Thanks to Cath we used the company's digital recorder and had it on for all the vows and speeches. We have the story and vows in mp3 format.
Two years ago, Jon was on his computer sending out an urgent 'net' message: "Does anyone out there have a keyboard?" Jon's keyboard broke down and as the host of a live internet music station, that was proving to be an unsettling situation. A sympathetic fan and listener came to the rescue. That listener was Shelley.
Jon and Shelley had talked before online and even discovered they had mutual friends. Nevertheless, the keyboard situation was the catalyst that prompted them to meet face to face.
As it turned out, it was Jon's friend who picked up Shelley's keyboard and it was Jon who returned the keyboard a week later. Jon recalls their moment of meeting very well. He said he was unusually nervous and flustered meeting Shelley in person. Shelley recalls feeling exactly the same way. Jon said he awkwardly complimented Shelley on her 'rune' pendant and Shelley said she responded with an equally stunned, "What?" With that, Jon left and that was that for that encounter.
As unremarkable as that meeting seemed, it did not interrupt Shelley and Jon's comfortable internet conversations. Talking on icq became a natural and pleasant part of their day with each day resulting with them talking more than they did the day before.
One day, a mutual friend of theirs invited Shelley to go out for coffee with him and Jon. Shelley remembers the friend and Jon becoming engrossed in conversation while she quietly sat there and stared at the eccentric, dreadlocked Jon. The three of them then went back to Jon's where Jon and his friend went online to broadcast as Shelley fell asleep on the couch. Again, events bringing Shelley and Jon together seemed unremarkable yet they were making a definite connection.
For weeks, the computer was the centre of what Shelley and Jon talked about. When Shelley recruited Jon to assist her with a computer virus, she told Jon she was taking computer engineering technology in school. Jon said that totally impressed him.
Shelley and Jon comfortably got in the habit of talking regularly online and going out for the occasional coffee. After having a particularly tough night, Jon invited Shelley out for one of these coffees. He said that was all he apparently needed, a 'Shelley Fix.' It seemed to do the trick. Now close friends, Shelley and Jon talked constantly in person as well as online. These two computer nuts were obviously getting closer by the minute.
Yet for months to come Shelley and Jon felt they were just hanging out and were not in an actual relationship. They saw each other as good friends and nothing more. Besides, neither was looking for a relationship. It was easy for both of them to get closer every day and not recognize it themselves.
As their relationship progressed, a turning point was inevitable. Two years ago, that turning point came about at Oasis, a three day outdoor rave in Drumheller. Still haunted by the presumption she was not supposed to have romantic feelings for Jon, Shelley broke down and told Jon she loved him. The words seem to come out of her mouth as if they had a life of their own. As soon as they did, Shelley was instantly struck with the thought that she had made a dreadful mistake.
Doing her best to backtrack, Shelley assured Jon he didn't have to say anything. In fact, she told him she would understand completely if he said nothing at all. Not knowing what to say, Jon just stood there then walked away obviously feeling he had to think about this.
It took only minutes before those spoken words, "I love you" sunk in. Jon all of a sudden realized he felt the same way. So he returned to Shelley and assured her he loved her too.
With every relationship there are challenges. When the Millenium New Year rolled around, there was a definate strain between Shelley and Jon. Not ready to cut their ties, this couple in stress decided to honor their plans to spend New Year's together.
That decision proved to be another important turning point. They ended up talking until six in the morning clearing up all that was bothering them. In the process, they realized they were seriously in love and could not live without each other. Six months later, they moved in together.
When asked to describe their social lives, Shelley and Jon were quick to answer. They like to hang out with good friends and eat lots of sushi. So much so, their quest for making sushi a mainstay of their frequent meals out has become a big deal. Their wonderfully suited wedding reception will also be held at a sushi bar.
Besides going out for sushi, this joined-at-the-hip couple spend even more time in front of their computers. They have five. Looking like two kids who share a very delectable secret, Shelley and Jon proudly describe their 'Techno-Country-Kitchen' decorated apartment. Pulling out all kinds of Sanrio memorabilia, they shamelessly flaunt their preoccupation with Sanrio characters, Hello Kitty and Badtz Maru. They have also dubbed Sanrio character names on all their computers.
In their personal lifestyle form, Shelley and Jon look forward to going to this year's Burning Man. The theme, 'Seven Ages,' explains the different phases of one's life. One phase is referred to as 'The Lovers.' Relating strongly to this particular phase, Shelley suggested she and Jon visit the Burning Man Chapel and exchange personal vows.
Once again Shelley's unexpected proclamation found Jon not knowing quite how to react. Shelley instantly sensed Jon's discomfort and, once again, immediately backed off. She suggested they leave the subject alone and come back to it when and if Jon felt comfortable with the idea.
About a month later, Jon read Shelley's tarot cards and somehow read his future inot Shelley's. He must have seen it as a significant sign because he grabbed that moment to ask Shelley to marry him. This time, it was Shelley who went into a bit of a state. Instead of going for a quiet walk, her reaction was to burst into a flood of tears! Composing herself, she turned to Jon and forced out the words, "You're probably wondering what my answer is? --- It's yes!"
With full intentions of exchanging vows in a quiet place with just the two of them, Shelley and Jon later thought, "Why don't we make it legal?" As a result, six weeks ago they began to make the necessary arrangements that have brought them here today pledging their love in front of friends and family.
Shelley and Jon would now like to take a brief moment to extend a special tribute to Kathy, Jon's mom. Last summer on June 14th, Kathy sadly passed away. In loving rememberance, Shelley and Jon feel Kathy's wonderful presence and know she is somehow here with them today.
Shelley explains that she didn't meet Jon's family until after they found out about Kathy's illness. Shelley tells of how Jon's family totatlly welcomed her and that brought her and Jon even closer.
Shelley and Jon would also like to take another moment to give credence to two other very special people in their lives, Shelley's children, six year old Jamie and eight year old Jeffrey. Shelley and Jon want Jamie and Jeffrey to know they are as much a part of today, as they are. They extend much love to both and are grateful to have them share in this wonderful time.
Jon deeply professes Shelley is the love of his life. Adoringly he describes this wonderful person who has also filled his life, "She's got a smile that can't be beat. It lights up the room. Shelley is very smart. She is also very warm, very loving and very caring. She has taught me alot about responsibility and has helped me grow as a person. Shelley supports me with just the right pressure to encourage me to do my best. She never pushes. I lover her very much and look forward to being taken care of by her and her taking care of me."
With intense love in her eyes, Shelley looks at Jon and says, "Jon is an artist, a musician and incredibly smart. He is the kind of person I want to be because he is his own person and is not afraid to show it. Jon is also very respectful of people. He is soft hearted, very wise and keeps me feeling young. He makes me feel loved by not pressuring me and still manages to give me the kind of support I need. Jon knows exactly what to say and when I am feeling low, he always know how to make me feel better. I love him very much and look forward to tomorrow --- and the next day --- and the day after that..."
This completes the first chapter of Shelley and Jon's life together. Today marks the beginning of the second chapter, full of well wishes for a life of wonderment, joy and love as they begin their journey as husband and wife. We joyfully gather to witness the sacred union of Shelley and Jon as they request to be formally joined in marriage.
As we gather here to witness the formal joining of Shelley Yvonne Ashton and Jonathan Edward Arkell I declare today, August 6th, 2001 a Day of Celebration.
The law adamantly supports the rights of one another in marriage and clearly states each partner is equal.
In marriage, couples should invest their happiness of the other while supporting and respecting the wonderful uniqueness of the other.
There is no comfort like the one found in the invitation to grow, laugh and cry in the presence of a loving and supportive spouse.Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together,
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress, grow not,
in each other's shadow.
THE PROPHET by Kahlil Gabran
Today, Shell and Jonny offer the ultimate gift to each other, an enduring and abiding love. As persons of free will, Shell and Jonny stand before these witnesses and in my presence expressing their wish to be joined in marriage.
If any persons show just and sufficient reason why these two persons may not be joined in matrimony, let them now declare reasons, or else from this time forward keep their peace.
Jonny, I call upon you. Do you swear, in the presence of these witnesses, you do not know of any lawful impediment why you, Jonathan Edward Arkell, may not be joined in matrimony to Shelley Yvonne Ashton.
Jonny: I do swear.
Shell, I call upon you. Do you swear, in the presence of these witnesses, you do not know of any lawful impediment why you, Shelley Yvonne Ashton, may not be joined in matrimony to Jonathan Edward Arkell.
Shell: I do swear.
As no impediment is declared or admitted, I require you both to face one another, hold hands and repeat after me.
Jonny:
I, Jonny, give you Shell, my undying love, and commitment to be your life's companion.
I promise to give you honesty in love, patience and understanding.
I promise to give you the best of myself and ask no more than you can give.
I promise to laugh with you in joy, grieve with you in sorrow and grow with you in love.
I promise to hold sacred our bond as man and wife, loving and cherishing you for all the days of my life.
This is my solemn vow.
Shell:
I, Shell, give you Jonny, my undying love, and commitment to be your life's companion.
I promise to give you honesty in love, patience and understanding.
I promise to give you the best of myself and ask no more than you can give.
I promise to laugh with you in joy, grieve with you in sorrow and grow with you in love.
I promise to hold sacred our bond as man and wife, loving and cherishing you for all the days of my life.
This is my solemn vow.
The wedding ring, where there is no beginning and there is no end, represents an endless dimension of your love. Accepting and receiving a wedding ring demonstrates a deep commitment to protect one another, to be at each other's side through life's joys as well as challenges.
Jonny will you take Shell's wedding ring and place it on the third finger of her left hand, Repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a visible symbol of my everlasting love and fidelity. I honor you with all that I am and all that I have.
Shell will you take Jonny's wedding ring and place it on the third finger of her left hand, Repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a visible symbol of my everlasting love and fidelity. I honor you with all that I am and all that I have.
Shell and Jonny you have consented in marriage and declared your solemn intention before these witnesses, and in my presence.
May your devotion for each other grow even stronger. May you always look into each other's eyes with loving anticipation. May your life together be full and long.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love,
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be along.
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
THE PROPHET by Kahlil Gibran
Now upon the authority vested in my by the Province of Alberta, I pronounce you as husband and wife. Congratualtions.
You may now kiss the bride to seal this marriage.
Would Jamie and Jeffrey please come forward and join their mom and Jon for a family hug.
It is my pleasure and distinct privilege to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife:
Jon and Shelley have asked me to ask all of you to make yourselves comfortable, grab a pop from the cooler and we will proceed with the wedding presentation. They want to thank all of you for coming here today and sharing this most special of days with them.