Wesley: Today we’re joined in a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, and of two people who have given so much to the world that the world’s gift was letting them find each other. I have the privilege today of performing this ceremony on behalf of Emma and Esther. Welcome, and thank you for being here.
The greatest happiness in life is that we are loved for the person that we are. If there is anything better than being loved, it is loving. This afternoon we are here to celebrate love. We come together to witness and support the joining together of these two persons in marriage.
Emma, Esther - you may have fallen in love by chance, but today you have made a choice. You’re both choosing to be with someone who enhances you. Who makes you think, who makes you smile, who makes every day better. And it is into this union that you come now to be joined.
I believe both women have chosen to recite a reading, please, go ahead.
Emma: Esther, I love you not only for who you are but for who you make me want to be when I am with you. You have given me roots, filled me with a sense of belonging and enriched every part of my life. I have always loved the world around me, but now I look forward to returning home. You have given my life a home, a home filled with flowers and with love.
Esther: Emma, your love for your fellow creatures and the world around you have done more than anyone could have done to make me good. You inspire me every day, by simply being yourself. You were my friend first and you remain so, but also so much more. I couldn’t imagine how happy I would be to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, the woman that I love.
Wesley: Emma, you have chosen Esther to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her, be honest with her always? Will you stand by her whatever may come?
Emma: I will!
Wesley: Esther, you have chosen Emma to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her, be honest with her always? Will you stand by her whatever may come?
Esther: I will
Wesley: Emma and Esther, we come to your vows. Will you please turn and face each other and hold hands. Now Emma, repeat after me.
"In the presence of our friends and loved ones, I Emma, choose you, Esther, to be my life partner. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
Emma: In the presence of our friends and loved ones, I Emma, choose you Esther, to be my life partner. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.
Wesley: Now, Esther, please repeat after me:
"In the presence of our friends and loved ones, I Esther, choose you, Emma, to be my life partner. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow."
Esther: In the presence of our friends and loved ones, I Esther, choose you, Emma, to be my life partner. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.
Wesley: Wonderful. Now, for the exchanging of rings. Tempest, may I have the rings, please? Ok, and a hug too, thank you. Esther, Emma, you've prepared your words for the exchanging of the rings, go ahead.
Emma: I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter, and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you.
Esther: I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love, and respect, my laughter, and my tears. With all that I am, I honor you.
Wesley: Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days. Now may the love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet with courage any problems, which may arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share today be with you always. And may everything you have said and done here today become a living truth in your lives.
Emma and Esther, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day before each one of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in my by the Province of Veta, it is my honor and delight to declare you married and partners in life, for life.
You may seal your vows with a kiss.
Emma: I'm so happy, Esther!
Esther: I can’t stop smiling!
Wesley: It is now my personal privilege and great joy to be the first one to introduce Emma and Esther as the newly married couple. Please follow us through to the
reception room to greet them warmly!