We first want to say that this was the proudest day of our lives! Not only because we were celebrating our 25 years of friendship, love and loyalty as partners, but because we got to share it with people we love. Some were there in body, some in spirit, some in prayer. We cherish you all and cannot express how blessed we feel to have so many that love us unconditionally and support our relationship. On this day, there were no definitive labels; no differences and no boundries to love. On this day, we celebrated as One Family; God's Children. Your acceptance is a testament to the love of Christ and is a show of Grace in a world that is often judgemental and intolerant. You are special people. We are thankful for your presence and involvement in our lives.
Please enjoy this site. There are a LOT of pictures here so give it a bit of time to load. We plan on adding more as we have time to edit them so check back! If you were there and have a picture that you would like to share, please e-mail it to KerTunes@aol.com and we will happily include it. Sign the guest book with your comments and thoughts.
We love you all very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
With All Our Love,
Karen & Terry's 25th Anniversary;
A Celebration of Faith, Friendship, Love & Loyalty
Never thought this day would come! Escorted down the aisle by the men in our lives, our knees were knocking and Karen cried like a little girl!
BUT, WE DID IT!
The Couple
The Party
The Vows
Cape Cod Civil Union
Greeting:
Welcome to this celebration of faith, friendship, love & loyalty.
A Holy Union in MCC is not an imitation of marriage. It is a celebration of two persons and their decision to become more deeply committed to each other. We are gathered here today to witness and to celebrate the Holy Union of Karen and Terry and to commemorate the 25 years they’ve spent together as best friends and life partners. They have asked me to express how very proud they are that all of you are here tonight, and cannot express how much they love you for accepting and loving them for who they are.
Rememberance Candle:
In honor of those who have passed before us and reside with God in heaven, Karen and Terry will light a candle to represent the light and eternal life of these loved ones and their spirits presence in witness of this union.
Preface to Vows:
The essence of a Holy Union is the commitment of another person in her entirety, as friend, companion and lover. It is therefore, a decision which is not to be entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself. You are to remember not only these vows you are about to make in front of these witnesses, but also those tender vows you made to each other when only God was listening. Those vows are just as sacred and binding as any made publicly. Be well assured that if you keep these vows, and continue to grow in your understanding, love, and responsibilities for each other, God will bless your union, will grant you fulfillment in it, and establish your home in peace.
Reading-The Book of Ruth, Chapter 1, Verse 16
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go: and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.
Introduction to Vows:
In the presence of God and this company, I ask you Karen, do you intend from this day forward to share your life and all its important aspects with Terry? (Yes)
Terry, in the presence of God and this company, do you intend from this day forward to share your life and all its important aspects with Karen? (Maybe!)
Vows:
Karen, please repeat after me these vows:
Terry, in the presence of God, I commit myself to you.
I promise to trust and to be trustworthy.
To stand with you through all that comes,
To share with you, all of my life, sorrows and joys.
To respect you and be deserving of your respect.
I promise to be faithful in heart, mind, and body.
To honor you as my best friend, lover and soulmate.
And join you today as my partner in life, for life.
Terry, please repeat after me these vows:
Karen, in the presence of God
I commit myself to you
I promise to be with you in all that comes
To love and respect you
To trust and be trusted
Share sorrows and joys
To be faithful and honest
To share my life with you
I love you with all of my heart and soul
And join you today as my partner in life, for life.
Charge to Congregation:
Do those of you present and witnessing these vows, promise to support and honor Karen and Terry’s commitment, to share their joys and comfort them in their sorrows and welcome them as a family joined by love and faith?
Congregational Response: We Do.
Blessing The Rings And The Wrapping Of Hands:
Karen & Terry wear Irish claddagh rings as an outward symbol of their commitment to one another. The claddagh signifies the friendship, love, and loyalty that they share today and have shared for 25 years. We will now bless these rings that they wear.
Reading: The Irish Wedding Vow
You cannot possess me, for I belong to myself.
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give.
You cannot command me, for I am a free person.
But I shall serve you in those ways that you require.
I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile in the morning.
I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care.
I shall be your shield and you mine.
I shall not slander you, nor will you slander me.
I shall honor you above all others and when we quarrel, we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances.
This is my vow to you.
This is the marriage of equals.
Pronouncement Of Holy Union:
Karen and Terry, in the presence of God and before these family and friends, you have made a covenant with each other and with God, signified by the blessing of rings and joining of hands. By the authority granted me by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, I pronounce you joined in Holy Union in the name of the One God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. What God has joined together let no person, church or state put asunder. May you continue to love each other always. Amen.
You may now seal this covenant with a kiss.
I present Karen & Terry, partners in life, for life.
Many of you asked about our vows. They were part traditional and part our own words. Most of all, they were the promises we make to each other.
For those of you who requested them, here's a copy.
Note that Terry actually said "NO" during the ceremony. That was a little joke worked out between her and Rev. Bob.
Yea, Karen thought it was funny. Just not TOO funny!
Sheesh...for two people who hate having their pictures taken, we sure got caught on our fair share of film!
A singer songwriter's wedding HAS to have great music, right? Truth is, Karen TRIED to write a song for Terry but cried every time she started a verse! So they hand picked music special to them both. Rick's hammered dulcimer completed the celtic theme and having Kit sing one of his own beautiful songs was a have to! Special thanks to James for handling the sound.
Here're liks to some of the artists and songs that were played.
Karen adds: "There are several Indie artists on this list. Check 'em out and SUPPORT INDIE MUSIC!"
Really now, did you expect her to pass up an opportunity to plug independent music??
The church looked beautiful and what a feedbag there was!
MANY thanks to all of our 'little helpers' who cooked, chopped, set up and tore down with particular appreciation to Rosemary, Debbie, Karen, Marge, Susan & Ron!
It appears a good time was had by all and no one went home hungry!
The following day, we traveled to Cape Cod, where they recognize civil unions and same sex marriage.
On May 2nd, 2006, which was our actual 25th anniversary, we were legally joined by Kimberly Rose Silva, tattooed, gay-friendly Justice Of The Peace! The ceremony took place on the covered porch of a historic home, overlooking a rocky beachfront in Groton, CT.
Possibly, some day, our marriage will be legally recognized here in Tennessee.
This is our prayer.
Pictures provided by all who 'clicked' the night away! Special thanks to Paul, Sherree, Cathy, Ryan & Judy.
(c) K&T
Site designed by: YerzTrulee
Pastor Bob Jilly Bean Sister Sherree Diann Cathy
Terry with Deno & Donnie Karen with Tim Everyone in place for opening prayer
