(groom) I [groom], take you [bride], to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to love, honour, and cherish, to comfort and respect, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in plenty, so long as we both shall live.

[bride], as you look at [groom], repeat these words after me:

(bride) I [bride], take you [groom], to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to love, honour, and cherish, to comfort and respect, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in plenty, so long as we both shall live.

The ring is a symbol of unity into which your two lives are now joined in an unbroken circle; in which, wherever you go, you will return to one another. May these rings serve as a reminder of this day and may you always remember the vows that you have to each other.

(groom) [bride], I offer this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my vows to you.

(bride) [groom], I offer this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my vows to you.

(Optional unity candle ceremony or substitute sand for a beach wedding)

[bride] and [groom], the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the centre candle.

The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the centre candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining of your two families and circles of friends into one.

[bride] and [groom], may your home be a haven of peace and your relationship be one of truth and understanding. May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and content of mind as you, day by day, live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another.

And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.

[groom], you may kiss your bride!

Allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. I command you to love each other.

Matthew 19:6

Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together."

Ephesians 5:21-33

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your husband's as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

 Foundation

Marriage is a gift from God, a miracle. It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive love in return.  It is about trust, friendship and being blessed with a partner to share all life has to offer. It is a commitment to participate in a process of mutual evolution, understanding, faith and forgiveness. It is indeed a sacred union to be treated with reverence.

The Questions/Ring Ceremony Do you have your rings?

(They respond, "Yes")

The circle has long been a symbol of God. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are.  Your rings carry a potent double message: We are individuals and yet we belong to one another; we are not alone.  As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the sacred union that you are now creating.

           God, bless these rings and the two who wear them that they may abide in your peace and continue in your favor. Fill them with Your Holy Presence.  Keep them safe in the circle of your protection and love. In Jesus' name we pray - Amen

Javarris, as you place this ring on Kimberly, I now ask you:

Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?  Do you promise God and Kimberly that from this point forward, your arms will be her shelter and your heart will be her guide? Do you promise to support her, nourish her, to love and respect her, to honor her and be loyal to her for the rest of your days on earth?

  If so please answer "I do."

Kimberly, as you place this ring on Javarris, I now ask you:

Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?  Do you promise God and Javarris that from this point forward, your arms will be his shelter and your heart will be his guide? Do you promise to support him, nourish him, to love and respect him, to honor him and be faithful to him for the rest of your days on earth? 

If so please answer "I do."

VOWS

Kimberly and Javarris you have chosen to read each other vows you have prepared for one another. Javarris may begin.

We will each say vows

Kimberly, Javarris is a gift to you from God, but he is not a gift for you alone.  It is God's will that in your love, this man might find within himself a greater sense of who he is meant to be.  You are asked to see the good in this man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be.  In this way, God's purpose shall be accomplished in this relationship...  May this man find the kingdom of heaven through the love you share.

            And so it is with you also Javarris, that although Kimberly is God's gift to you, she is not a gift intended for you alone. You are asked by God to so love this woman, that in your love she might find herself as God has created her, so beautiful and strong and brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the presence of a woman who shines so. May she find serenity in your arms as she has never found serenity before.  May she know, from now on, that there is one on whose love she can depend on forever.

May you both create, with God, a piece of heaven on earth.

Prayer

Ministers's Blessing

Kimberly and Javarris, you now have the opportunity for expressing through your union and partnership, God's glory, love and healing. How could this be? Through devotion and service to each other. Through patience, kindness, total acceptance of each other, tempered by the willingness to change. You will be tempted, as time goes by, to take for granted the love which today seems so precious and dear, to speak to and treat each other in ways that do not reflect the highest good in both of you. Resist it.  Promise to always see the goodness in each other, even when it's especially difficult. God will provide you the way, if you are willing. He is the key to your success as a married couple. Call on Him devotedly and consistently to guide your thinking and to bless your home. A strong and healthy marriage is truly a marriage of three: husband, wife, and Jesus Christ. You must submit to God's work in your lives - break down the hardness of your hearts and allow God to bind you together with His son, Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a "triple braided cord is not easily broken." May this marriage be to you a triple braided cord that is unbreakable, and may this marriage be to you a heavenly sanctuary. God bless you both.   

Pronouncement

Kimberly and Javarris - in the presence of God today, you have openly declared your wishes to be united in marriage. You have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives.  It is my legal right as a minister and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. 

Benediction

The two of you are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness. May you two find in each other an unbreakable love graciously given to you by God. May you grow together daily in understanding and in compassion. May the home that you establish be a place of sanctuary. May the Lord bless you, protect you and show you favor, giving you peace, joy and happiness for the rest of your lives.

In Jesus' Name We Pray - Amen.

 Conclusion

It is my pleasure to pronounce you - Mr. and Mrs. Jones

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 CALL TO WORSHIP (OPENING) Pastor Bob

Dear friends and family, we have gathered together in the presence of God to witness and bless the marriage of Carolynne and David. To this sacred moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love.

The Bible tells us "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

VOWS:

I, David, take you, Carol, to be my lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love from this day forward.

In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to love you faithfully as your partner in sickness and in health, thru good times and bad, to laugh with you and cry with you regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I will love you unconditionally, support you in your goals, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

You are a most precious gift that God has given me. With God's grace and power working within me, I will strive to be trustworthy as your husband, to allow Him to use you to build His qualities in me, as long as He gives us life on this earth. I praise and thank God continually for you, Carol, and for your love and friendship.

I, Carol, take you, Dave, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love from this day forward.

In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to love you faithfully as your partner in sickness and in health, thru good times and bad, to laugh with you and cry with you regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I promise to trust you and respect you, to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

You are a most precious gift that God has given me. Along with the new joy God has given me, He has given me new responsibilities that I cannot fulfill in my own strength. But by God's grace and power working within me, I will strive to be trustworthy as your wife, to allow Him to use you to build His qualities in me, as long as God gives us life on this earth. Each day I thank God for you, Dave, and for your love and friendship.

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You've brought more happiness to my life than I ever knew existed.

You have taken your unconditional love

and added strength, trust, respect, kindness, desire, hope and faith.

I have learned from you that I don't have to be perfect to be loved.

You inspire me to be the best woman I can be

for you,

for me,

and for us.

I share with you a lifetime dream that we will always be together,

happy,

and in love,

and that someday we'll have a beautiful family

that can come together

to experience our deep committed love for one another
You are the love of my life,

my best friend,

my soulmate

This day, before God, family, and friends,

I devote myself to you.

I promise to love and respect you,

comfort you and support you,

believe in you, and be proud of you.

I promise to cherish our love forever.

I give to you all of my trust, respect, compassion, and affection.

I accept you and do not wish to change you.

I want to share all life has to offer with you

I promise to bring joy, strength, and commitment to our everlasting love and marriage.

I promise to be forever faithful to you

heart, mind, body, and soul.

And I look forward to spending the rest of my life making you feel as happy

and as loved, as you make feel.

I thank God since the moment I met you for the wonderful blessing.

You helped me let go of the past

and I embrace the future.

Thank you for making me laugh again,

be happy again,

and feel love again.

I see now what's important,

what I need, to be complete, it's you!

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Some custom vows by a wedding couple:

Traditional Non-Denominational Religious Ceremony

(Charge to audience)

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together Bride and Groom, in holy matrimony; this is an honorable estate, instituted by God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and his Church; It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and with the approval of God. It is into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. (You may be seated)

(Charge to couple)

I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept, as God's Word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.

Vows of Intent

(Then shall the officiant say to the man)

Brandon, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?

I Do

(Then shall the officiant say to the woman)

Nicole, do you take this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?

I Do

Option 1 Request Parents of Groom for Blessing

Bride Given Away By Escort

Through out time and tradition, all over the world it has always been the distinct honor and privilege for someone to present the bride in marriage. As we come together, who presents (bride) in marriage?

I do (or her mother and I)

Option 3 Rose Service - Distribution of Roses to Mothers

Officiant: As they come before us to be married, Brandon and Nicole wish to acknowledge and thank their parents for the love and support they have given them. The flowers they give to their parents and grandparents represent the feeling of gratitude in the hearts of Brandon and Nicole. This moment marks a major change in their lives, but the ties of love and friendship with their parents will continue.

Option for Special Readings or Music

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Option 4 Blessing of the Hands

Officiant addresses audience: Just as the brides' hand was presented in marriage. We would like to take a moment to bless the hands of Nicole and Brandon. For it is through the hands that we demonstrate our love and commitment to one another.

Nicole and Brandon, please face each other and join both hands so that we may bless them.

Reading by officiant:

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you.

They are being held by yours on your wedding day as you two promise to love each other for the rest of your lives.

These are also the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future and share your inner most dreams and secrets together.

These are the very 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 threatens to overwhelm you.

The hands that you hold are the same hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

And these are the hands that will give you strength when you need it most.

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.

Prayer:

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace. May Nicole and Brandon, see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.

Wedding Vows (sample 1)

I, Brandon, take you, Nicole, to be my wedded wife, / to have and to hold/ from this day forward, /for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, /in sickness and in health, / to love and to cherish, /as long as we both shall live, / this is my promise to you.

(Then shall they loose their hands; and the woman, with her right hand taking the man by his right hand, shall say after the minister,)

I, Nicole, take you, Brandon, to be my wedded husband, / to have and to hold /from this day forward, / for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, / in sickness and in health, / to love and to cherish, / as long as we both shall live, / this is my promise to you.

Option for Special Readings or Music

Poems

Special Music

Ring Exchange

(Then, the officiant, taking the ring or rings, shall say,)

I hold in my hands beautiful rings. They are made of precious metal representing two precious lives that stand before me. The ring has no beginning, no end...it represents the circle of life-the circle of love. May they be given, and received, to remind you of the vows you have made this day.

(Then the officiant may say,)

Let us pray.

Bless O lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(The minister shall then deliver the proper ring to the man to put upon the third finger of the woman's left hand. The man, holding the ring there, shall say after the minister,)

Ring Vows (sample 1)

In token and pledge/ of my constant faith/ and abiding love/ with this ring I thee wed/ in the name of the Father/ the Son/ and the Holy Spirit/

(Then, if there is a second ring, the minister shall deliver it to the woman to put upon the third finger of the man's left hand; and the woman, holding the ring there, shall say after the minister the same vows)

Pastoral Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us this opportunity to be present in these surroundings - where dreams come true, where a couple comes together in marriage. Thank you for Nicole and Brandon as they begin this, their journey through life together. Walk with them each step of the way giving them the faith, and the wisdom, to face together whatever the future may hold. In your name we pray, amen

Option 7 Blessing To The Couple

Receive this blessing as one to the other

Entreat me not to leave you or from walking beside you; for where you go, I will go, where your home shall be so shall my home be, your family shall be my family, your friends shall be my friends, and your God shall be my God. Ruth 1:16

Pronouncement

Forasmuch as Nicole and Brandon have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Amen.

(Then shall the officiant say)

You may kiss the bride.

(Officiant requests congregation to stand and couples face their guests)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with the greatest of pleasure I present to you for the very first time, as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Custom vows:

"Dearly Beloved,

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments."

"To give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our blessings to the words which shall unite Peter and Kristen in holy matrimony"

"Marriage is an honorable estate, created by God, and signifying unto us the mystical union between a man and a woman, which also exists between Christ and the Church."

"Peter and Kristen, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love, love is created by God. Love is freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free."

"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."

VOWS

"Would you please face each other and join hands."

"Peter do you take Kristen to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her?" ("I do")

"Kristen do you take Peter to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him?  ("I do")

"I, Peter take you Kristen to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore. "

"I, Kristen take you Peter to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore."

CORINTHIANS 13

"A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails"

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

"Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage."

"Peter place the ring on Kristen, and repeat after me."

"With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

"Kristen place the ring on Peter, and repeat after me."

"With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

EPHESIANS

"Kristen, show reverence for your own husband, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church."

"Peter, love your wife, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it."

"For this cause shall man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

CHARGE THE COUPLE

"Peter and Kristen, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another."

PRAYER

"Dear heavenly Father, Our hearts are filled with great happiness on Peter and Kristen's, wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Bless this union we pray, and walk beside Peter and Kristen, throughout all their lives together. AMEN"

PRONOUNCEMENT AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

"Peter and Kristen, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife."

"May the Lord bless you and keep you, giving you peace, joy and happiness throughout your lives."

"Congratulations, you may kiss your bride."

--------------------------------------------

(Name), I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to be the best {father/mother} possible to our children. I promise to grow with you throughout the seasons of our lives. I promise to cherish and trust you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.  Ring:

Let this ring be a symbol of my love, trust, and faith in our relationship together, and my promise to learn and grow with you.

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Prelude
Processional (Father will walk bride down aisle to stand with groom, father is seated)

Greeting

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God to witness and to celebrate the marriage of _______ and ________, and to ask God to bless them so that they may be strengthened for their new life together. Marriage is an honorable estate, instituted by God and therefore is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love.

Declaration of Consent

Minister: _________ and _________, will you release the past, bringing only those memories, desires and hopes which will belong to each other, into your future life together?

The bride & groom shall answer: I will

Opening Prayer (minister)

Let us Pray, Our gracious, heavenly Father, We thank you for being here in our midst. We ask your blessing and protection on the union of _________ and _________ in holy matrimony. Keep them close to each other. Please be at the center of their marriage. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Declaration of Intentions

(The minister to the groom)
_______, will you have this Woman to be your wife, and will you promise your life to her in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her, cherish her, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of marriage?

The groom shall answer: I will

(The minister to the bride)
_______, will you have this Man to be your husband, and will you promise your life to him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with him, and cherish him, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of marriage?

The bride shall answer: I will  

(The minister will then ask the groom to join hands with his Bride)

Marriage Vows

Here, the groom takes the bride's hand and repeats after the Minister:

I, _______, take you _______, to be my wedded wife; And I do promise before God and these witnesses; to be your loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.

Then the bride takes the groom's right hand with her right hand, and says likewise after the Minister:

I, _______, take you, _______, To be my wedded husband; and I do promise before God and these witnesses; to be your loving and faithful wife; in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.

Exchange of Rings

(Then the ring for bride held by the best man shall pass it to the groom, who shall then put it upon the bride's fourth finger, saying after the Minister: )

This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion to you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your husband. With this ring, I thee wed.

(Then the ring for the groom held by the Matron of honor shall pass it to the bride, who shall then put it upon the groom's fourth finger, saying after the Minister: )

This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion to you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your wife. With this ring, I thee wed.

Wedding Prayer (the Minister)

Let us pray,

"Eternal Heavenly Father, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially now upon ________ and ________ whom you made one flesh in Holy Matrimony.   "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Amen.   

Pronouncement of Marriage

(Then the Minister shall say to all who are present)

Forasmuch as ________ and ________ have pledged to each other their fidelity and love in the sight of God and this company, I therefore by virtue of the authority vested in me as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, pronounce them to be husband and wife. Whom therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder.

Permission to Kiss

(Then the minister will say to the groom: )

_______, You many kiss your bride!

Introduction of Couple  

(Then causing the bride and the groom to join hands facing the guests.)

Minister: Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. _________ _________.

Recessional

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Jason and Stacy, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you joins together in vows of marriage.

Just as two very different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a very beautiful marriage. To make your marriage work will take love. Love should be the core of your marriage; love is the reason you are here. But it also will take trust - to know in your hearts that you want the best for each other.

It will take dedication - to stay open to one another, to learn and to grow together even when this is not always easy to do. It will take faith - to always be willing to go forward to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring. And it will take commitment - to hold true to the journey you both now pledge to share together.

Now, would you both please turn and face each other and hold hands.

Jason, Do you take Stacy to be your Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do")

Stacy, Do you take Jason to be your Husband? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? ("I do")

May I please have your rings?

The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Jason and Stacy have made to one another.
Jason, please place Stacy's ring on the third finger of her left hand and repeat after me.

"I, Jason, take you, Stacy, as my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part."

Stacy, please place Jason's ring on the third finger of his left hand and repeat after me.

"I, Stacy, take you, Jason, as my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part." Cailin, please come forward and join us. Jason and Stacy understand that with children present, marriage is more than the union of two people. It is the proclaiming of a new family. For love to grow there must always be a reaching out to include others. Love, therefore, is ultimately directed toward creating a new family, a new community, a new future. Jason and Stacy recognize Cailin, and the significant role she plays in this marriage.  To honor that role, Jason and Stacy present a ring to Cailin as a symbol of family unity with a vow to be her strength and her emotional support, loving her with all their hearts from this day forward. Jason, please place the ring on Cailin's finger.  

Respect yourselves and each other. Always remember what brought you together and make gentleness, tenderness and kindness an important part of your marriage. When life's fears, frustrations and hardships attack your marriage - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on the good things between you and never only on that which seems wrong. By doing this, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality for your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

Jason and Stacy, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, and now having heard you make these pledges of your affection, I do by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Florida, declare you to be Husband and Wife.

Congratulations Jason, you may now kiss your bride!

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More custom vows from couples

 Wedding Ceremony Processional

The bride and the wedding party walk up the aisle to the altar, usually accompanied by music

 Invocation

Beloved GOD, Essence of Love, and Source of Hope, Open our hearts and fill us with Your Presence.  You graciously give to us the longing for love and the capability of loving, and we give you thanks for Elischeba and Habdens, for their beautiful hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here today. Elevate us to an awareness of the Sacred and the Eternal, as we celebrate this miraculous moment in their lives. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we might all be inspired by the blessings shared today. Amen

 Welcoming

Good Morning. It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage.  That is why we are all here today, to witness and celebrate the unity in the holy bond of marriage between Elischeba and Habdens.  On behalf of them, I welcome you all.

 Foundation

Marriage is a gift from God, a miracle.  After speaking to you both, it is obvious that you already know some of the great blessings marriage has to offer.  It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive it in return.  It is about trust, friendship and having a partner to share all life has to offer. It is a commitment to participate in a process of mutual evolution, understanding and forgiveness. It is indeed a sacred union to be treated with reverence.

            Marriage is not a place to hide from the world.  It is a safe place to grow and become wiser.  It is a place to evolve into better people; so that you can go out in the world and make a difference by spreading the joy and wisdom that you have found with each other. Together in this marriage, you shall contribute more fully, for you both shall be fuller.

            Elischeba, Habdens is a gift to you from God, but he is not a gift for you alone.  It is God's will that in your love, this man might find within himself a greater sense of who he is meant to be.  You are asked to see the good in this man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be.  In this way, God's purpose shall be accomplished in this relationship.  May this man find the kingdom of heaven through the love you share.

             And so it is with you also Habdens, that although Elischeba is God's gift to you, she is not a gift intended for you alone. You are asked by God to so love this woman, that in your love she might find herself as God has created her, so beautiful and strong and brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the presence of a woman who shines so. May she relax in your arms as she has never relaxed before.  May she know, from now on, that there is one on whose love she can depend on forever.

            May you both create, with God, a piece of heaven on earth.

 Reading Proverbs  Silent Blessing  

We now close our eyes and bring to mind any loved ones who could not be here today. Though they are absent physically, we invoke, through our thought and prayers, their loving presence. We pray that God might multiply beyond measure the blessings from these loved ones to this loving couple, and any children who might one day be a part of this union. Now, from our hearts, we ourselves visualize and sanctify all the blessings we would bestow on Elischeba and Habdens in their lives as a couple and a family. And in our sincere desire to bless, we in turn, are blessed also. Blessed Be.

 Candle lighting Ceremony

Within each human being burns the spark of the Divine.  When two people love one another with devotion and freedom, they kindle the awareness of that spark in each other as nothing else quite can do. The lighted candle is symbolic it represents the light and truth in the human heart, mind, and soul.  Fire also symbolizes both purity and passion.  For many, the flame means the security of home and family, the warmth of the hearth.   

Take into your beings the warmth, radiance and light that the divine flame represents.  Let it light your way on the journey of life that you are about to embark on.

            In committing to one another today, in the spirit of being born new to one another, you kindle each other's divine light and promise always to see that light in one another-to nurture and tend that divine flame in your partner as best you can each day-especially at the times it may be hardest to see, and the times your partner may doubt or forget the existence of that light within him-or herself.

.          

            Elischeba, take this candle now and symbolically enter the sacred trust to honor the divine spark in Habdens by lighting it from this candle representing the Divine Source. (She lights candle)

            Habdens, take this candle now and symbolically enter the sacred trust to honor the divine spark in Elischeba by lighting it from this candle representing the Divine Source. (He lights candle)

             If at this time you wish to affirm your free choice to unite as partners in marriage, please light the unlit candle together now. (They light unlit candle together) As you bring your individual flames together to symbolically form the new and greater flame of your marriage, never forget that the light of your union is made up of your unique, individual expressions of light and is continually sustained and renewed by your connection to the Divine Spark, the eternal light of God. 

            The candle you lit together symbolizes your marriage, your willingness to surrender to something greater than yourselves. May the light of your marriage, Elischeba and Habdens, be a beacon in the night, a safe harbor from the storms of life. May your future be made infinitely brighter by the light and the love that you share.

  The Questions/Ring Ceremony

Do you have your rings? (They respond, "Yes") 

            The circle has long been a symbol of God. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are.  Your rings carry a potent double message: We are individuals and yet we belong; we are not alone.  As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the glorious union that you are now creating.

            God, bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy Presence.  Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love.

            Habdens, as you place this ring on Elischeba, I now ask you: Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?  Do you promise God, Elischeba and all of us here that from this point forward, your arms may be her shelter and your heart may be her guide? Do you promise to support her and nourish her and to love and respect and honor her for the rest of your days on earth?  If so please answer "I do."

            Elischeba, as you place this ring on Habdens, I now ask you: Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?  Do you promise God, Habdens and all of us here that from this point forward, your arms may be his shelter and your heart may be his guide? Do you promise to support him and nourish him and to love and respect and honor him for the rest of your days on earth?  If so please answer "I do."

 Reading  Vows Please join hands, look into each other's eyes, and repeat after me: 

From this day on

I choose you to be my beloved soul mate,

to live with you and laugh with you;

to stand by your side and sleep in your arms;

to be joy to your heart and food to your soul;

to bring out the best in you always;

to be the best I can be, just for you;

to celebrate with you in the good times;

to struggle with you in the bad;

to solace you when you are down‑hearted;

to wipe your tears with my hands;

to care for you with my entire being;

to share with you everything that I have;

as we treat each other with tenderness, compassion and love.

Minister's Blessing

1 Corinthians 13

 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;

it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;

 but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Prayer

 Minister's Blessing

Elischeba and Habdens, you now have the opportunity for expressing through your union and partnership, God's glory, love and healing. How could this be? Through devotion and service to each other. Through patience, kindness, total acceptance of each other, tempered by the willingness to change. You will be tempted, as time goes by, to take for granted the love which today seems so precious and dear, to speak to and treat each other in ways that do not reflect the highest good in both of you. Resist it. 

Promise to always see the goodness in your partner, even when it's especially difficult. God will provide you the way, if you are willing. He is the key to your success as a married couple. Call on Him devotedly and consistently to guide your thinking and bless your home. May this marriage be to you a heavenly sanctuary.

God bless you.     

Pronouncement

Elischeba and Habdens, in the presence of God, your family and friends today, you have openly declared your wishes to be united in marriage, spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives.  It is my legal right as a minister and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.  

Benediction

The two of you are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness. May you two find in each other the love for which all men and women long. May you grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that you establish be such a place of sanctuary that all who visit will find there a friend. And may the Lord bless you and keep you forevermore. Amen.

 Conclusion

And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Smith

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Minister:

We have come together today in the presence of God to witness the joining of ___________ and ___________ in Holy Matrimony. This is a special time of celebration that ___________ and ___________ will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here to share their joy. From the dawn of human history, it has been customary for the community to place its seal of approval upon the union of two persons in marriage. If these solemn vows that they are about to make are kept faithfully, God will bless their marriage. Gracious God, before whom we stand: Look with favor upon this man and this woman who desire to make their vows before you and this gathering of family and friends. We are grateful for their families, which have reared them to maturity; and for the church, which has nurtured them in the faith. May they experience your presence as they pledge their lives, one to another, and may they ever walk the pleasant paths of righteousness. This we pray. There is a skill to marriage, as there is to any activity people engage in. This art requires that we pay thoughtfulness to the little things as well as the big ones that are part of the closeness of matrimony. Develop the capacity to forgive and forget and heal quarrels as they happen. Say, "I love you" and speak words of appreciation often. Do not come to take each other for granted, and demonstrate your gratitude in thoughtful ways. Never grow too old to hold hands. Do not expect perfection of each other, perfection is only for God. Make your search for the good and the beautiful a common search. A good marriage evolves when two separate souls face life's pleasures and sadness in harmony, not in unison. As Rainer Maria Rilke wrote in Letters to a Young Poet: "Once the realization is accepted that, even between the closest human beings, infinite distances continue to exist, a wonderful living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against a wide sky!" Each phrase is spoken first by the Groom and then repeated by the Bride (or vice versa): I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend,Your partner in parenthood,Your ally in conflict,Your greatest fan and your best friend.Your comrade in adventure,Your student and your teacher,Your consolation in disappointment,Your accomplice in mischief,Your strength in your need and vulnerable to you in my own,And most of all, your associate in the search for enlightenment. The Groom places the ring on the Bride s finger and says:____________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God. The Bride places the ring on the Groom s finger and says:____________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God. Minister:Before this gathering, you have promised each other your love and have given each other rings to wear as a sign of your deep commitment. It is my distinct pleasure to declare that you are now husband and wife. 

You may kiss one another.

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Welcome (Chaplain Bob) 

We are here today to unite Sandi and Tony in marriage.  This celebration is a union between these two hearts, minds, and souls, before all of you who have shared in their lives through your friendship and love.    

Declaration of Consent (Chaplain Bob) 

Tony, on this day do you offer Sandi all of your love and strength, your support and loyalty, and in all of the circumstances of your life will you live together in love?

(Tony: I will) 

Sandi, on this day do you offer Tony all of your love and strength, your support and loyalty, and in all of the circumstances of your life will you live together in love?

(Sandi: I will)  

Homily (Chaplain Bob) (TRUE LOVE
~ By Author Unknown ~)

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwines.   

Exchange of Vows (Chaplain Bob)  

Sandi: I, Sandi choose you Tony as my best friend, my confidant, my soul mate...my husband.    When you need someone to encourage you, I will be there.  When you need a helping hand, mine will be reached out to you. I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sadness.  I promise to always keep communication open between us and to share my hopes and dreams with you.  I promise to treat each new morning as a new opportunity to show my love to you and to never let the sun go down on anger.   I promise to give you my love, honesty, trust and commitment.  I look forward to growing old with you and I promise you that I shall cherish you and our life together.  

Tony: I, Tony choose you Sandi as my best friend, my confidant, my soul mate...my wife.    When you need someone to encourage you, I will be there.  When you need a helping hand, mine will be reached out to you. I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sadness.  I promise to always keep communication open between us and to share my hopes and dreams with you.  I promise to treat each new morning as a new opportunity to show my love to you and to never let the sun go down on anger.   I promise to give you my love, honesty, trust and commitment.  I look forward to growing old with you and I promise you that I shall cherish you and our life together.           

APACHE MARRIAGE BLESSING

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

   Exchange of Rings (Chaplain Bob) 

Helen and Sherrie, may I have the rings please? Sandi and Tony remember that these rings are designed without ending, they speak of eternity.  May these rings represent a love that sparkles with adventure and music and increases throughout the years.  May your love bless these rings today and be a sign of your eternal love, trust and faithfulness forever. 

 Sandi:   I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.  

Tony: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.    

CORINTHIANS 13 (Chaplain Bob)

"A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians.""Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails"  

Pronouncement (Chaplain Bob) 

ROCK THROWING CEREMONY (Chaplain Bob)

(Guests line up along seashore)

Each guest has been given a small stone and a shell (in a bag) upon arriving.

 Sandi & Tony, before you met, your lives were on different paths with different destinations. But love has brought you together and joined these separate paths into one. Each one of your friends and family here today has been given a small sea stone that represents their unique individuality and their presence at your wedding today. You also each have a stone of your own that symbolizes your previous separate lives, separate sets of friends, separate families and the different life's journeys you once traveled.

 I will now ask that everyone please take out the sea stone (leave the shell in the bag) you have been given and pause to make a wish or blessing for happiness and
good will for the couple for the future of their marriage.As Sandi & Tony toss their stone into the ocean it is with the wish that each of you find your future filled with good health, prosperity and happiness.

 Guests line up along the shore.  Everyone pauses to make their wish.

 We will throw the stones (our wishes) into the ocean together.


With the throwing of these stones, you have now symbolically joined your once separate lives. As the stones have been combined with love into one ocean, so now are your friends and family joined, through you, into one. And your once solitary life's paths are also now one. All that was once separate is now shared,
and in this sharing you both will find new strength and joy as together you forge a new life's path and destination.

The shell remaining in your bag has been chosen for you by Sandi & Tony.  As every shell on the beach is beautiful and unique, so is their love for each of you.  May this shell remind you of the special love they hold in their hearts for each of you.   

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Bible Verses:

Ecc 9:9:

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Pro 5:18:

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Mat 19:5:

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Genesis 2:18:

And the Lord God said, {It is} not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Genesis 2:24 KJV:

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Proverbs 18:22 KJV:

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good {thing}, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:6 KJV:

Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

Hosea 2:19-20 KJV:

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.


2Cr 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

I Corinthians 7:2-4 KJV:

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

1 Timothy 5:14 KJV:

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Hebrews 13:4 KJV:

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Ephesians 5:22-33 KJV:

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so {let} the wives {be} to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

I Peter 3:1 KJV:

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

I Peter 3:7 KJV:

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with {them} according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

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I Corinthians 13 Known as the LOVE Chapter of the Bible.

Charity is translated as LOVE from the Greek.

If you have love, you have charity and if you have charity it shows love.

13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not Love (charity), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not LOVE, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

LOVE suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

LOVE never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.

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The virtuous woman - God's idea for the best marriage partner.

Provers 31:10

Who can find a virtuous woman?

for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

May you find a virtuous woman - God's idea for the best marriage partner.

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Hand-fasting is a symbol used in Celtic / Keltic and other cultures as a symbol of marriage. It is a non-denominational religion-specific, so it can be Christian. The symbol can be used by anyone, since it expresses part of the reality of holy matrimony. As it is used in the Universal Church, during the wedding ceremony, the couple join hands and their hands are loosely tied by a rope in a loose knot. I have seen this done several times in the Episcopalian Church using the end of the priest's stole. The hand fasting lasts only for a few seconds, really, while the couple exchange their vows.

The couple exchange some symbolic objects: the husband gives the wife wheat to provide for our home - the wife gives the husband some woven cloth to provide for our home - the husband gives a dagger, for the defense of our home the wife gives a Bible, for the defense of our home. At the end of it all, they turn to leave and are confronted with a broom which has been put in their path. They have to get over it - This is a symbol of the obstacles in marriage and life in general. This is a symbol that what marriage is about is who sweeps the floor, and does the work needed to make the marriage and the house work. It is not just pretty dresses, dining out and romance. You will see this particular symbolic action in Celtic cultures.

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The Hand Ceremony:

Groom, please hold Bride's hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, knowing when it is time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you've both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

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Hand Ceremony:

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love.

Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Bride, please face Groom and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

Bride, please face Groom and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. 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 comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief fills you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Groom, please hold Bride hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the year, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

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 Real love in marriage is something beyond the warmth and the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not being absorbed in each other. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them; it makes joys more intense because you share them.

It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.  The beautiful thing about love is that it's an experience we share with the whole of mankind throughout the world. And yet, to everyone who falls in love, it is the most unique, precious thing in the world. A really happy marriage is founded on love.

There is nothing in life that love cannot change. Love is, of its nature, unselfish, understanding and kind. True love, too, is a commitment of heart and mind. There can be no stronger bond to ensure a happy married life.  Harmonious wedded life is a precious gain to both man and woman because, even though marriage increases the scope of responsibility, it adds the dimension of love to life, giving it new meaning and purpose.  

Reading by kids- to be determined Brian and Tracy

you have been given the great good fortune of falling in love with one another.  Today this is more than just a wedding ceremony, this is also a joining together of Brian and Tracy and Elijah and Anastacia as a family. When one looks at this family one sees the energy and the love for each and everyone.

So I ask Brian and Tracy to join hands and exchange their vows between each other. 

Brian will you take Tracy as your wife, will you continue to love her and only her? The love you have is special and the love you have for Elijah and Anastacia is also special. Will you take Tracy and promise to care for her and her children as your own? 

Tracy will you take Brian as your Husband, will you continue to love him and only him? Brian and Tracy please face each other. 

Brian repeat these words after me: I, Brian, take you Tracy, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep.

Tracy repeat these words after me: I, Tracy, take you Brian, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep.

The ring is a symbol of unity into which your two lives are now joined in an unbroken circle; in which, wherever you go, you will return to one another. May these rings serve as a reminder of this day and may you always remember the vows that you have to each other.  

Tracy, I give you this ring as evidence of the vows we have made. Wear it as a symbol of my love and all that we share together. 

Brian, I give you this ring as evidence of the vows we have made. Wear it as a symbol of my love and all that we share together.  

Token of Love to Children Just as Brian and Tracy are joined together as man and wife, they are also being joined together into and part of a larger family, this includes Elijah and Anastacia.

And so these tokens of love and unity will always remind Elijah and Anastacia that today is and always will be a special day. It is a day when four become one.  

Today Brian and Tracy you have both declared your commitment to one another in the form of a wedding ceremony. You have said vows to each other, and also exchanged rings as a form of a pledge and also as a reminder, to yourself and to others that you are now married to each other. Therefore it now remains that you seal this with an embrace and a kiss.

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You've brought more happiness to my life than I ever knew existed. You have taken your unconditional love and added strength, trust, respect, kindness, desire, hope and faith. I have learned from you that I don't have to be perfect to be loved. You inspire me to be the best woman I can be for you, for me, and for us. I share with you a lifetime dream that we will always be together, happy, and in love, and that someday we'll have a beautiful family that can come together to experience our deep committed love for one another

You are the love of my life, my best friend, my soulmate this day, before God,       family, and friends, I devote myself to you.

I promise to love and respect you, comfort you and support you, believe in you, and be proud of you. I promise to cherish our love forever. I give to you all of my trust, respect, compassion, and affection. I accept you and do not wish to change you.

I want to share all life has to offer with you I promise to bring joy, strength, and commitment to our everlasting love and marriage. I promise to be forever faithful to you heart, mind, body, and soul. And I look forward to spending the rest of my life making you feel as happy and as loved, as you make feel.

I thank God since the moment I met you for the wonderful blessing. You helped me let go of the past and I embrace the future.  Thank you for making me laugh again, be happy again, and feel love again.   I see now what's important, what I need, to be complete,                       it's you!-------------------------------