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The Ceremony

Arthur Wilmoth presiding

We are gathered here today at this fine place because it is a very special time. It is the time chosen by this young couple to make it known how they have chosen to live. In my position as Humanist Celebrant, I am empowered to sign and file all the legal documents that have been drawn up for this occasion. More importantly, all of you friends and relatives now have the opportunity to share with them their own personal feelings of joy and celebration.

I am delighted that they chose to meet here in the open air. This is my cathedral. Under the magnificent arches of the Arizona sky shines the unstained beauty of the southwestern sun. Even after the sun sets and the air begins to cool, the warm glow of this celebration will continue into the evening with social interaction, with beauty, and with love.

These two will be joining the circles of their love into one. Around them we will be forming the circle of the love of all of us. Would that the rest of the world could join us in an even greater circle of love and understanding.

This time is ours. We have words to say. There are commitments to be made in an inner circle. There will be food to share, and music for enjoyment and dancing in the circle which will surround us.

If I may, I have a poem I would like to read at this time. I didn't write it. I think it will illuminate this couple and reflect golden thoughts out to all of you.

WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL EYES, I SEE A GENTLE LIGHT MY EYES COULD NEVER SEE;
ON YOUR FEET, I BEAR A BURDEN MY LAME ONES COULD NEVER BEAR.
WITH YOUR WINGS, I FLY THOUGH FEATHERLESS;
BY YOUR MIND I'M LIFTED EVER UPWARD;
AT YOUR WHIM, I PALE OR BLUSH,
COLD IN THE SUN, WARM IN THE COLD OF WINTER.
IN YOUR DESIRE ALONE IS MY DESIRE;
MY THOUGHTS ARE FORGED IN YOUR HEART,
MY WORKS ARE BREATHED IN YOUR BREATH.
ALONE, I AM LIKE THE MOON, ITSELF ALONE;
OUR EYES SEE IT IN THE HEAVENS
ONLY AS THE SUN ENLIGHTENS IT.

This was written by Michelangelo in the year 1534.

In all ages of time, and in varied cultures, we have learned that marriage is an honorable way to live. Marriage gives security to our lives. There is one who is there for us. There is one who cares, one who shares, and one whose arms will hold us. There is one whose lips speak true. There is one who is kind and patient, and one who shares our hopes and our achievements. This one makes us feel safe and comfortable. This is the one who most allows us to be ourselves, and is with us to encourage us to be our personal best. There is double strength for keeping our circle of love unbroken.

It is this love which brought you two together. It is love that will take you where you want to go. Fortunate is a child who can live in a house honored by love. The circle of two then has room for more, and they continue to grow in the same circle of love. The light reflected from that love will begin to sparkle more brightly throughout all of the circle which continues to surround you.

Ross, I ask you now, are you prepared to join with Rachel in the formation of the circle of your personal family?

Yes.

Place your ring upon her finger as a statement of that commitment.

Rachel, are you likeminded in enjoining this circle?

Yes.

Place your ring upon his hand.

These rings here today are symbols of the love and trust of the circle of a new family: a family that will plan together, and see those plans develop and grow. The two rings have become one circle of love. The light from your shining faces will brighten this entire circle.

By the authority conferred upon me by Pima County for the State of Arizona, and these United States of America, I am proud to recognize and present this new family of Ross and Rachel.

To set the keynote for the rest of the evening's time of beauty, and sharing of joy, let us now applaud the groom as he kisses his bride.