I spent so long sorting these out that I thought it would be nice to publish them for others to see.
We had to get these readings and music approved by the (UK) Registrars before we could use them. They had to be devoid of religious content of all types. My daughters did a great job of reading them at Cain Manor on 30th August 2008.
Readings
Before the Vows:
From the book “Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives” in the Chapter called “Union” by Robert Fulghum (pronounced full-jum). Bits in italics weren't read out.
You have known each other for three years, through the first glance of acquaintance to this moment of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry (and in this case I believe, it was the bride who asked the groom).From that moment of yes to this moment of Yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will”- those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe”- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.”Catch hands now and face each other to make your vows.Look at one another – remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife.
After the Vows:
From a Native American Wedding
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion, and your days together be good and long upon the earth.
Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves.
When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Music
Processional
Henry Purcell – Trumpet Tune
During the Signing of the Register
George and Ira Gershwin – Embraceable You
Henry Mancini – The Sweetheart Tree
Henry Mancini – Anywhere the Heart Goes / Meggie’s Theme (from “The Thorn Birds”)
Henry Mancini – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Recessional
Jeremiah Clarke – Trumpet Voluntary
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