Friday, November 8, 2013

Our Wedding Script

Here's what Del said at our legal wedding:

The first time I stood with Kevin and Patrick to officiate their union it was May 13, 2006 on the lawn of the Barr Mansion in Austin, Texas. On that day at that time only one state  (Massachusetts) recognized same-sex marriage. 

And on that day in 2006 I told you:

            “Your presence here today is greatly appreciated by Kevin and Patrick, I know, and your presence here today is even more appreciated by the generation of gay individuals that will come after us.  The day when all of our children are free to marry, unapologetically, the person they love is going to be a great day, and today gives me great hope for the future.

“This is an important milestone in Kevin and Patrick’s life together.  This is the day they are getting married to each other, and while this marriage is not legitimate under the laws of the land.  It is legitimate in a more important sense—because it is legitimate within their hearts.” 

Today, for the second time, I’m standing with Kevin and Patrick to officiate their union, but this time, unlike last time, the marriage is legitimate under the laws of the land. Today the state of California and 13 other states plus the District of Columbia all recognize same-sex marriages.

Patrick, repeat after me…

I, Patrick, take you, Kevin, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of our family, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

Kevin, repeat after me…

I, Kevin, take you, Patrick, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of our family, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

1 comment:

  1. So glad you put the script here!
    I'm so grateful for my family!

    ReplyDelete