A Dead Head Wedding

[intheflow]

OK, I just graduated to be a UU minister. I've done a few weddings before, but this is my my first official wedding. Being sort of a Dead Head myself, I was only too happy to adapt a Dead tune into a ceremony when the bride and groom requested it. The vow portion is a modified Dead song, almost word-for-word, If I Had The World To Give. I'm very pleased with it--the couple wanted it very short, they've been together for years and have a child. Let me know what you all think of it, and feel free to share it with any nuptually-minded Dead Heads you may know. :hi:

Minister: We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Groom and Bride, and the combining of their lives and families.

Groom and Bride, by the virtue of this ceremony, you pledge each to the other’s care of mind, body and spirit. Since the medieval times rings have been placed on the third finger of the left hands because they believed there was a particular vein that led to the heart. So by exchanging rings you have pledged to each others’ hearts, the home of your human spirits. The rings themselves, as physical objects, signify your willingness to care for each other physically, “in sickness and in health.” By your decision to exchange rings, you have joined your minds to one common purpose of life together.

If you had the world to give, you'd give it to each other
Long as you live, would you each let it fall, or hold it all in your arms?

To Bride: Bride, if you had a song to sing, you'd sing it to Groom
as long as you live, lullaby or maybe a plain serenade
Would you both laugh, dance, or cry and be afraid at the change you made

Bride (repeats after minister):
I may not have the world to give to you
But maybe I have a tune or two
Only if you let me be your world
Could I ever give this world to you
But I will give what love I have to give,
I will give what love I have to give, long as I live.

Bride places the ring on Groom's finger.

Minister (to Groom):
Groom, if you had a star to give, you'd give it to Bride
long as you live, you would both have the time
to watch it shine, watch it shine
or ask for the moon and heaven too? You'd give them to each other.

Groom (repeats after minister):
Well, maybe I've got no star to spare,
or anything fine or even rare,
only if you let me be your world,
I would ever give this world to you, long as I live.

Groom places the ring on Bride's finger.

Minister: Bride and Groom, you remain two separate people, and yet your lives are joined as one. Just as every person struggles within themselves at times, you, as you already know, will struggle as to be one in your marriage. May you each remember that you have pledged this day to give each other the world and stars. May your life together be as grounded as the world and shine as brightly as the stars, and may your struggles and blessings deepen your love for each other.

You have now pronounced each other a married couple. You may each kiss your beloved!

[Maat]

1. Beautiful ceremony!

Thanks for the post.

[paineinthearse]

2. That is a beautiful ceremony

The thought of the words and song brought a tear to my eyes.