photo
by Rebecca Acoutin
Greetings:
We come tonight as friends and family to be
with Donna and James as they stand together to be married. Their hearts have
been joined for many years, and we witness tonight promises that long ago
united them in the eyes of God.
It is a wonderful moment to be together. The last day of the year begins a
new life for Donna and James as they exchange their vows of marriage. We feel
the happiness in the love that they have found in each other, and honor their
decision to commit their lives to each other and to the path that lies before
them.
As Donna and James enter into marriage, they
do so with joy and commitment. They give thanks for the past, which has brought
them here together, and look forward with hope to the future.
Marriage is the ultimate covenant between two
people. This closeness does not diminish as loves grows older, but strengthens
with wisdom and experience. Our wish for you tonight is that what you feel
in your heart this very moment be only a glimmer of how you will feel when
you look back on your long life together and all that it has brought you.
Declaration of Consent:
Tonight James and Donna come before us as an
outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment. We are once again reminded
that the joy in marriage comes from respect, honesty, and trust. There is
nothing on earth worth more than the gift of love.
James, do you come here tonight in the presence
of God and these witnesses, with love in your heart and the desire to be united
in marriage with Donna? Do you promise to share the burdens and the blessings
of your life together and to give Donna the encouragement she needs to become
the woman she is destined to be?
(I do.)
Donna, do you come here tonight in the presence
of God and these witnesses, with love in your heart and the desire to be united
in marriage with James? Do you promise to share the burdens and the blessings
of your life together and to give James the encouragement he needs to become
the man he is destined to be?
(I do.)
Blessing and Exchange of Rings:
The circle is a sign of unity. Without beginning
or end, it flows perfectly.
Your rings are reminders of the perfection and endurance of your commitment
and love for each other. I ask God to bless these rings, that they may represent
the never-ending love and union of Donna and James. Please comfort them when
times are difficult and remind them of the love they feel tonight.
Repeat after me, James:
Donna, I give you this ring as a symbol of my
love for you. I pledge to share with you my heart, my home, and my hopes and
dreams. I take you to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health while
we both shall live.
(James places ring on Donna’s finger)
James, I give you this ring as a symbol of my
love for you. I pledge to share with you my heart, my home, and my hopes and
dreams. I take you to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health while
we both shall live.
(Donna places ring on James’s finger)
Hand Fasting:
Donna and James, please place your left hands
one over the other.
(Caryn binds their hands)
Blessed is the tie that binds, and blessed are
the hands that hold each other until the end of life together on this earth.
May your hearts be joined always to each other, as your hands are now, and
the strength of two souls give power to one love.
Benediction:
It is said that God lets us remember so that
life’s garden will yield June roses in December. This December night,
we are surrounded by memories that will be roses for many, many winters.
James and Donna, we look on you on the night
of your marriage, on the night of the joy of your hearts. By stating your
vows you have declared your commitment to each other and have had it witnessed
by God and this family of friends. By the power invested in me, I hereby declare
that you are husband and wife together, now and for all of your days.
Mahony, please kiss your wonderful bride. Let
the celebration begin!
© 2003, Jody Serey