theatre

music

ceremony text

food

mementos

photos

In its right relation, marriage is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. We are here to witness the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

Geoff and Sherren, you have come here today to celebrate the love that you have for each other. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in all the world whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and love.

Real love is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. Real love is not total absorption into each other; it is looking outward in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger, so you can be involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone.

(Geoff's dad, Frank, read the following excerpt from James Dillet Freeman's "Blessing for a Marriage")

May you always need one another - not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you embrace, but not out encircle, each other.
May you succeed in all-important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces.
May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults.
If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back.
May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another!

The meaning of marriage begins in the giving of words. We cannot join ourselves to one another without giving our word. And this must be an unconditional giving, for in joining ourselves to one another we join ourselves to the unknown. Because the condition of marriage is worldly and its meaning communal, no one party to it can be solely in charge. What you alone think it ought to be, it is not going to be. Where you alone think you want it to go, it will not go. It is going where the two of you and marriage, time, life, history, and the world will take it. You do not know the road; you have committed your life to a way. (Rainer Marie Rilke)

Always remember that no other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than those you now assume.

I Geoff, take you Sherren, as my wife / my friend, my beloved, and my companion/ to love, honor, cherish, and trust / through the good times and the bad / the laughter and the tears / all the days of my life.

I Sherren, take you Geoff, as my husband / my friend, my beloved, and my companion/ to love, honor, cherish, and trust / through the good times and the bad / the laughter and the tears / all the days of my life.

Let these rings symbolize the devotion and commitment you hold for each other. These rings, given in love, are an acknowledgment to the world that Geoff and Sherren are husband and wife.

Take this ring / as a sign of my love and affection / in token and pledge / of my constant faith and abiding love. / With this ring, receive all I am and dream and have.

Today you are joined together as husband and wife, but you still must decide each and every day that stretches before you, that you want to be married. What you have promised today, must be renewed and decided again tomorrow, and every day thereafter.

These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness.

May you love deeply, laugh heartily, practice patience, and smile often.
May you dream together, grow, be crazy, give, give in, and trust enough to take.
May you see many sunrises, listen to the rain, savor special moments.
May you rediscover each other, listen carefully and always have open hearts.

Having met the requirements of the State of Texas and with the authority granted to me by this loving couple, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss!

I present to you Geoff and Sherren Harter as husband and wife...