Rik & Emily's wedding vows

(Courtesy of Judge Ron A. Mamiya)

Friends,

We are gathered here at this hour to witness and to celebrate the coming together of two separate lives. We have come to join this man, Rik, and this woman, Emily, in marriage, to be with them and rejoice with them in the making of this important commitment. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in his or her entirety, as lover, companion and friend. It is, therefore, a decision that is not to be entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives; a sharing that must not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one which is continually developing and where individual growth and understanding of the other are essential. Deep knowledge of another cannot be achieved in a short time; real understanding of the other's feelings can develop fully only with years of intimacy. This wonderful knowledge of another grows out of really caring for the other so much that one wants to understand as completely as possible what the other is feeling. Thus, it is possible to share not only joys and successes, but also the burden of sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is priceless since such understanding and acceptance make it easier to live with our problems, failings and worries.

We are here today, then, to celebrate the love that Rik and Emily have for each other, and to give social and legal recognition to their decision to accept each other totally and permanently. Into this state of marriage these two persons come now to be united.

TO GROOM: Rik, do you take Emily as your wife?
Do you pledge to share your life openly with her, to speak the truth to her in love?
Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for her, to cherish and encourage her own fulfillment as an individual through all the changes of your lives? ("Absolutely, I do.")

TO BRIDE: Emily, do you take Rik as your husband?
Do you pledge to share your life openly with him, to speak the truth to him in love?
Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for him, to cherish and encourage his own fulfillment as an individual through all the changes of your lives? ("I do")

Rik and Emily wish to symbolize their commitment to one another by the giving of these rings that will forever encircle their lives.

Since Rik and Emily have vowed to be loyal and loving toward one another, formalizing in our presence the existence of the bond between them, we bear witness to the ceremony they have performed - the ceremony that has made them husband and wife.

We who are present, and those who are absent thinking of these two people, hope that the inspiration of this hour will not be forgotten. May they continue to love one another forever.

By the power vested in me, it gives me great pleasure to be the first to introduce you as Mr. and Mrs. Rik and Emily Wright (husband and wife).