303 – A Traditional Wedding
I arrived at my friend Karin’s wedding a little late and the ceremony had already begun. I’ve been to a lot of civil ceremonies, but it had been a while since I’d attended a religious one. They had asked a minister to officiate.
When I arrived, Karin and her fiance, Jan, were standing in front of the church.
Minister: We are gathered here today to join Jan and Karin in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who knows of a reason why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Fortunately, no one said anything.
Minister: Jan and Karin, please face each other and join hands.
Minister: [To Jan] Do you, Jan Casanova, take Karin Valentine, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do you part.
Jan said, “I do,” and the minister asked Karin the same question, and she said, “I do,” as well.
Minister: May I have the rings? [To Jan] Please place this ring, a symbol of your love, on Karin’s hand and say, “With this ring, I thee wed”.
Jan put the ring on the fourth finger of Karin’s left hand. Karin said the same thing and put a ring on Jan’s finger.
Minister: I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
Jan and Karin kissed and we all applauded.
Minister: Ladies and gentleman, it is my great honor to present to you for the very first time the happy couple, Jan and Karin.