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last updated 11 Oct 2011    
Ceremony

Introduction: Sean McBride
Good afrternoon and welcome. We are here today to celebrate the marriage of Brooke and Tom. Brooke and Tom meet eight years ago, as they were both starting grad school and UC Davis. Today, we join them to celebrate their relationship as they officially join as husband and wife.

We will begin with readings by Brooke ant Tom's parents.

Ken Babineau:
Both Brooke and Tom have been athletes and sports fans since childhood.
  I encourage you to remember the friends, lessons, and values which have come from your esperiences in sports. Marriage is a team sport, and as Bill Bradley said:
  "The point of the game is not how well the individual does but whether the team wins. That is the beautiful heart of the game, the blending of personalities, the mutual sacrifices for group success.

Melanie Babineau:
Brooke and Tom met in graduate school for neuroscience.
  As your careers and relationships move forward, I encourage you to continue to exercise your minds and ask questions:
  "The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science."

Don McBride:
Whether skiing and snowboarding, hiking or climbing, Brooke and Tom share a love of the outdoors.
  As your lives become more busy, I encourage you to strike a balance in your lives and continue to take the time to experience nature. As John Muir said:
  "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

Sean:
Now Brooke and Tom have some words they would like to say.

Brooke:
Thank you Tom's family.
I'd like to thank Tom's Mom for being the first strong woman in his life. Without her influence I'm sure he would never be able to put up with someone like me. I'd like to thank Tom's Dad for instilling in him a thirst for knowledge which drives Tom to find answers to all questions, both the important and the mundane. I'd like to thank Tom's extended family, especially his cousins who provided a source of athletic competition. Finally I'd like to thank Tom's friends especially his college friends who I believe instilled in him to of my favorite qualities - fierce loyalty and stubborn jackassedness.

Tom:

One of the characteristics I admire most about Brooke is her sense of duty and dedication to service. I believe she learned this from her Grandpa Babineau, who served his country in World War 2, and his community as a firefighter. Similarly. I admire her commitment to education; I believe she learned this from her parents, who spent 30-plus years as teacher and coach. Lastly, I admire her loyalty, which she cultivated in her relationships with her friends. For all of you who helped make Brooke the person she is, Thank You.

Vows:
Sean: To symbolize the bond they are taking today and remind them of the vows they have just made, Brooke and Tom will now exchange rings.

Brooke, do you take Tom to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you honor and cherish him, and not get angry when he tries to finish your sentences?

Brooke: I do.

Sean: Tom, do you take Brooke to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you honor and cherish her and feed her when she is hungry?

Tom: I do.

Sean: By virtue of the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Brooke and Tom you may now kiss.

Wedding Pictures and Video