Harvey Charles Huff

Anna & Tom

8/4/2018

We have gathered here to celebrate the coming together of two lives and to witness the joining of Anna and Tom in marriage. To celebrate with them, the love they have discovered in each other and to support them in the making of this important and everlasting commitment.

The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in their entirety as lover, companion and friend. It is a decision which is not to be entered in to lightly, but rather it is to be undertaken thoughtfully and reverently, with gratitude for the past, hope for the future and great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

Love of another is one of the greatest experiences that we can share, for it adds depth of meaning to our lives. Marital love is one of life's greatest joys and when combined with genuine giving and sharing, the lives of each other will be infinitely enhanced. The day to day companionship, the joy of doing things together, and the delight of recounting experiences of things done separately, is a continuous and central part of what two people who love each other can share.

Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives... it must not diminish the individuality of each self but rather enhance the character of each partner. A good and balanced relationship is one which neither person is overpowered or absorbed by the other. Deep knowledge of another and a real understanding of the others feelings is not something that can be achieved in a short period of time but can only be developed fully with years of commitment, love and trust.

We are here today to celebrate the love which Anna and Tom have for each other and recognize their decision to take each other entirely and eternally. Into this bond of marriage these two people now come to be united. Anna and Tom your love for one another and your constant and continuous commitment to your vows will result in a marriage which is blessed with a peaceful home and a relationship that will flourish.

Expression of Intent

Do you Anna take Tom to be your beloved spouse, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Tom and support him, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love him completely, to console and comfort him during difficult times, to laugh with him and to grieve with him, to share with his life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with him, and to cherish him, for as long as you both shall live?

Anna: I do.

Do you Tom, take Anna, to be your beloved spouse, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Anna and support her, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love her completely, to console and comfort her during difficult times, to laugh with her and to grieve with her, to share with her life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with her, and to cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?

Tom: I do.

Ceremony of Rings:

Wedding rings serve as a symbol of the vows you have shared today. They are the outward and visible sign of an inward and evident love... which binds your hearts together. Rings are without edge or seam, having no beginning or end, so they symbolize the perfection of love that does not end. May these rings be a reminder to you of the vows you have shared and a symbol to all of your commitment to the marriage.

Anna take your ring for Tom and as you place it on his finger, repeat after me:

Tom receive this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder to you that I am always by your side. As I place it on your finger... I commit my heart and soul to you.

Tom take your ring for Anna and as you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

Anna receive this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder to you that I am always by your side. As I place it on your finger... I commit my heart and soul to you.

Pronouncement and Kiss:

Anna and Tom may you live in love all your days. May this love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet, any problems which may arise and challenge you with courage... and your relationship be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share, be with you always and everything you have said and done her today be a living truth in your lives.

Declaration

Having declared to each other and those present, your intentions to take each other in matrimony and in accordance with the laws of the state of New York..... I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

You may now share your first kiss together as one!

Niagara Falls Chapel

Harvey C. Huff