Brief wedding vows for a partner at a church ceremony

I remember the candles going out during the blackout last winter, and how you found the matches before I even found my phone's flashlight. That's you — steady before I ask.

Before God and these witnesses, I promise to be that steadiness for you too, in small moments and large ones.

I will choose you on ordinary Tuesdays, not just today.

This is my vow, plainly given, and gladly kept.

That same night, you lit the candles and made the dark feel like something we chose, not something that happened to us. I noticed that about you then, and I notice it still.

Here, in this church, I promise to keep choosing the light with you — whatever form it takes.

I will stand beside you in plain days and hard ones alike.

This is my vow, simply spoken, and fully meant.