Mark and Tairi Wedding Album

Mark05.06.2013 & Tairi

But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become

a new creature.

To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take.If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

“She's

such a beautiful person, inside and out. She's always looking for the positive side of every situation, even horrible ones. She helped me through very tough times. I look at her, and every day I am reminded of how truly lucky I am to have found someone who is so naturally and authentically good. I've found that things are just more fun and fulfilling when she's a part of them. We have a mutual need for connecting daily and enjoying life together.

Very early on in our relationship, I think we both realized that this was such a solid bond, it would not be broken. We both knew where this was headed...lifetime companionship and friendship, and love." - Mark

“Ever since the beginning I knew there was something

great here. We have the same sense of humor, we have the same passion for social justice, our values line up perfectly, we are open with each other without judgement. He betters me and I see my true potential because he has never stopped supporting me. Life in general is just more fun when we are together. I'm just so excited that I've found my partner for life - the person who, above all else, has my back no matter what and I can count on in any situation, at any time, and feel

and loved when I'm around him.� -Tairi

so comfortable, secure,

“I’m not sure how much I need to tell you about Tairi and Mark, because most of you are on Facebook and probably know what they ate for breakfast this morning. You probably also know Sweet Pea better than you do your own children. Man, what a cute dog she is. Still, for those of you without Facebook, I want to take a moment to recognize what a unique and special couple I have the privilege of marrying today.

The first thing I’ll tell you about Tairi and Mark is that they are *fun*. They are committed to staying interesting and engaged with the world. They work hard, but their day doesn’t end at 5 pm. They go out to concerts; to watch their beloved Knights play basketball, football, badminton, you name it. They go to trivia nights; they make it a point to see interesting speakers. Even when they spend a quiet game night indoors, they have a knack for making it seem like an adventure that we all want to be part of. They are never boring; and I think it’s safe to say that they will never be boring. In 50 years, mark my words, their Mahjong game will be the one to join.

Another bond that unites Tairi and Mark is their commitment to social justice and helping others. Mark furthers this cause every day in his job at a nonprofit organization here in Orlando. Tairi does the same with her endless pursuit of equal rights throughout the world. Yes, they are both hippies. Both of them are loving and supportive Big Brothers and Big Sisters to children in their community: taking them on adventures, talking them through their problems. Nora and Andi might wonder how they missed out on this treatment, but what’s important is the positive example Tairi and Mark are both setting today.”

One side note: I used to question Tairi’s culinary preferences - in particular, her specialty, spaghetti and ketchup. Tairi was smart: she never had to share her dinner with anybody. Now, I can’t help but admire her dedication to a totally vegan lifestyle. She wants the best for everybody - not just for her fellow human beings - but for all living beings. Note that this does not include zombies; but that’s okay, because nobody likes zombies.

With this ring I take you to be my

best friend, my loyal partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage you and inspire you and to love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, lift you up when you are down, and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in life together.

“...Tairi helps Mark loosen up when life gets too serious; Mark makes sure Tairi's feet stay somewhat planted on the ground, while still encouraging her to reach as high as she can...�

Sweet pea Apple of my eye Don’t know when and I don’t know why You’re the only reason I keep on coming home

Sweet pea What’s all this about Don’t get your way all you do is fuss and pout

You’re the only reason I keep on coming home I’m like the Rock of Gibraltar I always seem to falter And the words just get in the way Oh I know I’m gonna crumble I’m trying to stay humble But I never think before I say Sweet pea

Keeper of my soul I know sometimes I’m out of control You’re the only reason I keep on coming home

“Mark, can I just say, that you are one lucky guy. You’ve just married one of the most special people in the world, and the best part for us is that you so obviously know that! Our family couldn’t be more thrilled about these two. We always knew that Tairi was different. She is a truly unique, fun-loving soul. She sees the world in a way that is unlike most- A way that is pure – and that makes her and others around her laugh out loud. We always knew that she would be happy in life. But we could not have imagined her f inding someone that makes her as over the moon giddy as Mark does...

After all, anyone can be passionate. That’s the easy part. But Mark and Tairi, their love is silly...It’s kind of weird...It’s goofy...Borderline inappropriate...It’s ridiculous! And that’s how it should be! We wouldn’t expect it any other way for these two.

We wouldn’t want it any other way. Because there’s enough normal in the world. Enough ugliness in the world. Enough people judging other people. There can never be too much silliness. These two, their love, their compassion, that’s what the world needs.”

...Let’s raise our glasses for silly, crazy, ridiculous love!

...And that laugh that wrinkles your nose, It touches my foolish heart... Lovely, never, ever change...cause I love you just the

way you look tonight

...and they lived happily ever after.