Ceremony

From every human being, there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. When two souls that destined to be together, find each other, their streams of light flow together & a single, brighter light goes forth from their united being.Would you now from your own flame - which represents your individual souls - together ignite a third flame as a symbol of your new relationship. Mary Ellen & Steve, let the flame of the unity candle you just lit be a constant reminder of the inner light that each of you brings to this marriage. I also encourage you to take the opportunity to re-light your unity candle & drink wine from your cup each year on your anniversary, Renew your vows, remembering their deeper meaning.

Wine is a symbol for the fullness of life. Today, is a symbolic of the pledges that Mary Ellen & Steve have made to one another, to share together the fullness of life. The years of life are a a cup of wine, poured out for them to drink. This cup of life contains within it, the sweet wine of happiness, joy, hope & delight. The same cup, at times, holds the bitter wine of disappointment & sorrow. Those who drink deeply of life, invite the full range of experience into their being.
By sharing this wine, Mary Ellen & Steve, you undertake to share the sweet as well as the bitter moments life brings. You acknowledge to one another that your lives, until this moment - separate, have become a vessel into which all your hopes & fears will poured & from which you will find mutual sustenance.
Drink now & may the cup of your lives be sweet & full to overflowing.
Throughout history, drinking wine from a common cup has been the mark of a deep sharing. Mary Ellen & Steve, the two of you, are the only two who have ever shared from this cup. Now I invite you to take it with you in your home as a symbol of your commitment & fidelity to each other, insuring that no other may ever be able to drink from your cup of life.
So Mote It Be!

With this cord, I bind you to the vows that you each have made.
May the Lord and the Lady smile upon this union & bless this couple with health & prosperity. Remember what one may not provide, the other may. Now so shall your love & spirits be joined in a union of love, trust & mutual support. So you are bound, in the light of the Lord & Lady, each to the other, unto all of your days.
Heart to thee, Soul to thee, Body to thee, Forever & always, So Mote It Be!