILY

Celebrant: Marriage is more than the joining of two lives, it is the union of two families. The wreath represents the circle of life, for all things in this universe move in circles, as do we in the family circle. Our love is part of the Circle of Life, for we laugh and cry, uplift and are supported, grow and then die, and through our love, bring more love to others. Charlene: You have lovingly and willingly opened your lives and hearts to me and treated me with nothing but love, respect, and kindness. For this, I am grateful. (Charlene give wreaths to Emma and Rudy) Accept this gift as a symbol of my love for you.

Malik: I too am grateful. (Malik give wreaths to Jim and Yvonne) Accept this gift as a symbol of my love for you.

 

(Celebrant invites Max and Emily to the center of the circle, Charlene picks up her basket)

Celebrant: The Circle of Family is not made by blood alone, but by love, respect and commitment as well. Indeed, the Circle of Family made by choice can be as strong or stronger than that of blood. As we honor each other and the choices we make, we, in turn, honor ourselves. When we honor ourselves, we honor the Divine Spirit that lives within us all. Let mutual love and respect be the foundation of this family by acknowledging the value of each other's choices. It is by the union of Charlene and Malik that this family is made. Let them be as one, to sing and dance together, laugh and cry together, live and love together. Let no secrets divide the Circle of Family.

(Charlene take vows from basket, hands basket to Malik)

Charlene: Max and Emily, I promise always to treat you with love and respect. I promise to foster my relationship with you and always to be there for you in any way I can. I promise to support you in your relationship with both your mother and your father and I promise always to listen. I also promise always to treat your father with love and respect and model for you a healthy, loving and supportive relationship in the belief that one day you too will find such happiness in love.

Celebrant: Charlene, Do you bring tokens of your love that are symbolic of your commitment to Max and Emily?

Charlene: I do. (Charlene take rings and necklace from basket, put necklace on Max, place ring on Emily) Accept these gifts as a symbol of my love for you.

(Children be seated)

(Charlene take basket from Malik, put on table)

(David Grace walk forward to center of circle to read)

 

Oh call it by some better name,
For friendship sounds too cold,
While love is now a worldly flame,
Whose shrine must be of gold;
And Passion, like the sun at noon,
That burns o'er all he sees,
Awhile as warm, will set as soon
Then, call it none of these.
Imagine something purer far,
More free from stain of clay
Than Friendship, Love, or Passion are,
Yet human still as they:
And if thy lip, for love like this,
No mortal word can frame,
Go, ask of angels what it is,
And call it by that name!
-Thomas Moore

 

Celebrant: Charlene & Malik, you are here because separately and for a long time, you have each chosen the path of self-knowledge. You have paid attention to who you are, what your life means and where you are going. The wedding is the occasion of the shedding of your solitary journeys in favor of bonding together. Your marriage, as well as being the state of joining with another human being, is also the union of two people committed to the process of their own becoming. Marriage is a very special place, the sheltered environment in which we can endlessly explore ourselves in the presence of another and in which we can offer the possibility of the true reflection of another. Charlene and Malik have now found one another; they know in their souls how perfectly matched they are, and that they have chosen on this day of most special days to become for all time the accurate and beautiful reflection of each other's essence. We ask that the vision they have of one another be always informed by the spellbinding, radiant power that first brought them together, and we pray that as they move into the hallowed ground that is marriage they will always hold one another in the light of all light, the love of all love. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life the extraordinary has happened. They have experienced the delicious stages of romance, to discover the love of substance and depth they are consecrating with marriage today. Romance is play, but true love is intention and it is their intending to love for life that we are celebrating today. But today is also a celebration for the rest of us, for it is a pleasure for us to see love in bloom, to participate in the wedding of two people so delightfully suited to one another. Therefore, Charlene and Malik, we thank you. You've brightened our day, and shown us that love can bloom, that marriage is a worthy enterprise, and that happy, openhearted people undertake it joyously. If we commit ourselves to one person for life, this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather, it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love that is permanent; into that love that is not possession but participation. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation that is our human calling. If our love for each other really is participatory, then all other human relationships nourish it: it is inclusive, never exclusive. Marriage is an invitation to transcend the human condition. For in stepping beyond the self-focus of wanting only to have our own needs met, in schooling ourselves in the experience of putting another human being and his or her needs in a position of value equal to our own, we touch the web of transcendence, the presence of the divine.

(Laurie steps forward to center of circle to read)

 

The bond that unites hearts most perfectly is loyalty. True lovers once united must show forth the utmost faithfulness to one another. You must dedicate your knowledge, talents, fortunes, titles, bodies, and spirits to God and to each other. Let your hearts be spacious, as spacious as the universe of God!

Allow no trace of jealousy to creep between you, for jealousy, like poison, vitiates the very essence of love. Let not the ephemeral incidents and accidents of this changeful life cause a rift between you. When differences present themselves, take counsel together in secret, lest others magnify a speck into a mountain. Harbor not in your hearts any grievance, but rather explain its nature to each other with such frankness and understanding that it will disappear, leaving no remembrance. Choose fellowship and amenity and turn away from jealousy and hypocrisy.

Your thoughts must be lofty, your ideals luminous, your minds spiritual, so that your soul may become a dawning-place for the Sun of Reality. Let your hearts be like two pure mirrors reflecting the stars of the heaven of love and beauty.

Together make mention of noble aspirations and heavenly concepts. Let there be no secrets one from another. Make your home a haven of rest and peace; be hospitable and let the doors of your house be open to friends and strangers. Welcome every guest with radiant grace and let each feel that it is his or her own home.

No mortal can conceive the union and harmony that God has designed for husband and wife. Nourish continually the tree of your union with love and affection so that it will remain evergreen and thriving throughout all seasons and bring forth luscious fruits for the healing of nations.

O beloved of God, may your home be a vision of paradise, so that whosoever enters there may feel the essence of purity and harmony, and cry out from the heart, "Here is the home of love! Here is the palace of love! Here is the nest of Love! Here is the garden of love!"

Be like two sweet-singing birds perched upon the highest branches of the tree of life, filling the air with songs of love and rapture.

Lay the foundation of your affection in the very center of your spiritual being, at the very heart of your consciousness, and let it not be shaken by adverse winds.

And when God-given sweet and lovely children are in your care, consecrate your selves to their instruction and guidance, so that they may become imperishable flowers of the divine rose-garden, nightingales of the ideal paradise, servants of the world of humanity, and the fruit of the tree of your life

Live in such harmony that others may take your lives for an example and may say one to another: "Look how they live like two doves in one nest, in perfect love, affinity, and union. It is as though from all eternity God had kneaded the very essence of their beings for the love of one another."

Attain the ideal love that God has destined for you, so that you may become partakers of eternal life forthwith. Quaff deeply from the fountain of truth, and dwell all the days of life in a paradise of glory, gathering immortal flowers from the garden of divine mysteries.

Be to each other as heavenly lovers and divine beloved ones dwelling in a paradise of love. Build your nest on the leafy branches of the tree of love. Soar into the clear atmosphere of love. Sail upon the shoreless sea of love. Be firm and steadfast in the path of love, bathe in the shining rays of the sun of love, be firm and steadfast in the path of love, perfume your nostrils with the fragrance from the flowers of love. Attune your ears to the soul-entrancing melodies of love. Let your aims be as generous as the banquets of love, and your words as a string of white pearls from the ocean of love. Drink deeply of the elixir of love, so that you may live continually in the reality of Divine Love.

(Laurie be seated)

Celebrant: Charlene and Malik, now that you have heard about the magic and the mysteries of marriage, the way it will continuously surprise you, the strength and wisdom it will everlastingly ask of you, do you still and happily and in our midst wish to make the promises of marriage?

Charlene and Malik: I do.

Celebrant (to Charlene): Charlene, is it your intention now to make a lifetime commitment, to marry Malik, to happily hold him above all and have him as your husband?

Charlene: It is.

(Charlene take scroll from basket)

 

"I OFFER MYSELF TO YOU"

I have known you in my mind
And held you in my heart
For a long, long time.
The fact that you actually exist
Has left me stunned and amazed.
I am so pleased to have met you.
In you I find a strong and gentle man
Whom I trust, respect, admire and appreciate.
And although I deserve to have you in my life,
I would feel ever so lucky
To be welcomed into yours.
I believe in you without reservation
And find myself loving you without hesitation
You are all that I've dreamt of
And more than I've hoped for.
You are kind and understanding
Honest and open, gentle, sensual and sincere
Wise and humble, giving and caring,
Loving, sensitive and real.
Warm and affectionate, playful and fun
Happy, capable and *here.
(*here, in the moment, presence of mind)
You are so full of love and life
With so much goodness to offer
And so for you, I want to be a part
Of all that life has to offer you.
Thus you inspire me
To be the very best that I can be
Because you are deserving
Of all that I have to give.
My outpouring of all things good
Belongs to you.
You are my love
And I long to be with you.
I want to share with you my life
And watch you in awe
As your own good life unfolds.
You are a joy to behold!
I love and adore you
And I offer myself to you
Body, heart, mind, and soul.

(Charlene put scroll back in basket)

Celebrant: Malik, is it your wish to accept this offer?

Malik: It is.

Celebrant: Is it your intention now to make a lifetime commitment, to marry Charlene, to happily hold her above all and have her as your wife?

Malik: It is.

(Malik take scroll from basket)

 

"I HAVE CHOSEN YOU"

You have embraced all the aspects of my nature.
You have loved me completely, for both my strengths and my weaknesses.
You have given me the courage and faith to trust you, to let you love me as an entire person.
You have allowed me to embrace all aspects of your nature.
You have let me love you completely, for both your strengths and your weaknesses.
You have shown courage and faith in me, to trust me to love you as an entire person.
I have chosen you, above all others, just as you are, to share my life.
I have faithfully pledged my heart to you during these past three years
And I come here today of my own free will to marry you.

(Malik put scroll back in basket)

 

Celebrant: Today, you have come here to be handfasted following a three-year trial period according to Celtic tradition. What have you discovered during your trial period that has led you to this decision?

Charlene and Malik: That love did last.

Celebrant: Malik, why commit yourself to one woman?

Malik (to Shirley): Other worthy women there are, but none like my beloved. In three years, love has waxed, not waned. My beloved has been my lover and my friend. For me, there can be no other.

Celebrant: Charlene, why be married at all? Behold, in the world around you, marriages falter.

Charlene (to Shirley): My beloved and I have been tested, and proven these three years. In every adversity, my beloved did not retreat from life’s challenges and our bonds did not break, but did wax even stronger. Each of us has grown stronger and more pure and now I see myself in my beloved's eyes.

Celebrant: How have you entered this circle?

Charlene and Malik: I have entered of my own free will, in perfect love and perfect trust.

Celebrant: Will you, Charlene and Malik, love one another, honor each the other as your spouse, help one another in weakness, and care for one another in sickness, with patience and kindness?

Charlene and Malik: I will.

Celebrant: Then let us proceed so that you may know the joy of matrimony.

 

(Enter Max and Emily with wands and rings)

Celebrant: What symbols do you bring as a reminder of the promises given and received today? (Charlene and Malik remove rings from wands and hand to celebrant) A circle is the symbol of the Sun, and the Earth, and the Universe. It is a symbol of holiness, and of perfection and peace. It is also the symbol of the eternality of spiritual truth, love and life…that which has no beginning and no end. And in this moment, Charlene and Malik choose for it to also be a symbol of unity, but not of possession; of joining, but not of restricting; of encirclement; but not of entrapment. For love cannot be possessed, nor can it be restricted. And the soul can never be entrapped. Now Charlene and Malik, please take these rings you wish to give, one to the other. (Charlene and Malik each take the others rings from celebrant)

 

Celebrant (to Malik): Place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me… I, Malik…ask you, Charlene…to be my partner, my lover, my friend, and my wife…I announce and declare my intention…to give you my deepest friendship and love…not only when your moments are high, but when they are low…not only when you remember clearly Who You Are, but when you forget…not only when you are acting with love, but when you are not…I further announce before God and those here present...that I will seek always to see the Light of Divinity within you…and seek always to share the Light of Divinity within me…even--and especially--in whatever moments of darkness may come. It is my intention to be with you forever…in a Holy Partnership of the soul…that together we may do God's work…sharing all that is good within us…with all those whose lives we touch.

Charlene, do you choose to grant Malik's request to be his wife?

Charlene: I do.

Celebrant: Now, Charlene, place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me. I, Charlene… ask you, Malik…to be my partner, my lover, my friend, and my husband…I announce and declare my intention…to give you my deepest friendship and love…not only when your moments are high, but when they are low…not only when you remember clearly Who You Are, but when you forget…not only when you are acting with love, but when you are not…I further announce before God and those here present…that I will seek always to see the Light of Divinity within you…and seek always to share the Light on Divinity within me…even--and especially--in whatever moments of darkness may come. It is my intention to be with you forever…in a Holy Partnership of the soul…that together we may do God's work…sharing all that is good within us…with all those whose lives we touch.

Celebrant: Do you choose to grant Charlene’s request to be her husband?

Malik: I do.

Celebrant (to both): Let these circles of gold, reflect the circle in which you now stand, to be the constant reminder of the pledges exchanged. Let it remind you daily of the wheel of life and the unbroken cycles of eternity.

THE HANDFASTING

(Celebrant ask bride for union cord, bride and groom to face each other and take hands right to right, left to left)

(Charlene take union cord from basket, give to celebrant)

Celebrant: The lover's knot, or knot of destiny, will now be tied by Divine Power in the name of Love. (Celebrant ties hands). With this cord, I bind you to the vows that you each have made. As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of joy, love, trust, and mutual support. This bond I draw between you: That though you are parted in mind or in body, there will be a call in the core of you, one to the other, to which no one else will answer. By the secrets of earth and water this bond woven--unbreakable, irrevocable; by the law that created fire and wind this call is set in you, in life and beyond life.

Malik, repeat after me…By seed and root…by bud and stem…by leaf and flower and fruit…by life and love…in the name of God…I, Malik, take thee, Charlene, to my hand, my heart and my spirit.

Charlene, repeat after me… By seed and root…by bud and stem…by leaf and flower and fruit…by life and love…in the name of God…I, Charlene, take thee, Malik, to my hand, my heart and my spirit.

With this binding I tie you, heart to heart, together as one. Charlene and Malik, together repeat after me…Heart to thee…soul to thee…body to thee…forever and always…and so it is! With this knot you are joined in sacred union. May God smile upon you, and bless you with love, happiness, peace, health, and prosperity.

 

Celebrant: We recognize with full awareness that only a couple can administer the sacrament of marriage to each other, and only a couple can sanctify it. Neither a church, nor any power vested in me by the state, can grant me the authority to declare what only two hearts can declare, and what only two souls can make real. And so now, inasmuch as you, Charlene, and you, Malik, have announced the truths that are already written in your hearts, and have witnessed the same in the presence of these, your family and friends, and the One Living Spirit…we observe joyfully that you have declared yourself to be…husband and wife. (Kiss) Let us now join in prayer…Spirit of Love and Life, out of this whole world, two souls have found each other. Their destinies shall now be woven into one design, and their perils and their joys shall not be known apart. Charlene and Malik, may your home be a place of happiness for all who enter it; a place where the old and the young are renewed in each other's company, a place for growing and a place for sharing, a place for music and a place for laughter, a place for prayer and a place for love. May those who are nearest to you be constantly enriched by the beauty and the bounty of your love for one another, may your work be a joy of your life that serves the world, and my your days be good and long upon the Earth. And now I challenge you to untie the Lover's Knot, for as in all life's challenges, one must find the Center, for therein lies the answers…."Seek thee first and ye shall find"… (Charlene and Malik untie the knot) This cord in now untied, but you are not unbound from each other. May your union flourish and succeed. May you be one forever.

(Charlene put union cord back in basket)

 

Celebrant: On this your wedding day, we celebrate the Celtic spirit of the anam cara. I ask you now to toast one another as soul friends by repeating the following:

Today, I recognize you, my anam cara
And ask that you become a part of me, in sacred kinship.
With you I will share my innermost self, my mind and my heart.
With you, I have lost all fear and have found the greatest courage.
I have learned to love and let myself be loved.
With you, I have found a rhythm of grace and gracefulness.
Love has reawakened in my life; a rebirth; a new beginning.
With you my anam cara,
I am understood,
I am home.

(Celebrant gives Loving Cup to Charlene)

And now, please drink to the love you've shared in the past (take turns sipping from loving cup)

Drink to your love in the present, on this your wedding day. (sip, sip)

And drink to your love in the future and forever more. (sip, sip)

The Celts believed, as we do now, the way you view your future actually shapes it…("Change your thinking, change your life.")…As a group, let us take a moment of silence to visualize the lifetime of happiness in store for Charlene and Malik. (a moment of silence) As you make your way to the celebration site, stop at the "Pebble Toss" and put that visualization of their joyous future out in to the Universe as you toss your pebbles into the water.

 

Now, as Celebrant--and on behalf of Charlene and Malik, I extend their thanks to all of you for your love, support and participation in this rite of passage. (sweeping gesture to all in attendance)

Further, I wish to express Charlene and Malik’s deep-felt gratitude to those who presented the symbolic gifts of the elements—Earth, Air, Fire and Water. (gesture to each as I speak)

I know I speak for all of you and myself as I thank you, Charlene and Malik, for inviting us to share this holy and joyous day with you. (facing C&M, bowing slightly)

And finally, I give great thanks to God—for our lives, this glorious day, and the presence of loving family and friends. I invoke God’s blessing on this union, knowing it has been entered into with deep love and commitment on the part of Charlene and Malik. Their devotion to each other and to their families is truly an expression of the God presence within, and their life together will serve as a shining beacon for all to see. And so it is.

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