w e . p l e d g e
{We pledge to help each other develop our hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, and wisdom as we age and undergo the various ups and downs of life.} Reina + Neil
When I am witnessing a wedding I am not only running around with f-stop numbers, correlating numbers to lighting, and switching back and forth between cameras, lens, equipment etc ... I am also listening. I try very hard to hold onto something that highlights or inspires the essence of the day. The only reason for this, is for it to carry me through the process of getting the RAW files from the initial condition to the finalized condition presented in the gallery to the couple later on.
Well ... for this particular wedding I was having trouble. They officiated their own service. Let me say that again. They were the only ones, the ones with the rings, the ones with the the paper, the heart of the whole ceremony rested in their words, their looks at each other. I was pleasantly overwhelmed with their stories. It didn't take me long to give up trying to remember every word, and just savor it all peacefully. Later, I asked them to send me what they had written - because it was beautiful and I wanted to keep it and share it with you.
Truly this small part (the pledges + rings part) can not be taken in - to the degree it was when they were standing in a circle with their closest friends and family. What they chose to do with the rings before putting them on has inspired me to get married again ... to my own husband ... just again. It is just beautiful rooted in humanity and saturated with symbolism.
Enjoy xoxo,
Neil (groom): The reason we were so excited to have found each other was that we both had a good idea of who we were, and who we wanted to be, and what kind of person we wanted to share our experiences with. We saw in each other someone we respected, admired, and were inspired by. Though the initial excitement of new love might not be sustainable, we haven’t stopped building a solid relationship that offers us continuous joy and support. At this time, we’d like to share with you our intentions as we travel through this life together.
Reina (bride): We pledge to help each other develop our hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, and wisdom as we age and undergo the various ups and downs of life.
Neil: We recognize that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally our minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity. We will strive to see all these circumstances as challenges to help us grow, open our hearts, accept ourselves and each other, and generate compassion for others who are suffering.
Reina: We intend to avoid becoming narrow or closed, and to help each other see various sides of situations.
Neil: We understand that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each other person is also a mystery to us. We will try to understand ourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine our own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy.
Reina: We commit to preserve and enrich our affection for each other. To take the loving feelings we have for one another and our vision of each other's potential and inner beauty as an example and to radiate this love outward to all beings.
Neil: We pledge to remember the disadvantages of ignorance, anger, and clinging to attachment. We will strive to find support when these arise in our minds, and to remember the kindness of all beings and our connections to them. We will strive to work for the welfare of others, with all of our compassion, wisdom, and skill.
Reina: We pledge day to day to be patient with ourselves and others, knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration from our teachers not to become discouraged.
Neil: These rings are a symbol of the spiritual bond which unites our hearts in a loyal partnership. At this time we invite each of you to warm them with your love, wishes, and blessings for our marriage and our future together.
Rings were passed from person to person in the circle - each person warming them in their palm before handing to the next person.
Reina: I acknowledge my love and respect for you and invite you to share my life as I hope to share yours. I promise to recognize you as an equal and to be conscious of your development as well as my own. I shall seek, through kindness and understanding, to achieve with you the life we have envisioned.
Neil: I acknowledge my love and respect for you and invite you to share my life as I hope to share yours. I promise to recognize you as an equal and to be conscious of your development as well as my own. I shall seek, through kindness and understanding, to achieve with you the life we have envisioned.
Reina: Our lives will be woven of one design, and our perils and our joys will not be known apart. As we increase in love and understanding, may our joys stand victoriously against the storm of circumstance that beats impartially on all our doors. From the rich encouragement of our affection, may we be inspired to open our doors to the needs we perceive in the world. In the embrace of mutual respect, may we each complete the unfinished pattern of our true selves.
Neil: May our house be a place of happiness for all who enter it, and a place where the old and the young are renewed in each others’ company, a place for growing, a place for music, a place for laughter. And when shadows and darkness fall within its rooms, may it still be a place of hope and strength for all who enter it, especially for those who may be entrusted to our care. May our compassion extend to all beings. May our larger family be the family of all beings on earth. And may those who are dearest to us be enriched by the beauty and the bounty of our love for each other.
Reina: Let the passing of the days and the years deepen the love of our union and make it full of tenderness and grace.
