Ruth and John among the nettles Photo by Marianne Pascal http://www.mariannepascal.com/
What is a Marriage?
Marriage- a formal agreement between two people – the ceremony in which this agreement is made – the state of being married.
Wedding – a marriage ceremony.
Women and men are equal in law and in marriage.
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new” Ursula K Le Guin The Lathe of Heaven
Ruth and John in the shadow of the 12th century tower. Photo by Marianne Pascal http://www.mariannepascal.com/
What makes a marriage?
Love – chemistry, biology, hormones, culture, social conditioning, need, divine and genetic input woven throughout our being. A strong feeling of deep affection. Passion.
Comfort – help, kindness, relief, ease, consolation
Trust – a good marriage is based on trust as are all good human relationships
Intimacy – closeness – sex.
Time – all the years of the past, present and future.
Who is married?
Helpmates – supportive and critical partners.
Companions – those who travel together.
Lovers – people who look at each other
Different people – people who do not know each other.
Ruth and John and the ruined château of lost dreams. Photo by Marianne Pascal http://www.mariannepascal.com/
All marriages are mixed
You can share the same pillow but not the same dreams.
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages”. Friedrich Nietzsche
“To keep your marriage brimming with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.” Ogden Nash
“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” John Steinbeck Travels with Charlie: In search of America
What is essential for a couple are good friendships – those they each have and those they share with other people. Here’s a toast to our friends.
Families are complex and changing. Marriage makes individuals into families. Love, generosity, and kindness make them function.
Here’s a toast to our families.
The lovely, but ruined chateau in these photos is in our village on the banks of the Adour River. We live in a cottage nearby. Marianne took these photos.
13 Comments on “All the world’s a wedding”
What a lovely blue sky day! Wishing you both every happiness, with love xx
Thank you for your good wishes Lorraine.
Congratulations to you both, and what a glorious setting…. Fondest best wishes, Adam
Thank you Adam!
Congratulations Sis and John, I hope you have many, many more happy years together. Lots of love and best wishes Rick, Chrissie and family
Thank you little Brother and family!
Love some of those literary quotes – so true. May your marriage be as wonderful as that lovely place you are in!!
There are so many good quotes and so much written on the subject – luckily I only had so much time.
Congratulations, both – and all happiness for the future… Delighted for you.
I am in my 46 th year of marriage and for me marriage is like a roller coaster. You have to be prepared for the ups and downs and then the ride will be much more fun.
Happy anniversary to you both.
True indeed – thank you Carol
So sorry I wasn’t able to join you Ruth and John. Looks like you had a lovely day. We wish you many more happy years together. Sue & Peter.
Thank you Sue