June 10,2000
Susan Opening
Dear Friends,
We are gathered here to join Susan and Eric in marriage. This outward ceremony is but a symbol of that which is inner and real, a union of hearts that religion may bless and the state make legal but that neither can create not annul. You enter into this relationship in the knowledge that love is both our highest achievement and life’s most precious gift. This couple recognizes that with their union, comes the creation of a new family. They honor and acknowledge Susan’s sons David and Max as companions with them in this family.
Tree of Life: When a marriage takes place, two individual beings make an important commitment to each other. They unite their lives; they support and nurture one another through all that the enfolding years may bring. A tradition of caring and celebration is created uniquely their own. Much of this families strength, power, appreciation of life and its capacity to love come from the homes and cultures in which this couple were raised, nurtured and taught. Susan and Eric are deeply aware of the contributions of their families and friends and appreciate the intangible gifts that have been given to them. To symbolize both continuity and the newness we celebrate today, Susan and Eric ask those who have been asked to light a candle to now come forward and do so.
David:
Questions: Susan and Eric, marriage is not meant for happiness alone, but also for the growth and enrichment of character. To this end, there must be a consecration of each to the other and both to a purposeful and compassionate life. Is it in this spirit that you have come here to be joined together?
Response: It is.
Susan, will you have this man to be your husband, to live together in marriage? Will you love him and give him your respect? Will you comfort, honor and keep him both in health and sickness, joy and sorrow from this day forward?
Response: I will.
Eric, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together in marriage? Will you love her and give her your respect? Will you comfort her and keep her both in sickness and health, joy and sorrow from this day forward?
Response: I will
David and Max, Will you respect each member of this new family in joy and sorrow from this day forward?
Response: We will
Susan and Eric will you respect and honor the youth that David and Max are and provide for them, along with their father Allan, a nurturing home together?
Response: We will
Song: "One Hand One Heart" vocal by Andree Peart
Susan: Vows
Repeat after me, I Eric, take you Susan to be the wife of my days, to be the companion of my house, to share with me the many experiences of life. I will love you and respect you. I will honor and cherish you. I will endeavor to be a comfort to you. I will keep you in times of health and happiness and ease, and in times of sickness, tension and hardship, should these come our way. I acknowledge you to be my wife, my equal, my lover and my closest friend.
I Susan, take you Eric, to be the husband of my days, to be the companion of my house, to share with me the many experiences of life. I will love and respect you. I will honor and cherish you. I will endeavor to be a comfort to you. I will keep you in times of health and happiness and ease, and in times of sickness, tension and hardship, should these come our way. I acknowledge you to be my husband, my equal, my lover, and my closest friend.
David: Rings
The circle is a symbol of unity. Your lives are now joined together, wherever you go, you will return again and again to each other as the circle is completed.
Exchange of Rings
May the love and commitment promised here, be blessed by the memories of Peter Freudenthal and Martin Couney whose ring Eric now wears.
Song: Married ( Sing as you are able)
Susan: Celebration
We are happy to be sharing in the rejoicing of this hour. May all who love Susan and Eric ask for them that the meaning of this hour last throughout their lives that in pleasant ways or in the midst of trials they be a comfort and a joy to each other.May each bring the best of self to the other. May each bring intelligence, passion and commitment to the task that is set before them. May they maintain enduring trust. May their home be a place of peace and joy for all who enter it. May all who follow their lives with interest and affection have cause often to rejoice in their brave and generous living.
David: Closing
For so much as Susan and Eric have chosen one another from the many men and women of the earth, and have declared their love and purpose before their families, their friends and us, and have made their pledges to one another we now declare that they are husband and wife.
(c) Susan Freudenthal, 2000