Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I now pronounce you...

In August I'll have the joy of officiating the wedding of a couple in California. Just so there's no confusion, they're a traditional couple - man and woman.

Today in California same sex weddings became legal. In preparation for this monumental change the state changed their wedding license wording from using the traditional "bride/groom" or "husband/wife" to "Party A/Party B".

So when I announce that Laura and Mario are wed, do I pronounce them husband and wife or Party A and Party B? I mean, I want it to be legal, you know. What's the official California pronouncement? Somebody help me.

12 comments:

J.J. said...

Hello & greetings from Elk Grove, California! It's about 30 mins from the state capital in Sacramento if you we're wondering where Elk Grove was lol. I found your blog through your son's blog & I must say what an amazing husband & father he is! Ok so you wanted to know how to pronounce the couple that you are marrying...I say stick with the tridtional "I now pronounce you husband & wife" I think you will be safe with that, besides every new married couple loves to hear the words husband & wife :) From what I have been seeing on the news since yesterday, the people that are marrying the same sex couples are saying "I now pronounce you married" Good luck with the wedding that you are officating, have a safe trip out here & I hope that this has helped :)

~j~ said...

oh my gosh, i am so embarrassed! I am from California...yes, definitely stick with how the Lord intended, no question about that!!
Husband and Wife.
If you are anywhere near S.B. calif for that wedding we own a really,really great burger joint (surf theme) dinner is on us- my HUSBAND and I (wife!) :))
julia

~*~Bre~*~ said...

Ah, come on.... you know if you were getting married you'd want someone to announce on the biggest day of your life that you're Party A and Party B. I mean, isn't that insanely personal? And, it gives you a little love name to call your hubster or wifey! "Party A, will you please get me that item from the top shelf?" "No problem, Party B, I'll be right there" Obviously I'm showing just a TEENY big of sarcasm right there. Definitely go with husband and wife! That's most definitely how God intended it to be :o)

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hey Rick,

I live here at the coast in Capistrano Beach, California. I have spent my entire life of 60 years born and raised here. I have seen this state go through so many changes and it embarrasses me that these things give people the impression that we all feel this way. You just go ahead and pronounce this couple Husband and Wife as God intended this union to be. My husband (a man) and I (a woman) :) will celebrate our 40th anniversary on August 10th this year. California is a wonderful place to live and perform weddings.
Just make sure the cameras are personal ones and not the "Media" ones and you should be okay:) And take Julia up on her offer, great burger joints are so yummy!!!

Laurie in Ca.

Rick Lawrenson said...

OK Julia.
But S.B. is a bit nebulous. Is it Santa Barbara? San Bernardino?

I'll be in Orange and the wedding is in Yorba Linda.

~j~ said...

awww bummer, we are in Santa Barbara! little too far to drive for a burger I am afraid. But if you and your bride ever honeymoon here, we will definitely hook you up!
Julia

Rick Lawrenson said...

In our future is a drive up the coast with a stop in Santa Barbara. Maybe next year?

~j~ said...

Absolutely, we would love to have you...the place Kahuna Grill... old surf memorabilia, continual surf movies and excellent food. A surfers paradise! We will take excellent care of you :)
julia

CFHusband said...

I'm pretty sure you should say it in spanish.

John and Michelle said...

Cracking up at Nate's comment!

Rick Lawrenson said...

Buen idea!

Anonymous said...

My vote is for the traditional Husband and Wife

I found your blog through Nates (from a friend at a Baptist church in Yorba Linda I think the same one you are marrying the couple at). I am originally from OC but now live in the Bay Area-

It is sickening to see that they would change the law from the way that God intended. He created ADAM and EVE not adam and steve.