~ Welcome and Introduction ~

I'd like to welcome everyone and introduce myself. I am Marybeth Zang, a marriage celebrant and I am honored to be here in thie capacity today. I call upon everyone present to be a fellow - witness at the marriage ceremony between Sarah and Tony. We are here not only to witness their commitment to each other, but also to wish them well and every happiness for their life together. And what a perfect place they have chosen, this cathedral of Nature.

At this celebration with close family and friends, we acknoledge the presence of important and special people in Sarah and Tonys lives who are unable to be here.

We ask for their love and blessings, for they are here in spirit.

We have gathered to celebrate the wedding of Sarah and Tony. This is a sacred moment in both their lives and is binding in law, custom and love. It is a moment resonant of many mysteries and of our highest aspirations. The union of marriage emulates the harmonious bonding and creativity which generates the cosmos. Time has been set aside and in these moments, there is a tenderness and sensitivity that will bring us out of the normal flow of life. We seek ceremony when something profound and special is happening. We do things in ceremony that are profoundly symbolic. It allows the depth of what we feel to shine through. Ceremony is that visible means for honoring that unseen world we feel within.

Today the moon is in the air sign of Libra. Libra means balance and is the
traditional zodiacal sign of marriage. This blessing from the stars offers the
hope of intimacy and permanence to the union of Sarah and Tony.

The sun is in the energetic and passionate fire sign of Aries, the
archetypal sign of new beginnings and this symbolises the challenge
facing all couples - that of balancing autonomy and intimacy.

Last week was the Autumn Equinox a time for harvesting
and balance as night equals day in length.
In the Northern Hemisphere it is early spring.

And of course it is Easter Sunday where we celebrate rebirth.
In much earlier times it was called Eostre after the Anglo-Saxon Goddess.
She was honored with painted eggs, a tradition that survives today.

~ Meaning of Ceremony ~

We are gathered to share with Sarah and Tony their Handfasting. Handfasting is a sacred marriage celebration uniting a couple in the old way. It is an ancient ritual that was used across the British Isles and Europe. Later in the ceremony I will ask Sarah and Tony to link left hand to left and right hand to right to make the sign of infinity and completeness. This represents the commitment they will make to each other today.

The Apache Wedding Prayer (Read by Tony's Grandmother Renee)

Now you will feel no rain,
for each will be shelter for the other.

Now you will feel no cold,
for each will be warmth for the other.

Now you will feel no loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two persons,
but there are three live before you:
his life, her life and your life together.

May beauty surround you both
on the journey ahead and through all the years.

May happiness be your companion
to the place where the river meets the sun.

Go now to your dwelling
to enter into the days of your life together.

And may your days be good
And long upon the earth.

~ Presentation of the Couple ~

Who brings this man to stand beside this woman?
We do (Glynn & Ray - Tony's parents respond)

Who brings this woman to stand beside this man?
We do (Cris & Sed - Sarah's parents respond)

Are you willing now and always to strengthen this union by upholding
both Sarah and Tony with your love and support?
We are (Glynn, Ray, Cris & Sed respond)

~ Ceremony ~

Welcome to this circle which has been cast as a
space where you will be joined in spirit.

Proceed to the East where the celebrant holds up
the symbol of Air - sword and says:
Spirit of the East whose element is Air
Give your blessings to Sarah and Tony
Who are about to be married
(Touches each with the sword)
And grant to their union your gifts of wisdom and understanding.

Sarah and Tony turn to face each other...

Now do we stand at the centre of the circle
Where all things meet their opposites:
Male and Female
Sun and Moon
Spirit and Matter
God and Goddess
That which makes each whole and complete.
Just as you
Sarah and Tony
Are about to join as one.

~ Cake and Wine Ceremony ~

(Celebrant holds up the cake)
As a symbol of this union Tony do I offer this cake
Which represents the Goddess
(Sarah feeds the cake to Tony)
From this day and through this union Tony
Shall you know the Goddess through Sarah.

(Celebrant holds up the wine)
Likewise as a symbol of this union Sarah
do I offer this wine
Which represents the God
(Tony offers the cup to Sarah to drink)
From this day and through this union Sarah
Shall you know the God through Tony

~ Lover's Knot ~

Sarah and Tony link left hand to left and right hand to right to make the sign of infinity and completeness. The ribbons are tied around their hands.

These ribbons represent the bonds of true love and commitment witnessed this day before your family and friends. The red is for strength and loyalty and the white is for the purity of love.

Now you two are joined.
Pull one way - the bonds are strengthened.
Pull the other - they are loosened.

~ Vows ~

In the name of the sun and the moon, the earth and the stars and the love that resides in my heart, I take you and you alone to be my husband/wife and beloved partner.

Sarah and Tony come out of the knot. The ribbons are left tied and handed to them to keep.

Through this rite, within this circle
You two have been joined in Spirit.
Keep this knot as a token of your bond.

~ The Ring ~

The circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe. It is the symbol of perfection and peace. It is also the symbol of the eternality of spiritual truth, love and life... That which has no beginning and no end.

~ Candle Ceremony ~

We will now perform a ceremony bringing the two families into harmony and light. This will be done symbolically by the lighting of candles.

Tony's parents Glynn and Ray enter the circle and light the white candle.
Sarah's parents Cris and Sed enter the circle and light the red candle.
Tony and Sarah light the pink candle.

In every meeting between man and woman, the essential harmony of the universe is potentially present. I wish with your union Sarah and tony that this harmony will be made manifest.

By the power vested in me, I pronounce you married.
You may kiss.

The circle is closed.

The certificates are signed.