I was honored to read the following text at Denise & Julianne's wedding:
From "Goodridge vs. Department of Health" by Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall.
Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations...
Without question, civil marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance"...
Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family...
Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, civil marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.
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We knew exactly what we were doing, asking the most cynical person we know to read at our wedding.
Most importantly, we feel like Mark is family, and it was special for us for him to have a position of honor.
But we also put a lot of thought into why we were doing this, and we wanted to educate everyone there (before getting them fed and drunk). Mark was the ideal reader and if it softened him on love and marriage, double score (and hey, that whisper you referred to made me cry).
Also, we were angling to get into the holiday newsletter and are very disappointed that there is no 2008 edition.
Denise
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