(Name) and (name), what is happening today may not be taking place exactly as you had envisioned. But believe me, your days of reverie are over. Reality is here. Today you become man and wife. What a privilege it is, and what a joy we feel, to share this special and sacred hour with you.

Since this is reality and not some romantic fantasy, we must speak to you about life as it is. There's a telling passage in Shaw's play, "Back to Methuselah," which can get us started. Adam and Eve are talking to the serpent. Adam says, "I will live a thousand years and then I will endure no more. I will die and take my rest, and I will love Eve all that time, and no other woman."

Eve says, "If Adam keeps his vow, I will love no other man until I die."

The serpent says, "You have just invented marriage.…