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As we begin this very special ceremony, you can see we have lit a candle of respect, _groomname_ and _bridename_ have asked that we all take a moment, to reflect on those that have been lost and those that are unable to be here today.   

When two people come together to form another ring around the ‘Tree of Life’, it is right and good, that they should give thanks to those who came before them — those dearly present and those dearly departed, whose blessings they seek and whose gifts they acknowledge.

Today, we give honor to those who have passed, who, though they are not with us in the flesh, are certainly here in spirit to celebrate this communion of love, they are especially remembered dearly today.