Christopher Slavik

Good morning! Welcome and thank you to Adrian, Alex, and Oliver for joining us so bright and early on this chilly morning to celebrate the union of Donna and José. Today marks the beginning of their marriage commitment together, and it commemorates the trust, compassion, and respect these two lovebirds share.

Wedding Sermon

I’ve never performed a wedding before or written a ceremony—much less gotten married. But I researched, and I made observations at a wedding I recently attended. During the homily, that speaker asked if there could be anything more beautiful than the energized, young love of newlyweds, hopeful and optimistic and with all of life’s possibilities before them. And the surprise answer was yes, there is: old love, love that has endured decades of life’s experiences, good and bad, and which still survives and thrives into old age.

Now, clearly, you two fitness buffs are not senior citizens, but there is something to be said about the maturity and wisdom you are bringing to this marriage, having found each other in middle age. And how wonderful you came into each other’s lives when you did. You felt a strong connection from the beginning, one that was powerful, instant, and certain. And now you are choosing each other, for the rest of your lives. You’re making the decision to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter—and you’re deciding to do those things for the other. You’re vowing to be there, to bring out the very best in each other, to push each other, and you’re saying, “Every experience I am going to have, from now on, I want you to be a part of.”

The cornerstone of your relationship, you told me, is the opportunity to grow in every aspect. Marriage offers opportunities for sharing and for growth that no other relationship can equal; it is a joining that will both deepen and challenge your connection. It will be work, it will be hard. There will be arguments—about peaches and broccoli, and about more important things. It will take more than love—it will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other; dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult; and faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds.

While the commitment of marriage begins, of course, with the two of you, its effect radiates outward to your friends and family and beyond. And so today, out here in nature, on this beach, with your feet in the sand, with the water and the ducks, as the sunrise ushers in a brand-new day, I am so moved and I feel very privileged—I think we all do—that you invited us to bear witness to the promises that you’re making to each other in marriage.

I believe that to love another person is the most divinely beautiful thing we can do. You’re incredibly lucky. I wish you so much happiness . . . that you can groove to for years come.

Exchange of Vows

I now invite Donna and José to share the vows they have written for each other. Donna, would you please read yours first?

Donna’s vows

And José, would you please deliver your vows?

José’s vows

Declaration of Intent

Thank you both—those were beautiful. Are you ready? Please join hands.

Donna, do you take José to be your husband, and do you promise to encourage him and inspire him, laugh with him, love him fearlessly with abandon, and above all, promise to keep his heart safe, sharing your life with him forever?

Donna: I do.

José, do you take Donna to be your wife, and do you promise to encourage her and inspire her, laugh with her, love her fearlessly with abandon, and above all, promise to keep her heart safe, sharing your life with her forever?

José: I do.

Exchange of Rings

This is when people talk about wedding bands being a perfect circle with no beginning and no end, to represent the never-ending love the couple has for each other. That symbolism holds true, of course, but the particular rings that José and Donna have chosen also carry another special meaning. The steel in these rings is purposely forged together from two alloys to form a unique and exceptionally strong, durable metal, just as you two are casting your lives together to form a stronger one in the bond of marriage, now and into the future. Let these rings be a visible reminder of the enduring love you have for each other and of the commitments you make here today.

Please repeat after me: [Donna first, then José]

With this ring, I take you to be no other than yourself. /

Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, /

I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, /

through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.

Okay, now put the ring on his finger!

Pronouncement

While no one but you can declare yourselves married in spirit, we do want this to be legal, and I became internet-ordained just so I could say this: José and Donna, homedog and Sassykamp, by the power vested in me, it is my extreme honor to pronounce you husband and wife!