Tanya and Dante’s Wedding Ceremony

This is the ceremony we created for my strangebrain's wedding in the summer of 2009, in which I served as wedding officiate.

Opening Words:

Tanya and Dante, your friends and family are with you today to bear witness to this new stage in your life together. We wish for you all of the joy that witnessing your love and humor has given us, and remind you at this celebration of your commitment that you have our continued love and support.

If anyone has an objection to this formalization of the lifetime commitment between these two, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Marriage Reading.

Tanya's Aunt Theresa will now share a reading.

Shakespearean Sonnet

Now join hands, and with your hands your hearts.

Wedding Vows:

Officiate: Dante, what is your promise to Tanya today?

Dante:

I promise to cherish you always

To keep you safe, to be truthful with you

I will be unceasingly yours

And will love you forever

As husband and friend

Officiate: Tanya, what is your promise to Dante today?

Tanya:

I promise to love and protect you

To stay by your side, and be open and trusting

I will cherish you always

And will share all that I am

As your wife and friend

I do's:

Officiate: Dante Amoroso, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Dante: I do.

Officiate: Tanya Kiacolai, Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Tanya: I do.

Exchange of Rings:

The marriage rings you have brought with you today will serve as a lasting reminder of the commitment you have made. Tanya, please place this awesome metallic object on Dante's hand. Now Dante, please present Tanya with her super sparkly symbol.

Blessing/Closing:

If anyone has something brief they wish to say to the bride and groom before this assembled company, please come forward now.

Tanya and Dante, you have formalized in our presence the existence of the bond of love between you - vowing to be loyal and loving toward one another. Above you is the sky, below you is the Earth. Like a star, your love has been a guiding light. Like the trees that surround us, your love is ever growing and deeply rooted. Be understanding and patient, for storms may come and go. Be quicker to laughter than to anger, and free always in giving affection and warmth.

Declaration of Marriage:

By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Announcement:

As marriage is an event that must be celebrated not quietly but with glory and distinction, I now invite you to join me in greeting Dante and Tanya as husband and wife.