Wedding Journal

We did it!

And it couldn't have been a happier, more beautiful day. Sure, there were hiccups (because there are always hiccups), but everything worked out fine and we had a wonderful time. We hope that those of you who were able to join us had a good time, too -- and thank you so much for sharing this day with us.

We do plan to write here about our experiences that day, post photos and recap our honeymoon. But we've been going pretty much non-stop since we got back, so that'll have to wait a little bit longer until things calm down. (Then again, we have a holiday weekend coming up, which will be great catch-up time.)

Speaking of photos -- We've started a private group on the photo-sharing Web site Flickr to allow folks to view/share photos from the wedding. If you want to join, let us know and we'll invite you to the group!

Meanwhile, if you're interested, you can read the ceremony script, which is a fine mishmash of language and sentiments inspired by or stolen from other scripts we found on the Internet.

PRELUDE
Ushers escort guests to their seats. Officiant takes his place once all guests have been seated.

OFFICIANT (DARI FITZGERALD)
If everyone can silence their cellphones, we're about to begin. Thank you.

PROCESSIONAL
Music: "Loure" from Bach's "Partita No. 3 in E, BWV 1006," performed by ALYSSA BOXHILL
Groomsmen and bridesmaids walk up the aisle and take their places.
Groom escorts parents to their seats and takes his place.
Parents escort bride up the aisle and are seated. Bride takes her place next to groom.

OFFICIANT
Good afternoon. We have gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Alyson Hurt and Rob Pongsajapan, and to show our support as they make this commitment to each other.

The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in his or her entirety: as a lover, a companion, and a best friend. It is, therefore, a decision which is not to be made lightly, but reverently, thoughtfully, and in the knowledge that love is both humankind's highest achievement and life's most precious gift.

Rob and Alyson, have you come here freely and without reservation to be joined in marriage?

BRIDE AND GROOM
We have.

OFFICIANT
Just as all people need love and support, a marriage cannot exist alone. Family and friends who are close to Rob and Alyson share a responsibility to help their marriage grow. So let me now address the family and friends who have gathered: Will you support this couple and help their marriage grow?

WEDDING PARTY
We will.

OFFICIANT
It is appropriate that you, Rob and Alyson's family and friends, are also here to participate in this wedding. The ideals, the understanding, and the mutual respect, which these two bring to their marriage have roots in the love, friendship, and guidance, with which you have provided them.

Rob and Alyson, we share your joy. We wish for you a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you joy and zest for living, and a love that provides for you the energy to face the responsibilities of life together.

Rob and Alyson have asked their friend Michael Phillips to read this selection:

READER (MICHAEL PHILLIPS)
Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties, and fear assail your relationship -- as they threaten all relationships at one time or another -- remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

OFFICIANT
Alyson and Rob have selected vows that they would like to read.
Officiant hands notecards with printed vows to the couple.

GROOM
I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love.
I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving.
I promise to try to be on time.
But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you.
I love you.

BRIDE
I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love.
I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving.
I promise to keep a sense of humor.
But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you.
I love you.

OFFICIANT
From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. May the rings which you give and receive this day always remind you of the commitment to each other that you have made today.

GROOM
Alyson, I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of our love for each other.
Rob puts Alyson's ring on her finger.

BRIDE
Rob, I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of our love for each other.
Alyson puts Rob's ring on his finger.

OFFICIANT
Do you, Rob, take Alyson as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?

GROOM
I do.

OFFICIANT
Do you, Alyson, take Rob as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?

BRIDE
I do.

OFFICIANT
Rob and Alyson, you have expressed your commitment to each another through your vows. By the power vested in me by Arlington County, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

RECESSIONAL
Music: "Gavotte en Rondeau" from Bach's "Partita No. 3 in E, BWV 1006," performed by ALYSSA BOXHILL
Exeunt Bride and Groom.
Exeunt Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
Exeunt parents of the bride and groom.
Exeunt officiant.