Our vows were something we both agreed didn't need to be traditional. We didn't want something religious or really spiritual at all since neither of us are really either. I put Zac in charge of writing the ceremony up though, and he did a great job!
In order to save money, we asked Zac's oldest brother (we will call him "J") to marry us, and then set out to figure out how exactly to make this possible. I'm not sure if it's the same in any other states, but in Virginia you can go to the courthouse and request a temporary license to perform a marriage ceremony. It's valid for 30 days, and you have to prove you performed the marriage within 5-7 days of the ceremony. (Which REALLY isn't enough time, IMO) The cost is virtually free in the end, but you must put up a $500 bond, which will be returned to you once you submit proof that you performed the ceremony.
So! J was officially legally allowed to marry us, which was very nice and he did a FANTASTIC job. He's a great speaker, and put his own touches on the vows that Zac wrote for us. These aren't exactly what was said, as J changed a few things to make it sound a bit better...but you get the idea! (sorry this is really long)
Procession
Welcome
Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today in friendship and happiness to celebrate the wedding of Erica and Zac. You have come here to share in this eternal commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Erica and Zac to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.
So welcome to one and all, who have traveled from near and far. Erica and Zac thank you for your presence here today, and now ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support, for their decision to be married.
Definition of Marriage
Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners.
The reality is that everyone's life is limited to only a certain amount of time. As Robert G. Ingersoll said, "The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here." Take the time to make your partner feel special. Never take each other for granted.
Take the time to listen and to share. Give each other the benefit of the doubt because communication will be difficult at times and misunderstandings are inevitable. It takes time, effort, courage, and commitment to make a successful marriage.
Take the time to negotiate, to talk about your fears, failures, and disappointments. Talk about each other's expectations, hopes, and dreams. Be flexible and willing to adapt well to changes and new circumstances. Above all, take the time to tell each other what you want. Take the risk of being vulnerable with each other.
Declaration of Intent
Do you, Erica, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Do you, Zac, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Exchanging of Vows
Erica/Zac, please repeat after me:
From this day forward I promise you these things.
I will laugh with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow.
I will share in your dreams, and support you as you strive to achieve your goals.
I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement.
I will help you when you need it, and step aside when you don't.
I will remain faithful to you for better or worse, in times of sickness and health.
You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always.
Pronouncement of Marriage
May I have the rings, please?
Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.
By the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride.
Recession
So that's it! What do you think??
When we were rehearsing our vows, we couldn't stop laughing...Zac was making jokes and changing vows around, so I did the same. We both said "I will laugh AT you in times of joy..." instead of "with" you, and messed up a couple other words.
I did not know, however, what he had in store for me during the actual wedding. Hopefully someone took pictures of it.. but if not, we should have video in ohhhhh 3 years or so. ha.
Up Next:
Why are the Best Man and Maid of Honor wearing torn wife beaters?!
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