I would say it is sacred. Some would say I must not mean it because I have been divorced but I do hold it sacred. Like with anything in life..it is what you make of it.
I realise that it is not for everyone and maybe it is not for me
I believe it is and I do hold it with the highest regard and I look forward to our upcoming ceremony. I am glad that it is going to be something new and different for both of us.
A rebirth, cleansing and another level to our relationship.
Growing our foundation stronger

I consider it an opportunity to have a day where you can celebrate your love, bring family together, to above all have a great time and remind yourself how much you love someone and how blessed you are to have them in your life.

I'd been living with my now wife for 5 years when we got married, so I figured I already knew what it felt like to be married. That turned out to be true, as married life is no different to how living together for years was. But, with marriage came the opportunity for a wedding, and I have never had as much fun in my life as I did going to get the studio photos done, then seeing Mon's family and mine all out in front of the house drinking and eating together on the day. I saw my parents and Mon's and saw two strong, long-lasting relationships and it was a reminder of how lucky two people are if they find they love each other and how important it is to work hard in order to have what that longevity can provide. It's a unique human experience found nowhere else in life. It was an opportunity to see what I could have if I do my bit and love this woman and uphold my promises to myself in the relationship. If she can do the same then something very special will come of it. I saw what it would be on the wedding day just by watching my parents and Mon's. More than anything though, it was a whole lot of fun and an incredible, rare occasion for these two families living such different lives, so many miles apart from each other. For that alone the marriage was a wonderful thing, and nobody that was there will ever forget it. We're all still buzzing from it, so there's one reason why it's still important. I've never seen so many people so happy.

Fauxie said:

It is so great that both families could be together for your special day.
That has created memories that will last a life time.

shanti0608 said:

It was surreal. I suppose I'd not really thought about what it would be like. We'd all sat outside so many times having barbecues and whatnot, but suddenly I'm sitting there and it's like our usual family nights but my parents, aunts, my brother and his girlfriend are all sitting there too, drinking a few beers and talking. Talking! My family don't speak a word of Thai and most of Mon's not a word of English, yet conversations were being had somehow! Everybody was just so happy and getting along and there was all this respect and love there. Mon's mother still talks about how beautiful my mother is and how she misses her, about her blonde hair and fair skin ( ) and I remember how my brother gave Mon's father a silver necklace in return for a Buddhist pendant in a spontaneous gesture. My father, labelled as an expert in malt whiskey, tried to discern the difference between a good malt and a cheap Thai whiskey and hammed it up to the delight of Mon's father's friends. I'm rambling now, but honestly, I'd get married every single year if it meant moments like that could happen. Thinking about it, and watching the wedding video (that I've yet to send my parents - they'll be blown away with what I did with it) gives me a reminder and a positive boost any time I need it. It's just a whole lot of happiness and it never would've happened if we hadn't decided to tie the knot.

Fauxie said:

shanti0608 said:

I get all choked up and stupidly happy thinking about it, which is why I can write far too long posts about it. So what about your wedding?

I like your sig, by the way.

Fauxie said:

That is great that you are still so touched by it. I know so many ppl that spend so much on the day and then they cannot remember anything about the day after it happens because they were so stressed and anxious.

Our wedding is going to be April 7th. Small & simple.

shanti0608 said:

Compared to what it could've been, ours was a really trimmed down, small and simple Thai wedding - 50 guests, 9 monks, everything done here at the house and only the traditions that meant something to Mon and I being included. I can't wait for yours. I wanna see the pics. Your clothes are gorgeous and I'm envious of Phil's shirt. I could've worn that for my wedding and it would've been totally appropriate!

Sacred: (wikipedia)
Holiness, or sanctity, is the state of being holy or sacred, that is, set apart for the worship or service of God or gods. It could also mean being set apart to pursue (or to already have achieved) a sacred state or goal, such as Nirvana. It is often ascribed to people, objects, times, or places.

I've been married 25 years. I believe it's a union and an institution, minus the adjectives.
Marriage isn't for everyone. It takes commitment to another person, and family.
There's less a sense of self, as kids/spouse may have priority. It's also a partnership as time goes on, and assets accumulate.
No, you don't need a piece of paper to have most of that. Which brings up the assets, which are obtained during the relationship.....
Does common law still exist?
With marriage, the spouse has more rights and entitlements, than simply living together. Think of all the celebrity lawsuits (ie Lee Marvin), where the ex girlfriend was promised lifetime support, then the relationship ended, and zip.
It's a 50/50 partnership, not only emotionally, but financially.
For those who live together, with no marriage certificate, be sure all big purchases, house, expensive toys, etc. are in both of your names if you contribute $$ for the purchase or upkeep.
With marriage, you don't have to think about it.
Regarding pre-nups, if you agree to terms, you're stuck with it.

self sp ck.
[Edited 2/16/08 7:35am]