GARUDA: Dear friends and family, We are all gathered here today to celebrate the wedding, the union of Daniel Godfrey and Becci Harvey. This is a sacred right. An ancient right. As Becci and Daniel join their lives, it is important to acknowledge that everyone present has played a part in shaping their lives. And, will continue to play a vital role in their continuing future. And thus, we are here not only to witness their vows to each other, but to bestow upon them our blessing.

What is marriage….when 2 people make a declaration to one-another they are making a commitment to love, nurture & honour one-another.

Marriage is based upon the foundations of love and freedom. The union of two hearts is to support and encourage one-another in being the greatest we can be so we can as individuals expand our hearts and our capacity to love and to give.

It is in our capacity to love, that creates a marriage that is truly indestructible. Like a fire, the light of love is fanned by the intention, words and actions of us as individuals. Thus the flames in our hearts merge with the heart of our partner and then have the power to truly transform Life in waves of appreciation, love and beauty.

In my experience there is no greater power than love and in this world there is no finer act of declaration to love than in marriage.

Commitment in marriage is to love one-another. This will set one free, allowing the fire to burn brightly, so we walk in strength, dignity and grace in ourselves, hand in hand with our partner.

Let us take a moment to contemplate, in silence what marriage, the union of two means to us all here present, so we can fully align in the beauty and the meaning of what Daniel and Becci are doing here with us all today …………

The Vows

GARUDA: Becci and Daniel. These vows, written by you are your commitments to each other. May these form the backbone of your union together and a foundation on which you build your life to come. Do you accept these vows as the foundations on which your married life will flourish and grow?

BECCI AND DAN: We do.

GARUDA: It is no accident that the symbol of marriage is the ring. The exchanging of rings in marriage represents the circle that never ends. All things turn in circles. The earth spins as it circles around the sun, and the sun turns around the galaxy. Life moves in circles of birth and death and rebirth again. And like all things, marriage moves in cycles as well. Sometimes your lives together will run closely together and at other times further apart. By taking on the symbol of the circle, you make a promise to stay truthful and walk in love together for as long as your lives permit.

GARUDA: Do you, Becci and Daniel, pledge to create a life of mutual respect, compassion, love and kindness toward each other?

BECCI AND DAN: We do.

GARUDA: Do you pledge to recognise each other’s individuality and celebrate each other’s uniqueness as a strength. Do you commit to guarding one another’s weaknesses with understanding, support, and inspiration?

BECCI AND DAN: We do.

GARUDA: And do you pledge to share the love you have for each other with all living beings? To be a couple that lets their marriage radiate into others, making their lives more beautiful because of it?

BECCI AND DAN: We do.

GARUDA: Who here has the rings?

Best men rifle through their pockets.

Page boy saves the day by bringing up a ring cushion with the rings.

GARUDA: Becci and Daniel, please face each other and as you exchange rings and repeat after me:

GARUDA/DANIEL: Becci, please take this ring, as a symbol of my love and gratitude. With all that I am and all that I have, I honour you, for as long as love shall last.

GARUDA/BECCI: Daniel, please take this ring, as a symbol of my love and gratitude. With all that I am and all that I have, I honour you, for as long as love shall last.

GARUDA: In the presence of all of us today, Becci and Daniel have made their vows to each other and have declared their commitment by the giving and receiving of rings. Please join them in their joy by giving them a cheer!

GARUDA: There will be a short musical break, whilst Becci and Daniel plant an oak tree. After which we invite you to form an archway with the withies by your chairs and throw confetti as they walk down the aisle.