For those unable to attend due to being in colder or warmer climes or ships at sea. And also those who couldn't hear my mumbling. Following is the text of our ceremony.
Wedding Renewal Vows for Steven & Kathleen
The quality of love is that which gives meaning to all human relations. A lasting, loving relationship is one of the mysteries of life. On this occasion, we are witnessing the reaffirmation of those vows of love made by Kathleen and Steven on their wedding day July 9, 1977.
During the intervening years, Kathleen and Steven have lived through sickness and health, pain and pleasure, success and loss. Because of their love for each other, they have persevered through the bright sunlight of the mountaintops and the shadows of the valleys. Their love has brought them together to this joyous occasion, where hand-in-hand they renew their vows of love and trust in each other.
Before the vows, Kathleen and Steven will read “The Art of a Good Marriage.”
The quality of love is that which gives meaning to all human relations. A lasting, loving relationship is one of the mysteries of life. On this occasion, we are witnessing the reaffirmation of those vows of love made by Kathleen and Steven on their wedding day July 9, 1977.
During the intervening years, Kathleen and Steven have lived through sickness and health, pain and pleasure, success and loss. Because of their love for each other, they have persevered through the bright sunlight of the mountaintops and the shadows of the valleys. Their love has brought them together to this joyous occasion, where hand-in-hand they renew their vows of love and trust in each other.
Before the vows, Kathleen and Steven will read “The Art of a Good Marriage.”
The Art of a Good Marriage
By Wilferd Arlan Peterson
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end
with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
By Wilferd Arlan Peterson
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end
with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
Kathleen and Steven, you have come to this place together to continue to confirm to each other and to make public that your destinies shall be one and that your joys shall not be known apart. You are saying, “I love you” as a full commitment of yourselves to each other. You are again declaring your intention to make this venture of faith and love.
Steven, having full confidence in and love for Kathleen, will you continue to be her loving and faithful husband in sickness and health, in prosperity and need, in joy and loss, and to respect her privileges as an individual as long as you both shall live? (“I will”)
Steven, having full confidence in and love for Kathleen, will you continue to be her loving and faithful husband in sickness and health, in prosperity and need, in joy and loss, and to respect her privileges as an individual as long as you both shall live? (“I will”)
Kathleen, having full confidence in and love for Steven, will you continue to be his loving and faithful wife in sickness and health, in prosperity and need, in joy and loss, and to respect his privileges as an individual as long as you both shall live? (“I will”)
Will you who have witness these promises do all in your power to continue to uphold these two persons in their marriage? (“We will”)
Will you who have witness these promises do all in your power to continue to uphold these two persons in their marriage? (“We will”)
Check you out you ol' smoothie. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting teary-eyed. Congrats on 30 years!
ReplyDelete