Introduction
We are gathered at this place to witness the formal joining in the legal state of matrimony of this man and this woman, according to the order and the custom prevailing, and under the authority given and provided by the Government of the Province of British Columbia.
The state of matrimony, as understood by us, is a state ennobled and enriched by a long and honourable tradition of devotion, set in the basis of the law of the land, assuring each participant an equality before the law, and supporting the common rights of each party to the marriage.
There is assumed to be a desire for a life-long companionship, and a generous sharing of the help and comfort that husband and wife ought to have from one another, through whatever circumstances of sickness or health, joy or sorrow, prosperity or adversity, the lives of these contracting parties may experience.
Marriage is therefore not to be entered upon thoughtlessly or irresponsibly, but with a due and serious understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is contracted, and of the material, intellectual and emotional factors which will govern its fulfillment.
It is by its nature a state of giving rather than taking, of offering rather than receiving, for marriage requires the giving of one's self to support the marriage, the home in which it may flourish, and the issue that may result from it.
It is into this high and serious estate that these two persons desire to contract.
Therefore:
If any person can show just and sufficient reason why these two persons may not be joined together in matrimony, let them now declare their reasons, or else from this time forward, keep their peace. And I charge and require of you both in the presence of these witnesses, that if either of you know of any legal impediment to this marriage, you do now reveal the same.
There having been no impediment declared or admitted, I charge you to give answer to these questions:
Do you Michael undertake to afford to this woman the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding; and to share with her equally of the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; to respect the dignity of her person, her own inalienable personal rights, and to recognize the right of counsel and consultation upon all matters relating to the present or the future of the household established by this marriage?
~ I do ~
Do you Marie undertake to afford to this man the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding; and to share with him equally of the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; to respect the dignity of his person, his own inalienable personal rights, and to recognize the right of counsel and consultation upon all matters relating to the present or the future of the household established by this marriage?
~ I do ~
The Marriage Vows
Let the Groom and Bride join their right hands and let the groom repeat after me:
I Michael take you Marie to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in whatever circumstance or experience life may hold for us. And I call upon those present to witness this declaration that I freely make.
Let the bride repeat after me:
I Marie take you Michael to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in whatever circumstance or experience life may hold for either of us. And I call upon those present to witness this declaration that I freely make.
The Rings
Inasmuch as you have made this declaration of your vows concerning one another, and have set these rings before me, I ask that now these rings be used and regarded as a seal and a confirmation and acceptance of the vows you have made.
Let the groom place the ring on the third finger of the bride's left hand, repeating after me:
With this ring, as the token and pledge of the vow and covenant of my word, I call upon those persons present to witness that I, Michael do take thee, Marie to be my lawful wedded wife.
Let the bride say after me:
In receiving this ring, being the token and pledge of the covenant of your word, I call upon those persons present to witness that I, Marie do take thee, Michael to be my lawful wedded husband.
Let the bride place the ring on the third finger of the man's left hand, repeating after me:
With this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.
Let the man reply:
In receiving this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.
The Declaration
And now, forasmuch as you Michael and Marie have consented in legal wedlock, and have declared your solemn intention in this company, before these witnesses, and in my presence; and have exchanged these rings as the pledge of your troth to each other; now upon the authority vested in me by the Province of British Columbia, I pronounce you 'husband' and 'wife'.
June 24, 1989
~Introducing (left to right)~
(Mike's parents) Guenter & Hella Strothotte
Mike & Marie Strothotte
(Marie's parents) Betty & Jerry White
This photo is very special to us, because both our fathers died in 1992, Guenter in April and Jerry in October. This is the only photo we have with both of them in it.
May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and contentment of mind, as you day by day live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another.
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