Diane M Schaff

Big Sur Vows

David and Debra

I am so honored to officiate the marriage of two deeply loved friends at this magnificent location in Big Sur. The beauty of this land reflects the love you have for each other.  

Buddhism teaches that all peace and happiness depends upon having loving kindness toward one another. Buddha said mutual respect and mutual listening are the foundations of harmony within the family. As you evolve in your marriage may you continually treasure and support each other with the greatest respect, allowing both of you to seek fulfillment and enlightenment, creating and sharing happiness within your loving circle.

I know that you both appreciate art and beauty.  As you experience your lives together, think of the elements and textures of a finely woven tapestry where each section of the weaving depicts a period of your life.  The emerging pattern could reveal challenges as well as beautiful moments.  As the challenges are overcome, they artfully culminate into incredibly beautiful combinations of form and texture creating and symbolizing your lives in sync.

After 23 years together you have shown that you are on the right path, and that your marriage will endure forever.  Your relationship is an inspiration and a testament to the significance of a beautiful marriage and the life enhancement and peace it brings.  My lifetime love for you is that the light of your union shines brightly, fulfilling your friends and family with joy, inspiration and recognition. It is my hope and dream that your family will pass down to their children and to the generations to come, the art of creating strong meaningful relationships, healing a window of time in the universe.

At this time please speak what is in your heart to each other.

David to Debra (pause)

Debra to David. (Pause)

Do you David Hiegel take Debra Copeman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, in good times and in woe, for richer or poorer, from this day forward as long as you both shall live?

(I do)

Do you Debra Copeman take David Hiegel to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in woe, for richer or poorer from this day forward as long as you both shall live?

(I do)

By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife.

Sealed with kiss.

I leave you now with the following words.

May you always be in love.

May all that is love always be in you.

May your love be as beautiful on each day you share, as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be precious to you.

May you always see and encourage the best in each other.

May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage stronger and may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.