Rebecca Lewis-Moran

Welcome family and friends.

We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Angela and Brittany.

This is not the beginning of a new relationship, but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in their lives together. Angela and Brittany have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become.

Today they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.

Angela and Brittany will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but also by celebrating the love between all of us -- including the love of their parents (both here and in spirit), siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.

*vows*

During one of Angela and Brittany's trips they discovered the Native American wedding vase. Both the beauty of the vase and the symbolism of this piece of art spoke to them. They knew instantly they wanted to incorporate it into their wedding ceremony.

Today, the Native American wedding vase remains symbolic of the idea of marriage. There are two parts to the vase, which symbolize one half of the couple to be wed. In the middle is a handle, which joins these two parts just as a marriage does. So, the vase itself is inspired by the idea of joining two parts, which then become a single entity. A handle is usually crafted into the center of the vase, and the space between this handle and the vase's spouts is said to be symbolic of the circle of life. During the wedding celebrations, newlyweds take turns drinking from their wedding vase. Each offers the other a drink from the vase. Sometimes both will drink from the vase at the same time. If the couple is able to perform this ceremony without spilling a drop of liquid, it's said that they will go on to have a long and happy life together.

Now you will feel no rain,

For each of you will be shelter to the other.

You will feel no cold,

For each of you will be warmth to the other.

There is no more loneliness,

For each of you will be companion to the other.

You are two bodies,

But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,

To enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Repeat after me:

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.

Do you, _____, openly and honestly make this promise to _____?

*place ring on finger*

When you commenced this wedding ceremony, you stood before all assembled here as best friends and partners.

Through the exchange of wedding vows, you are now sealed together in a bond as wife and wife.

You may have kissed many times before, but now your kiss is a demonstration of your perpetual love and commitment to each other.

Your kiss is also a promise to stand together during the happy times and during times of adversity.

May you experience great love, joy, and happiness as you walk through life together.

May you also have the strength and perseverance to weather the storms that life may bring your way.

In celebration of your love and commitment to one another, you may now BOTH kiss the bride!

I now present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Angela and Brittany ********!