Wedding Ceremony by Judge Kondo for Sara et Natacha
Dear Family and Friends:
Sara and Natacha have invited here this afternoon to witness their marriage; and to celebrate and rejoice with them in this important commitment.
The essence of the marriage promise is acceptance of another person completely; as lover, companion and friend. Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, where giving of oneself to the other does not diminish, but actually enhances, the individuality and the potential of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one which is continually developing; and one in which each partner individually matures, while growing in their understanding of the other.
We have gathered today then, to celebrate and rejoice in the love which Sara and Natacha have for one another; and to be with them as they express their commitment to fully accept each other and to support one another unconditionally as wife and wife.
(To Sara): Do you Sara take Natacha as your wife? And do you pledge to share your life openly with her in love?
Do you also promise to honor and tenderly care for her; and to respect and encourage her own fulfillment as an individual through all the changes of your lives?
(To Natacha): Do you Natacha take Sara as you wife? And do you pledge to share your life openly with her, and to cherish her in love?
Do you also promise to honor and tenderly care for her; and to respect and encourage her own fulfillment as an individual through all the changes of your lives?
(Both partied turn to each other and hold hands and repeat these words to each other)
Natacha Sara
On this day I renew my commitment. En ce jour, je renouvelle mon engagement.
My promise that I will walk with you Je te promets de marcher à tes côtés
Hand in Hand Main dans la main
Wherever our journey leads us, Partout où notre périple nous mène
Living, learning, loving, Vivant, apprenant, aimant,
Together, Ensemble,
Forever. Pour toujours.
(Flowers exchange)
As you already exchanged rings 5 years ago, today you wanted to do something different:
Natacha : I bring to you this flower. It is a symbol of the love that is consecrated today. Let us always remember that it must be nurtured and given care to grow and thrive. We will nourish the flower of our love and give it all the care it requires. Do this with me and watch us grow.
Sara : Je te donne cette fleur. C'est un symbole de l'amour qui est consacré aujourd'hui. Rappelons-nous toujours qu'elle doit être nourrie et qu’il faut en prendre soin pour qu’elle grandisse et s’épanouisse. Nous nourrirons la fleur de notre amour et lui donnerons tout le soin qu'elle exige. Fais-cela avec moi et regardons-nous grandir.
May Sara and Natacha keep the covenant which they have made. May they be a blessing and a friend to each other; sharers of each other’s joys; comforters in each other’s sorrows; and helpers to each other in all the endeavors of their lives.
In as much as you pledged your love to one another; and by the authority vested in me by the State of Washington, I now pronounce you Wife and Wife.
You may now seal your vows with a kiss.
