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Mary Ann and Michael 2010

Mary Ann and Michael started their relationship doing all kinds of adventurous things together that they'd never done before, and one of those adventures was going to Burning Man. So it felt natural to them that, when they decided to get married, they chose to get married at Burning Man the next year. They asked for a Methodist ceremony, as that is what they had each grown up with, and they found a beautiful art piece called the Philosophy Garden where they chose to hold the ceremony. After it was over and everyone was drinking champagne, the artist showed up and was overwhelmed and touched that they had chosen his art piece -- it seems that, in spite of the white classic colonnade with rows of benches facing it, it had never occured to him that the space could be used for a wedding. Below (left to right) Russel Wilcox (the artist), Mary Ann, Michael, Reverend Max.

Mary Ann and Michael Wedding Ceremony
September 4, 2010

Dearly beloved,
we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together Mary Ann and Michael in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the love of God.

Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. As with all great unions, it is not just these two to be joined, but by their union they will create a greater family, along with their sons Michael, Christopher and Andrew, who are here with us in spirit today. Together, this couple and their newly united family, will radiate their love out to all their extended family, friends, and to those of you gathered with us here today.

(to the couple…)
I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other

Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept inviolate, as God's Word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your Heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.

(Declaration of Commitment)
Michael, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her,
in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only unto her so long as you both shall live?
(Michael answers “I will”)

Mary Ann, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only unto him so long as you both shall live?
(Mary Ann answers “I will”)

(Vows)
Michael, repeat after me:
I, Michael, take you, Mary Ann, to be my wedded wife,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God's holy ordinance I pledge you my faith.

Mary Ann, repeat after me:
I, Mary Ann, take you, Michael, to be my wedded husband,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God's holy ordinance I pledge you my faith.

(Rings)
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in holy matrimony, through the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us pray.
Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Michael, repeat after me:
Mary Ann, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
As a ring has no end, neither does my love for you.
I chose you to be my life partner and wife
from this day and into forever.
(Michael added his own words here)

Mary Ann, repeat after me:
Michael, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
As a ring has no end, neither does my love for you.
I chose you to be my life partner and husband
from this day and into forever.
(Mary Ann added her own words here)

A reading from the 1st Corinthians:
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I am nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
Now these three remain; faith, hope and love,
but the greatest of these is love.

(Declaration)
Forasmuch as Michael and Mary Ann have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.

(Prayer)
O eternal God, creator and author of all love, giver of all grace: pour your blessing upon Michael and Mary Ann, whom we bless in your name; that they may gladly and eagerly keep the vows and covenant made here between them, and may always remain in perfect love and peace together. Lead them into all peace, and let their love for one another be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle upon their shoulders, and a crown upon their heads. Bless them – in their work and in their companionship, in their waking and in their sleeping, in their joys and in their sorrows, in their lives and in their deaths. Bless their home with gladness and laughter, with generosity and hospitality, that their love will extend to all those around them. Look graciously upon them, that they may love, honor, and cherish each other, and so live together in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and a place of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Michael, you may kiss your bride. {Smooch!}

It is with great honor and pleasure, that at this moment I introduce to you, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Edward Hart!

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