Why get married?

Oh my, what a loaded question! I ask this to my couples frequently.. in simple form..."why do you want to get married?" Invariably the bride replies with, "that's a good question" while the groom stares off into space. I snap my fingers and bring him back to the conversation. "This is not a trick question!" I quip. Silent pause. Bride's nails are clicking on the table while the groom's eyes start to glaze over..
"Do I HAVE to answer this?" asks the groom; the bride is now on a roll.. here it comes...

"Well, that's simple!" , the bride will say, "because we love each other, riiiiigggghhhhtt hooonneeeyyyy?" The groom smiles, pats her lap, says something under his breathe and amiably agrees.

Now it's my turn to speak again, but I'm not joking around anymore. I am the vendor they had a hard time finding. I am the person to whom they will look for answers, to write their vows and possibly counsel now or in their future. I am their officiant. The person they hired to marry them, and the wedding's not far off. So I ask the question again, but softly as I maintain eye contact with the bride. She realizes I am asking this question quite purposefully and quietly says, "I want to commit my life to this man in front of all the people I love and who love me".
Whew. A sigh of relief sweeps over me as I turn towards the groom. He's on cup of coffee number four and feeling every bit of it. "Well, I feel the same way. Except I think we need to do this so we can get insurance", he says.

I gulp and smile as I reach my hand out and gently place it over his. I remind him that he's not under oath; but I need more from him. He senses the pressure, but thoughtfully responds. "You know, I never really wanted to get married until I met her. I mean, really, she inspires me and I had a gut feeling that she was THE ONE, for me, forever". Whew again. There we were , sitting in the diner and they both just wrote their first vows to each other. From the heart, with thought and purpose. YAY! I've done my job today.

I can't wait to officiate their wedding.