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Justice of the Peace:
Leticia and Michael, you have come here to celebrate the love that you have for each other. I share this with you, giving recognition of your decision to accept each other as husband and wife. Into this state of marriage, you now come to be united.
Marriage is an honorable estate, and therefore, not to be entered into lightly, but careful reflection and reverence, for this is a lifetime union of love, honor and most importantly, trust between this man and woman. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage you stand apart from all others as you pledge your love and commitment to one another.
No mater how your paths have brought you here today, it is your love that sustains the moment. In marriage, you marry a mystery. It is someone you know you love, but who you will continue to learn about for the rest of your life. In this sense, marriage is an act of faith, of absolute trust in one another. In marriage you promise not only to give of yourself, but also to accept the other. You promise to love them not only for today, but to extend that love to include whatever may come tomorrow.
As each day passes, may you gain love and strength from each other and may your hearts become one. If difficult times arise, remember to be open to communication in order to exchange your anger foe joy and tears and smiles. Always listen to each other’s unspoken words and understand each other’s meaning. Always love, help and respect each other and then know truly that you are one in the eyes of all. It is no weakness to admit a wrong; it is strength and a sign of learning. Always strive to see the beauty that first touched your love.
These promises will change you. They will shape you. You will live differently because of them. For you have chosen each other, and you have received the most important vow of all: you have promised each other the future.
Marriage Is A Wonderful Journey That You Make Together by Mary E. Buddingh
In marriage, walk the path together, side by side whenever possible. Remember to hold each other when it is cold. If the air becomes too close, make a little space so each can breathe. When the path is narrow, pick one to go first. Always be willing to follow; Don’t be afraid to lead. Trust your partner, trust yourself, for marriage is a journey that leads to great love.
The following is a passage of advice on marriage written in 1886: "Let your love be stronger than your anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst: for people have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends."
Michael, do you promise to take Leticia to be your wife? Do you promise to love her and be kind to her in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?
Back to Top Michael’s Vows to Leticia:
Two years ago, to the day, on this beautiful island, my life began, although I was unaware at the time. I should have known it when, at the end of our vacation week, when it came time to depart, thoughts came into my head to tell you that I would buy two ferry tickets off the island and wait at the dock with hopes that you would let your plane leave without you, and taxi from the airport to be with me for another precious day. I regret that.
We have spent two years together exploring each other. You, Leticia are the most wonderful person I have ever met. You are my friend, companion, partner, and lover. You are my oasis in this world. I love you more than life itself. I look forward to sharing life’s challenges with you, experiencing the good and bad, the highs and lows, the triumph and tragedy. With you, I can do anything. With out you, I can do nothing.
And finally, I look forward to the day when, in matching rocking chairs, we reminisce about the adventures we shared.
Below this lighthouse which guides ships to safety, I ask God to bless our marriage and forever guide us through the perils of life.
On this beautiful beach, lined with sand dunes and scallop shells, with our departed loved ones and almighty God as my witness, I pledge my undying love and commitment to you, Leticia DiPipi, now and forever.
Justice of the Peace: Leticia, do you promise to take Michael to be your husband? Do you promise to love her and be kind to her in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?
Leticia’s Vows to Michael:
Three years ago my life suddenly changed. It was a difficult time for me and at first it seemed like life ended. But if you are positive, open and accepting to life’s hardships, you find it can be a blessing in disguise. I was blessed with an unexpected journey to a new beginning that would eventually lead me to you.
Two years ago, here in Nantucket, I had no idea I would find my greatest blessing. You, Michael, were a gift from God. From the moment I met you, your zest for life, comfort in yourself and sense of adventure rejuvenated me. You were practically a stranger yet being with you filled me with a positive energy I had never experienced before. The qualities I saw in you were the very things I was searching for and slowly finding in myself.
You are the most positive and accepting person I have ever known. I am always amazed at how you instinctively know what I need. You encourage me when I am down. You push me when I need motivation. You know how to make me laugh when I am sad. You guide me when I need to be led.
You took me by the hand and opened my world to new experiences. You opened my heart so that I could, once again, learn trust. With you, I found true love and companionship. And after a lifetime together, I look forward to talking about our life adventures while we rock back and forth in our rocking chairs.
I love you, Michael. You are my best friend. You are my partner. With you, I know I can face any challenge.
As the sun rises on this new day we mark the beginning of our life together, as husband and wife. As God looks down upon us, I pray that he may bless each day and guide us on our journey.
I, Leticia DiPipi, promise to support you, care for you, love you and always be there for you through the darkest of days and the brightest of days for the rest of my life.
Back to Top Justice of the Peace: Now there is no rain, for one shelter to the other. Now for you there is no pain for each is comfort to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now for you the snow has ended always, your fears, your wants, your needs are at rest. Now you are two persons, but there is one life before you.
Michael and Leticia, may you love, honor and cherish one another, keeping the covenant and vows made between you today. May your home and your family always be filled with the blessings of patience, wisdom, happiness, and peace.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you always and give you his peace.
THEREFORE, AS MAN AND WIFE HAVE CONDENTED TOGETHER IN MATRIMONY ON THIS THE 4TH DAY OF JULY IN THE YEAR 2004, I NOW, BY THE AUTHORITY GRANTED IN ME BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, PRONOUNCE THAT YOU ARE MAN AND WIFE. |
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Michael and Leticia were married July 4th, 2004, in a sunrise ceremony on the beach at Brandt Point Lighthouse on the Island of Nantucket, two years to the day from when they first met.
Michael and Leticia wrote their own vows and were married by a Justice of the Peace in a private ceremony. |
