Jess and Ben's Wedding :: August 23, 2008

Introduction:
Jess and Ben stand at waters edge facing the assembled group on the beach, Jess to the right of Ben. Melissa stands centered between Jess and Ben, and halfway between Jess and Ben and the candle placed in the sand.

Melissa: Welcome everyone at this early hour. We have come together to wed Jessica, daughter of Elaine, William, and Patricia, to Benjamin, son of Jamie and Joseph. Today they build together the foundation of their marriage upon the earth, in the presence of the radiant sun, the cool ocean, and its breezes among family and friends.

About Marriage:
Melissa says something about the nature of marriage.

Melissa:
Here is a passage by Kahlil Gibran on marriage:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Blessing:
Melissa:
Vows part I:
Melissa turns and faces Jess and Ben but steps to Ben’s side so there is a clear view for guests. Jess and Ben turn to face each other.

Melissa:
Now it is time for you to vow to each other. ;) Repeat after me.

Ben:
I, Ben, take you, Jess, into my heart as my wife; (pause) loving you now and as you grow and develop into all that you will be. (pause) I will love you when we are together and when we are apart; (pause) when our lives are at peace and when they are in turmoil; (pause) when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you; (pause) in times of rest and in times of work. (pause) I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them. (pause) From the depth of my being, I will seek to be open and honest with you.

Jess:
I, Jess, take you, Ben, into my heart as my husband; (pause) loving you now and as you grow and develop into all that you will be. (pause) I will love you when we are together and when we are apart; (pause) when our lives are at peace and when they are in turmoil; (pause) when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you; (pause) in times of rest and in times of work. (pause) I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them. (pause) From the depth of my being, I will seek to be open and honest with you.

Ring Exchange:
Melissa: And we have rings to symbolize this union.
Melissa hands rings to couple.
Melissa:
A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. It is a symbol of holiness and of perfection and of peace. In these rings, it is the symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle, in which, wherever you go, you will always return to one another and to your togetherness.

Ben places ring on Jess’s finger while saying: "I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection.”

Jess places ring on Ben’s finger while saying: "I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection.”

Poem:
Melissa:
Jess and Ben asked that I read this poem.

I Promise, by anonymous

I promise to be there when you need me,
to fill your days with sunshine,
to comfort and encourage you,
to help you reach your goals,
to be your very best friend,
and to love you all my life
with all my heart.

Prayers:
Melissa:
And now, we will offer our hopes and prayers as Jess and Ben circle around the sacred fire.

Jess and Ben walk around the fire four times clockwise, alternating in who is on the inside. With the first turn, we pray for happiness in the union of the couple.
(pause until circle completed and Jess and Ben switch sides.)
With the second turn, we pray for the long life of the couple.
(pause until circle completed and Jess and Ben switch sides.)
With the third turn, we pray for the healthy life of the couple.
(pause until circle completed and Jess and Ben switch sides.)
With the fourth turn, we pray for the happiness and health of the couple.
On completing final circle, Jess and Ben return to standing in the surf, facing each other.

Vows part II:
Melissa:
Now is the time to confirm the marriage with the seven final steps.

I ask you, Jess and Ben, to concentrate upon these seven vows as you take seven steps:

Ben offers his (right) arm to Jess and they walk a step for each vow. The first three steps are away, the final four are back to the original spot.
1. May you be blessed with an abundance of food.
2. May you be strong and complement one another.
3. May you be blessed with prosperity.
4. May you be eternally happy.
5. May you be blessed with family and friends around you always.
6. May you live in perfect harmony.
7. May you always be the best of friends.

Kiss and Conclusion:
Melissa:
By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Man and Wife.

Ok, Ben, kiss her. ;)

Ben kisses Jess.

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