Location: On the open waters of the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge

Date: May 2018

Setting: We started in Tiburon, in the North Bay, to board the brides multi hull catamaran that she was the captain of. The groom being a captain in his own right as well, which is how they met. We sailed out past all the numerous jaunty land masses in the North Bay until we got closer and closed to the Golden Gate Bridge. They finally settled on a spot just a few miles from the land and the historical red bridge. The sun had long set by the time we settled and replaced with a bright large full moon shining down on the city to our south. The waters had also suddenly calmed, becoming mostly silent and flat enough to mirror everything around us. A friend of theirs, also an avid sailor, came along as witness as did the bride’s two young daughters to perform as the flower girls. The bride and groom sat on the bridge while the rest of us tucked into the tiny deck in front them for the entire ceremony, dressed in water proof jacks and overalls, because we were all still on the water at night after all.

I. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Me: We are gathered here on the deck of NNNN to witness the joining of Amy NNNN and Dave NNNN. Both whom are as comfortable on the water as they are on the land. Below are the deep waters of life from which we evolved and up above are the countless stars from which matter burst forth to spark our lives. We are surrounded by the anomalous chances of life forging from our great oceans where once we were merely stardust. And amongst that stardust was the element of love. The spirit to love family, to love friends, to love the world at large, to love ourselves, and when possible to gift a special love to one person. And it is with this spirit that we are gathered here this evening, under a full moon.

II. Vows

Me: Amy and Dave have decided to begin this celebration with an exchange of vows to each other.

Me: Dave, when you’re ready.

(Dave says his vows)

Me: Amy, when you’re ready.

(Amy says her vows)

III. Ring Exchange & I Do’s

(Give Amy Dave’s Ring)

Me: Amy please place the ring on Dave’s finger

Me: Dave, do you take Amy to be your wedded wife, to cherish in love and in friendship, in strength and vulnerability, in success and loss, to love her faithfully, today tomorrow, and to eternity.

(Dave says, “I do”)

(Give Dave Amy’s Ring)

Me: Dave please place the ring on Amy’s finger

Me: Amy, do you take Dave, to be your wedded husband, to cherish in love and in friendship, in strength and vulnerability, in success and loss, to love him faithfully, today, tomorrow, and to eternity.

(Amy says “I do”)

V. Pronouncement

Me: Then by the power vested in me, I happily pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.