Weddingbee boards

I'm newer to the hive, so I'm not positive if this has been posted on before, but I'm sure it has.  I just wanted to share something that our officiant wrote about the answer to that question of "why marriage?"  I have often wondered if FI and I will really have a different life once we marry, and if it is after all even necessary.  I liked his answer.

"Some couples date for decades but never marry.  Others cannot seem to wait.  Some couples live together before they marry.  Others may wait to create a home together until they get back from their honeymoon.  Left with all these options, we are confronted with the essential question, why do people marry?  A man and woman can be friends without marriage.  They can be lovers.  The can live together, share expenses and own a home together.  They can work and vacation together.  Even have children together.  A man and woman can be committed to each other without marriage.  They can be deeply in love and completely devoted to one another.  A couple can do all of these things without marriage.  Still we continue to celebrate not just our own marriages, but those of family and friends as well.

So, why marriage?

Because the vows of marriage are the most profound statement of respect, commitment and love a man and woman can give to each other.  Marriage is a statement to each other, and to the world, that each has chosen the other above all others.  It is a statement of their committment and love, to cherish and protect.  To share everything.  To share their entire lives."

Good answer!

I love this! 

I'm sure our officiant, who is a family friend, would be touched you all loved his words so much :)  Thanks for the nice feedback!