Two years ago, Kristine and I attended the wedding of a young couple in a beautiful setting. It was on the grounds of an old adobe in Vista, CA. The wedding ceremony was conducted in the outdoors. Kristine and I sat under a beautiful, pepper tree likely hundreds of years old. It was just cool enough under that tree.
The pastor began to articulate the traditional vows. The shared joys and sorrows of our 41 years seemed accentuated in the few minutes he spoke. As I had at nearly every wedding since about the age of 40, tears welled up in my eyes. They came from a place deep in my soul.
The tie that binds a married couple ultimately is neither the ring nor the witnessed ceremony. It is something deep-seated that for me grows by the grace of God.
Pilgrim on a Long, Long Journey 