Thomas Anthony Bowles

On behalf of Mark and Jerome, I’d like to welcome you and thank you all for being here. They are thrilled that we’re here to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives. By our presence, we celebrate with them the love they have for each other and support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. We come together to witness and proclaim the joining together of these two individuals in marriage.

This is the union of two people in heart, body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but respectfully, honestly, and deliberately. And it is into this union that Mark and Jerome come now to be joined.

Getting to know the two of you over the years, I have come to admire the relationship you have. It is not only one built on love, but on friendship. We all enjoy how you can laugh with and at yourselves, never taking yourselves too seriously. What I know everyone here also sees is how the two of you quietly support one another, accept the others’ flaws and do whatever is needed to take care of each other. The two of you have a relationship of love, friendship, compassion and honesty, and that is what a successful marriage is built on.

And now a reading that expresses the sense of joy and love on this occasion. It is called 'To My Friend':

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

Mark and Jerome, today is the public affirmation and acknowledgement of all that you are to each other. Seemingly your relationship will be as it has always been; yet there is a power in the spoken word. May that power bring you all the warmth and closeness, security and comfort, joy and happiness that this world has to offer.

Mark and Jerome have chosen to exchange vows that they have written for each other. Please face one another and recite your vows.

Jerome’s vow to Mark

Mark’s vow to Jerome

A ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of unity and love, representative of the greater circle of life of which we all are a part of. Having neither a beginning nor end, but a continuous cycle of which each of you are an element. For you, it begins with the gift of life, and will continue through the end of time.

Jerome, please place the ring on Mark’s finger and repeat after me – Mark, I give you this ring that you may wear, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you.

Mark, please place the ring on Jerome’s finger and repeat after me – Jerome, I give you this ring that you may wear, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you.

Mark and Jerome, We have heard your vows and your promise of faithful love. You have exchanged rings as a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. We recognize and respect the bond you have made here this day before each one of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power bestowed upon me, it is my honour and delight to declare you married and partners in life...for life.

Mark and Jerome, you may kiss each other.