Our Chapel:
Ceremony Wording:
Words of Welcome:
Friends and family of the Bride and Groom, we are here today because love has gathered us together. On this day, Joshua Shane LastName and Amber Marie LastName will pledge their lives as one, and commit themselves to each other forever in marriage.
Presentation:
Who presents this woman to be married to this man?
Dad: Her Mother and I
(Hand off to Groom is made. Bride gives bouquet to Maid of Honor.)
Introduction:
Joshua and Amber, Today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom are gathered to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this occasion which should be one of the most memorable and happy days of your life. There are no obligations on earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.
A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes understanding, and it takes time. Most importantly, it takes a commitment from both of you—a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not just simply survive. A good marriage must be nurtured.
Reading – “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson:
At this time, I would like to invite Joshua's sister, Lindsey, to share a reading with us. Listen to these “words of wisdom” on how to create a successful marriage from piece of writing entitled The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Peterson.
{reading by Lindsey}
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.
Recognition of Parents:
Before we go on to say more about love, it is important to recognize where love comes from in our lives. Someone first loved Amber and Joshua. Someone cared for them as children, guided them, and showed them what love, compassion, kindness, and caring mean. Of course, we are speaking of their parents. The work of our parents is critical in preparing us to be the loving adults we are. So today, Amber and Joshua want to make special recognition of their parents, for everything they have done for them, and for making them the two individuals who stand here today.
(4 roses will be in a vase on the same table that holds the memorial candle. Amber will grab two roses, and Josh will grab one (leaving a single rose in the vase in memory of his father). Amber and Josh will, together, present Amber's parents with a rose each and Josh's mom with her rose.)
Question of Intent:
Josh and Amber, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.
With this understanding, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you, Joshua, take Amber, to be your wife? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband to her? Do you promise to comfort, honor, and protect her, and to give her your deepest friendship, love, and respect? Do you promise to stay by her side through all of life's challenges, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for all the days of your life?
(I do)
With this understanding, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you, Amber, take Joshua, to be your husband? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife to him? Do you promise to comfort, honor, and protect him, and to give him your deepest friendship, love, and respect? Do you promise to stay by his side through all of life's challenges, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for all the days of your life?
(I do)
Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great and exciting. The vows through which you accept each other as husband and wife contain no hidden power within themselves. It is to the extent that they express in words your intention and commitment that they have meaning. Your commitment to each other will need to be re-expressed in the coming days and years. The expression in today's vows is an important and visible milestone in your journey together.
Exchange of Vows:
Joshua, please repeat after me:
I, Joshua, take you, Amber, to be my wife,
secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to love you without reservation,
encourage you to achieve all of your goals,
laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Amber, please repeat after me:
I, Amber, take you, Joshua, to be my husband,
secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to love you without reservation,
encourage you to achieve all of your goals,
laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly. Within the Bible, nothing holds great importance than Love. We are told the beautiful truth: “God is Love.” We are assured that “Love conquers all.” It is love which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union.
Exchange of Rings:
The wedding ring serves as a symbol of the promises you have just spoken. It is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible love that binds your two hearts together. The wedding ring also is a symbol of what God is. He is without beginning and without end-- He is eternal. As you can see, the ring is without beginning and without end. Joshua and Amber exchange these rings as confirmation of their vows to join their lives, to work at all times to create a life that is complete and unbroken, and to love each other without end.
May I have the token of Josh's love for Amber?
Josh, please place the ring on Amber's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a token of my devotion.
I promise you all that I am,
all that I have,
and all that I'll ever be.
Let it be a constant reminder that I love you,
and that I will always be by your side.
I am honored to call you my wife.
May I have the token of Amber's love for Josh?
Amber, please place the ring on Josh's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a token of my devotion.
I promise you all that I am,
all that I have,
and all that I'll ever be.
Let it be a constant reminder that I love you,
and that I will always be by your side.
I am honored to call you my husband.
Blessing of the Hands (author unknown):
Amber and Josh, please face each other and hold hands, so that you can see the gift they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
May these hands be blessed this day. May you both use these hands to build a marriage founded in love, and rich in caring.
Gift to James and Sand Ceremony:
Now, Josh and Amber would like to recognize and officially celebrate the forming of a new family. They would like to present Josh's son, James, with a gift to symbolize their continued love and commitment to him. (give gift)
Amber, Josh, and James have chosen to commemorate the creation of this new family through the celebration of a sand ceremony. The three vessels of sand here represent Joshua, Amber, and James. As each pours in the sands, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual respect. Just as the sands are forever intermixed, so are the lives of the people being celebrated today. As we join this couple in marriage, we are also reminded of the significant role that James plays in this marriage. Josh, Amber, James, please take your separate vessels of sand and pour them into the larger vessel to symbolize the unified life shared within this new family. (do sand ceremony) (let song finish)
Wedding Prayer/Blessing:
Let us pray.
[wedding prayer-still need to choose]
Today is truly a glorious day which the Lord hath made - as today both of you are blessed with God's greatest of all gifts - the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today - and those here in heart - wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success that the world has to offer.
Reading - Union by Robert Fulghum:
I would like to share one last reading with you, entitled, “Union.”
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks — all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” — those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you have just made are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed — well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you have said a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows you have made today, you shall say to the world, this is my husband, this is my wife.
Pronouncement:
(To Amber and Josh) Joshua and Amber, today, before your family and friends, you have openly declared your love for each other. You have joined your hands, spoken your promises, and given these rings, a symbol of your lifelong commitment to each other.
(To all those in attendance) This is, indeed, a special moment for Amber and Josh, but it is also a special moment for all of you who have gathered here with them. For it is with you that they have chosen to share their joy in having found one another. In recognition of this sharing, you and I, all of us here in attendance, are going to marry Joshua and Amber.
I will say the pronouncement one line at a time, and you will repeat it after me. When we are finished, I will, alone, say one more sentence, which is what the law requires. Then, I'll give them the opportunity to share their first married kiss. Are you ready?
(all except the couple)
We have gathered here today in friendship and love
To celebrate the love which has brought you together
And the love that unites us all
May your joy be great
And may you provide comfort to one another in times of sorrow
With great affection,
We now pronounce you husband and wife!
And by the power vested in me by the state of Texas, it is my great honor to declare that you are now husband and wife.
You may kiss your bride.
(Kiss, get bouquet from MOH)
Introduction of Couple:
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua ---------!
Friends and family of the Bride and Groom, we are here today because love has gathered us together. On this day, Joshua Shane LastName and Amber Marie LastName will pledge their lives as one, and commit themselves to each other forever in marriage.
Presentation:
Who presents this woman to be married to this man?
Dad: Her Mother and I
(Hand off to Groom is made. Bride gives bouquet to Maid of Honor.)
Introduction:
Joshua and Amber, Today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom are gathered to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this occasion which should be one of the most memorable and happy days of your life. There are no obligations on earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.
A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes understanding, and it takes time. Most importantly, it takes a commitment from both of you—a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not just simply survive. A good marriage must be nurtured.
Reading – “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson:
At this time, I would like to invite Joshua's sister, Lindsey, to share a reading with us. Listen to these “words of wisdom” on how to create a successful marriage from piece of writing entitled The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Peterson.
{reading by Lindsey}
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.
Recognition of Parents:
Before we go on to say more about love, it is important to recognize where love comes from in our lives. Someone first loved Amber and Joshua. Someone cared for them as children, guided them, and showed them what love, compassion, kindness, and caring mean. Of course, we are speaking of their parents. The work of our parents is critical in preparing us to be the loving adults we are. So today, Amber and Joshua want to make special recognition of their parents, for everything they have done for them, and for making them the two individuals who stand here today.
(4 roses will be in a vase on the same table that holds the memorial candle. Amber will grab two roses, and Josh will grab one (leaving a single rose in the vase in memory of his father). Amber and Josh will, together, present Amber's parents with a rose each and Josh's mom with her rose.)
Question of Intent:
Josh and Amber, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.
With this understanding, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you, Joshua, take Amber, to be your wife? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband to her? Do you promise to comfort, honor, and protect her, and to give her your deepest friendship, love, and respect? Do you promise to stay by her side through all of life's challenges, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for all the days of your life?
(I do)
With this understanding, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you, Amber, take Joshua, to be your husband? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife to him? Do you promise to comfort, honor, and protect him, and to give him your deepest friendship, love, and respect? Do you promise to stay by his side through all of life's challenges, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for all the days of your life?
(I do)
Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great and exciting. The vows through which you accept each other as husband and wife contain no hidden power within themselves. It is to the extent that they express in words your intention and commitment that they have meaning. Your commitment to each other will need to be re-expressed in the coming days and years. The expression in today's vows is an important and visible milestone in your journey together.
Exchange of Vows:
Joshua, please repeat after me:
I, Joshua, take you, Amber, to be my wife,
secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to love you without reservation,
encourage you to achieve all of your goals,
laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Amber, please repeat after me:
I, Amber, take you, Joshua, to be my husband,
secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to love you without reservation,
encourage you to achieve all of your goals,
laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly. Within the Bible, nothing holds great importance than Love. We are told the beautiful truth: “God is Love.” We are assured that “Love conquers all.” It is love which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union.
Exchange of Rings:
The wedding ring serves as a symbol of the promises you have just spoken. It is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible love that binds your two hearts together. The wedding ring also is a symbol of what God is. He is without beginning and without end-- He is eternal. As you can see, the ring is without beginning and without end. Joshua and Amber exchange these rings as confirmation of their vows to join their lives, to work at all times to create a life that is complete and unbroken, and to love each other without end.
May I have the token of Josh's love for Amber?
Josh, please place the ring on Amber's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a token of my devotion.
I promise you all that I am,
all that I have,
and all that I'll ever be.
Let it be a constant reminder that I love you,
and that I will always be by your side.
I am honored to call you my wife.
May I have the token of Amber's love for Josh?
Amber, please place the ring on Josh's finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a token of my devotion.
I promise you all that I am,
all that I have,
and all that I'll ever be.
Let it be a constant reminder that I love you,
and that I will always be by your side.
I am honored to call you my husband.
Blessing of the Hands (author unknown):
Amber and Josh, please face each other and hold hands, so that you can see the gift they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
May these hands be blessed this day. May you both use these hands to build a marriage founded in love, and rich in caring.
Gift to James and Sand Ceremony:
Now, Josh and Amber would like to recognize and officially celebrate the forming of a new family. They would like to present Josh's son, James, with a gift to symbolize their continued love and commitment to him. (give gift)
Amber, Josh, and James have chosen to commemorate the creation of this new family through the celebration of a sand ceremony. The three vessels of sand here represent Joshua, Amber, and James. As each pours in the sands, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual respect. Just as the sands are forever intermixed, so are the lives of the people being celebrated today. As we join this couple in marriage, we are also reminded of the significant role that James plays in this marriage. Josh, Amber, James, please take your separate vessels of sand and pour them into the larger vessel to symbolize the unified life shared within this new family. (do sand ceremony) (let song finish)
Wedding Prayer/Blessing:
Let us pray.
[wedding prayer-still need to choose]
Today is truly a glorious day which the Lord hath made - as today both of you are blessed with God's greatest of all gifts - the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today - and those here in heart - wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success that the world has to offer.
Reading - Union by Robert Fulghum:
I would like to share one last reading with you, entitled, “Union.”
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks — all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” — those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you have just made are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed — well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you have said a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows you have made today, you shall say to the world, this is my husband, this is my wife.
Pronouncement:
(To Amber and Josh) Joshua and Amber, today, before your family and friends, you have openly declared your love for each other. You have joined your hands, spoken your promises, and given these rings, a symbol of your lifelong commitment to each other.
(To all those in attendance) This is, indeed, a special moment for Amber and Josh, but it is also a special moment for all of you who have gathered here with them. For it is with you that they have chosen to share their joy in having found one another. In recognition of this sharing, you and I, all of us here in attendance, are going to marry Joshua and Amber.
I will say the pronouncement one line at a time, and you will repeat it after me. When we are finished, I will, alone, say one more sentence, which is what the law requires. Then, I'll give them the opportunity to share their first married kiss. Are you ready?
(all except the couple)
We have gathered here today in friendship and love
To celebrate the love which has brought you together
And the love that unites us all
May your joy be great
And may you provide comfort to one another in times of sorrow
With great affection,
We now pronounce you husband and wife!
And by the power vested in me by the state of Texas, it is my great honor to declare that you are now husband and wife.
You may kiss your bride.
(Kiss, get bouquet from MOH)
Introduction of Couple:
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua ---------!
The brainstorming that lead to the real deal...
I have dabbled a bit in researching words for our ceremony. I wanted something modern and contemporary, but also including religious elements (not swaying too much from tradition and keeping with our beliefs). I want the ceremony to really leave us holding each other accountable for the words we hear and say to each other.
Things I'm considering-
Ceremony Intro:
Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.
Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. And there may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent or child.
Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.
Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.
When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.
Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.
AND/OR
“A Marriage” by Mark Twain
A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole;
It gives two purposeless lives a work,
And doubles the strength of each to perform it.
It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living
And something to live for.
It will give new gladness to the sunshine,
A new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth
And a new mystery to life.
Blessing of the hands after exchange of the rings:
Amber and Josh, please face each other and hold hands, so that you can see the gift they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Vows:
I, (Bride's Name), take (you/thee), (Groom's Name), to be my [opt:
lawfully wedded] husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my
constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
On this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you
in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses)
my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt:
faithful] wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as
well as through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, comfort
you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve (higher/all of
your) goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind
and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as
long as we both shall live.
I, (Groom's Name), take (you/thee), (Bride's Name), to be my [opt:
lawfully wedded] wife, knowing in my heart that you will be my
constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On
this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you in
the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses) my
(pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful]
husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as
through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, honor and
respect you, provide for your needs as best I can, protect you from
harm, comfort you in times of distress, grow with you in mind and
spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as
long as we both shall live.
Closing of the Ceremony:
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks — all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” — those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you have just made are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed — well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you have said a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this is my husband, this is my wife.
Things I'm considering-
Ceremony Intro:
Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.
Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. And there may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent or child.
Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.
Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.
When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.
Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.
AND/OR
“A Marriage” by Mark Twain
A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole;
It gives two purposeless lives a work,
And doubles the strength of each to perform it.
It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living
And something to live for.
It will give new gladness to the sunshine,
A new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth
And a new mystery to life.
Blessing of the hands after exchange of the rings:
Amber and Josh, please face each other and hold hands, so that you can see the gift they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Vows:
I, (Bride's Name), take (you/thee), (Groom's Name), to be my [opt:
lawfully wedded] husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my
constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
On this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you
in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses)
my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt:
faithful] wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as
well as through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, comfort
you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve (higher/all of
your) goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind
and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as
long as we both shall live.
I, (Groom's Name), take (you/thee), (Bride's Name), to be my [opt:
lawfully wedded] wife, knowing in my heart that you will be my
constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On
this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you in
the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses) my
(pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful]
husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as
through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, honor and
respect you, provide for your needs as best I can, protect you from
harm, comfort you in times of distress, grow with you in mind and
spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as
long as we both shall live.
Closing of the Ceremony:
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks — all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” — those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you have just made are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed — well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you have said a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this is my husband, this is my wife.
Unity Sand Ceremony:
We want to incorporate Josh's son into our ceremony, so we decided to do a sand unity ceremony. We will each have three small vases and combine sand into the larger vase. I'm not sure of the wording or details involved, yet. This is a picture of the set that Josh's mom bought for us!
Brainstorming:
