This is one of those occasions that have the distinction of being both festive and solemn at the same time.

This is a ceremony and a festival in which we all have a part. This man, Groom, and this woman, Bride, are here today to publicly give their marriage vows to each other. We are here both as witnesses to these vows and to celebrate with Groom and Bride their partnership.

In the final accounting, love and the search for love, are what life is all about. Love is many things, 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, always perseveres. The fulfillment of love in marriage and union it symbolizes is one of life's highest experiences.

It used to be said that in marriage man and woman are one. Groom and Bride understand and believe that this sharing of their lives is not at the expense of either person's individuality; but rather that each of these partners is all the stronger for having two people -- two wills -- two bodies -- to rely on and trust.

We give of ourselves in love; but we do not give our individuality away, because it is the individuality and uniqueness of character that the other person needs, and that drew these people together. A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered nor absorbed by the other. The strength of the marriage comes not from a melting of two into one; but rather from a forging of two unique and valuable individuals inseparably to each other.

We assembled will witness the vows these people make; but the true union between these people is that private union in their hearts. Into this estate these two people come to give their vows in mutual love, concern, trust and respect.

Please hold hands. Groom and Bride, the vows that you make will be witnessed here today.

Please repeat after me: I take you Bride to be my wife, lover and best friend and these things I promise to you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you, I will respect, trust, help and care for you, I will share my life with you; I will share with you everything that is to come throughout the rest of our lives together.

I take you Groom to be my husband, lover and best friend and these things I promise to you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you I will respect, trust, help and care for you; I will share my life with you I will share with you everything that is to come throughout the rest of our lives together.

Groom, place this ring on Bride's finger and repeat after me: This ring is a sign of my love and commitment to you.

Bride, place this ring on Groom's finger and repeat after me: This ring is a sign of my love and commitment to you.

In as much as Groom and Bride have this day consented together in the Estate of Matrimony, and have given and pledged their faith to each other in the presence of this company, by the virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Arizona I now pronounce you husband and wife.