Many couple write their own vows, we wrote our entire wedding ceremony. Allot of though went into each chosen word and phrase. You may even recognize passages that have been paraphrased from the wisdom of Jor-El and Kryptonian vows found in the comics. We also included our kids at one point. After all, we were committing ourselves as parents to them as well.
The Wedding Ceremony:
Our journey begins with the human heart: it has shaped events throughout history, and although it is subject to frailties, such as jealousies, lies and monstrous betrayals, it is also the source of our greatest strengths: commitment, loyalty, hope and love. This is what we stand witness to here, in this time and place, a moment that needs neither approval nor thanks, only our awareness, understanding and conviction that it is right.
The following is a selection adapted from Waldemar W. Argow
Awed by the many meanings of this day and overjoyed by its promises, we hope that a spirit of trust, understanding, and love will be with Beth and JC through all the years that lie ahead. Whatever trials and tribulations come, may they trust each other completely, for without faith marriage is a mockery; may they understand each other, for without understanding there is neither acceptance nor forgiveness; and may they truly love each other, for without love marriage is just an empty shell.
As they create a new life and home, may that home be bright with the laughter of family and friends; may it be a haven from the tensions of life and a wellspring of strength; and in all the world may it be the one place they most want to be.
So may this shining hour be an open door through which Beth and JC go forth to create a happy, loving marriage. May time treat them gently; walking together may they find far more in life than either would have found alone; and even more fully may they come to know this one supreme truth: that caring is sharing, that living is giving, and that love is eternal.
If there is anyone here who believes these two should not be together…PUT A SOCK IN IT!!!
“Things happen for a reason.” We’ve all heard this phrase from time to time, especially during times of uncertainty, despair and loss. We may not always know what the reasons are but in time those reasons tend to reveal themselves. Today, we all now know why things happened for Beth and JC. The experiences they have endured lead them to each other and with it, a deeper and unique appreciation for who they are, what they have and what has yet to come for them.
There are very few things in this universe we can call “rare”. I think everyone will agree, one of the rarest is true love. It is as vast and timeless as the universe itself. It is not a myth. It doesn’t just happen in romance novels, the movies and fairy-tales. Today we can say…it…is…real. Many people go through an entire life-time never knowing this precious gift and much less, appreciate it when they do. If you find this rare element, hold tight and never let it go. Beth and JC are among a rare few that can lay claim to this find and I can tell you…they are NEVER letting go…ever.
To paraphrase Johann Schiller: “It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us family.”
This day brings more than just two people together, because today this is ultimately a joining of four. Beth and JC are committing to a life of love and partnership to each other; they are also committing their love and parentage to each other’s gifts, Kaitlyn and Dara. This is a dedication for not just husband and wife, but for mother, father, daughters and sisters.
Will Kaitlyn and Dara please come to the stand?
(Kaitlyn faces JC and Dara faces Beth. The girls are back to back. The best man and maid of honor hand JC and Beth necklaces and they hold it in their hands with the girls’ hands)
JC, do you commit yourself as parent and father to Kaitlyn, will you love and guide her as your daughter as if she were of your very own blood? (Answer: “Yes”)
Beth, do you commit yourself as parent and mother to Dara, will you love and guide her as your daughter as if she were of your very own blood? (Answer: “Yes”)
Kaitlyn and Dara, do you accept the love Beth and JC have for each other, for the two of you and for each other as sisters? (Answer at the same time: “Yes”)
(Beth and JC place the necklaces around the girls’ necks and gives them a kiss)
(The Best Man and Maid of Honor hand crystals to Beth and JC)
(Beth & JC place the crystals into a base that reveals the wedding bands; each girl takes a ring and hands them to Beth and JC. Dara and Kaitlyn return to their seats.)
No others may wear the rings that bind Beth and JC together. They are unique to each other, unlike any others made from metals of this earth. Looped in a never-ending circle, each with no beginning and no end they are bound together as you are now bound forevermore.
JC, please place the ring on Beth’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I promise to you
a life of love and honor
a life of dedication and respect
a life of commitment and partnership
to listen when you need to be heard
to communicate when it is necessary
through the ebbs and flows
through the peaks and valleys
for all the days of my life
Beth, do you take JC to be your husband? (Beth says yes)
Beth, please place the ring on JC’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I promise to you
a life of love and honor
a life of dedication and respect
a life of commitment and partnership
to listen when you need to be heard
to communicate when it is necessary
through the ebbs and flows
through the peaks and valleys
for all the days of my life
JC, do you take Beth to be your wife? (JC says yes)
The vows spoken this day shall bind you as one for all eternity, before the eyes of your family, your friends and before the hearts and souls of all who know you.
By my word, the houses of Reed and Vallacqua are now one. You ARE husband and wife.
You may seal your marriage with a kiss.
(SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH)
I now proudly introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Vallacqua (and family)