JohnandRain&Eric
31 December 2000
It is our hope...John's, Loreene's, and mine...that those of you who have already taken the vows of marriage will witness the love of these two people. As you listen to them share their vows, may it strengthen for you the memory of your happy day, and remind you of the meaning of the vows that you once took. May it strengthen just a little bit the bond of love that has been growing between you. May this evening also be instructive & inspirational to those of you yet considering such a commitment in the future. [Ask guests to extinguish their candles]
John and Loreene, tonight you make a giant step of commitment, to communicate, to love, to understand, and to grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that commitment, or that love, reaches out and touches all of us, so that our lives are changed and we share a part of that love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the love from this celebration will extend and change the world in which we live.
Have you come here freely and without reservation to give your selves to each other in marriange?