Allison and Gary
3rd September 2011
-- Lake Birrabeen, Fraser Island -- Guests to be standing --
Jemma and Clive playing on the ukuleles
Bride’s Friends of Honour enter the circle furthest from Gary and Sonia and join wedding party, then Ali enters with Rosie.
INTRO
On behalf of Ali and Gary, I would like to thank all of you for joining them on this special day, here on this beautiful island.
We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is!
The path for Gary and Ali began 10 years ago when they were both camp counsellors at Camp Wayfarer, and as Gary recalls, ‘Ali and I would spend long balmy North Carolina nights chatting until the early hours of the morning, and it’s on those nights that I first realised I was quickly falling in love’.
Ali and Gary, your life together so far has been an amazing journey of shared experiences and although there may be challenging times, the positive attitude you both have to your relationship will ensure you grow together to be the best you can be.
Gary and Ali could have chosen simply to live together. This seemingly is a ‘safer’ course, would give them more options, sustain their freedom, with fewer risks.
They have thought about this, and have decided that for them it is not enough. Ali and Gary see this ceremony today as a stronger commitment to their relationship. They call you together, their friends and family, to make this commitment clear to you and to call on your acknowledgement and support.
We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Gary and Ali the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today.
Ali and Gary, today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Let us all take a moment of silence to remember those loved ones who have passed, Richard Stout and Agnes Annett; as well as those who cannot be here today, Christopher Annett and Stephen Annett.
(Pause)
Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life together.
GIVING AWAY
In reflection upon life, people often agree what really matters are the relationships we hold. One of the most understated but deepest relationships in life is that between a caring parent and their loving child. One of the rare occasions this relationship is acknowledged is at a wedding.
Rosemary represents all of us, particularly her family, but today in a special gesture she symbolises her own personal love for her daughter. So, mindful of these values, I now ask her, ‘Who presents this woman to be married to this man?’
Rosemary: I do (Mother then joins the other guests)
MONITUM
My name is Sonia Lynch, and I am duly authorised by law to celebrate marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of your family and friends, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia is the union of a man and a woman, voluntarily entered into for life. It is entered into with the firm intention it will last for life.
THE ASKING
I will now ask you both these questions...
Gary, do you take Allison to be your wife? Do you promise to love and respect her, be honest with her, and stand by her through whatever may come, so you can genuinely share your life together?
Gary: I do.
Allison, do you take Gary to be your husband? Do you promise to love and respect him, be honest with him, and stand by him through whatever may come, so you can genuinely share your life together?
Allison: I do.
VOWS/RINGS
Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.
May these rings remind you always of the vows you are about to take here today.
Could we please have the rings?
Laura passes ring to groom, Allison’s sister passes ring to bride.
Gary please place the ring on Ali’s finger and repeat after me:
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Gary Victor Annett, take you Allison Gay Stout to be my lawful wedded wife. You inspire me with your incredible ability to connect with people, and your kindness that often means putting others before yourself. Our ability to laugh at ourselves helps keep us sane. I love dancing that silly dance in the kitchen, and knowing that you will give me that helpful nudge when I’m discouraged or uninspired. I take you to be my lifetime partner, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, and my one true love.
Ali please place the ring on Gary’s finger and repeat after me:
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Allison Gay Stout, take you, Gary Victor Annett to be my lawful wedded husband. I love your sense of adventure and exploration, your patience and sense of humour about life and its challenges; your passion, kindness and gentle thoughtful nature. I look forward to building a life and a home with you until I grow old and grey, even if that home moves around. I take you to be my lifetime partner, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, and my one true love.
READING by Victor Annett, 'The Golden Chain Of Friendship'
Friendship is a Golden Chain, The links are friends so dear,
And like a rare and precious jewel It’s treasured more each year… It’s clasped together firmly With a love that’s deep and true, And it’s rich with happy memories and fond recollections, too…
Time can’t destroy its beauty
For, as long as memory lives,
Years can’t erase the pleasure
That the joy of friendship gives…
For friendship is a priceless gift
That can’t be bought or sold,
But to have an understanding friend
Is worth far more than gold…
And the Golden Chain of Friendship
Is a strong and blessed tie
Binding kindred hearts together
As the years go passing by.
DECLARATION
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ali and Gary have declared before all of us that they will live together in marriage. They have made special promises to each other. They have symbolised it by joining hands, taking vows, and by exchanging rings.
So, therefore, on your behalf, I now declare Gary and Ali to be husband and wife.
Gary, you may kiss your bride.
(Jemma and Clive playing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” on the Ukes)
Signing of the register.
