Tawny Tigerlily Townsend

Queerly beloved,

We are gathered here today to witness the union of Emily Charlotte Cole and Laurelei Jaquelin Cliodhna Clare. From the time these two met, they have grown from denying their love for each other, to affirming it, to stoking that love, to revelling in it, and now we are ready to celebrate it. We exist on this Earth to love and be loved, and there is no better life than that.

In its purest form, love is a mirror through which we reflect the best parts of one another, and in doing so, encourage each other to grow together. Today, you stand before your beloved family, that they may reflect on what brought you together, and that you may reflect to them a bright and shining love that will strengthen you all.

--

Do you, Emily, take Cliodhna to be your wife, to support and to cherish, through joy and through sorrow, through sickness and health, through pain and through pleasure, from this day forward as long as your love endures?

[Emily's affirmation]

Do you, Cliodhna, take Emily to be your wife, to support and to cherish, through joy and through sorrow, through sickness and health, through pain and through pleasure, from this day forward as long as your love endures?

[Cliodhna's affirmation]

--

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you share with all those present today. You have chosen to write your vows, and it is with these words you will affirm your commitment one another. I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions.

When you're ready, you may begin.

[Cliodhna's Vows]

When I met you, I honestly didn’t expect this. When you asked me out, I didn’t expect this. When I proposed and you said yes, I still didn’t expect this. Because this is perfect, and I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find this kind of happiness.

I love everything about us. I love the strange little noises and cute little faces you make, I love your mind, sifting through your thoughts as you explore mine, talking for hours at a time. I love your patience with me, in everything. And I swear I will always be here for you, just like you’ve been here for me. I will always grow when I fuck up. I will always have time for your thoughts, and I know I will always love hearing you, and I will always stay by you. I love you so fucking dearly, Emily Charlotte, and I always will.

[Emily's Vows]

My loveliest Laurelei,

These couple years we've shared have been a roller coaster. Everything has changed so drastically around us, and you've been one of my few constants. We've grown together in weird and wonderful ways that I could never have expected. And, I love you in ways I had never thought possible.

I will always be yours. I'll be your shoulder, your anchor, your rock, your shield, and your sexy assistant. I will trust and respect you, and I will seek to understand you with openness and honesty, so we can face this world, united as one. I will always be there when you need me. And when we inevitably fuck up, I will help you put things back together, stronger than ever.

These last six months since the surgery, we've been through hell and back. We've been forced to deal with so much more than anyone should ever have to deal with. And we prevailed, and our bond is stronger for it. I give you this ring as a symbol of that strength.

--

"By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss!

[Ceremony ends]