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Opening Statement
We are gathered here in the presence of this company of friends and family, to join in marriage, [Groom] and [Bride], and to bear witness to the transforming power of love.
Love is a quality of spirit and an attitude of the emotions... but a marriage is a life's work. Love is a gift. And while we can take great pleasure in the gift of love... we must recognize that marriage, is in fact a life-long commitment. Therefore, as we gather here today, we do so to celebrate this occasion of profound joy found in love... but also to recognize that this is an occasion of great responsibility. We who gather today, partake in this occasion and bind ourselves as witnesses to the labor of love that Erik and Tiffany are undertaking here.
Address to Witnesses
In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives... but entered into responsibly. We rejoice that marriage is allows two hearts to merge as one. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor among all of us.
Reading
The Art of Marriage;
A good marriage must be created.;
In 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 expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. 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.
Message to Bride and Groom
We are gathered here to celebrate your marriage, a spiritual union that embodies love's most profound possibilities. You now share a love that is the highest form of love that we can ever ask of ourselves. We know that love in this form is the greatest of virtues; love is the highest spiritual work. Love is both immanent and transcendent. And it is love, kindled by romance and fastened by heartfelt marriage vows, that has the capacity to deliver marriage from being merely an emotional bonding, and elevate it into a spiritual enterprise that will last until you separate in death.
But more than anything, know this… Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; love can outlast anything.
Love stands when all else has fallen.
Questions of Intent
[Groom] and [Bride]:
Groom:; Will you give yourself to be [Bride's] husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
(I will)
Bride:; Will you give yourself to be [Groom's] wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage?; Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
(I will)
Leave-taking
As family members, do you give your blessing and loving support to [Groom] and [Bride] and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage? If so, answer "We will".
(Giving?)
Vows
[Groom] and [Bride], since it is your intention to marry, I ask that you face each other, join your hands, and with your promises, bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife.
(Groom repeats)
[Bride],
I promise to encourage your compassion,
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as part of the whole.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
(Bride repeats)
[Groom],
I promise to encourage your individuality,
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
Because through them we’ll emerge stronger.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as part of a whole,
I promise to share with you the joys of life,
Because with you they will be that much sweeter,
Lastly, I promise you a perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
Exchange of Rings
(groom places ring on bride)
With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving husband, as God is my witness.
(bride places ring on groom)
With this ring, I seal my promise, to be your faithful and loving wife, as God is my witness.
Hand Blessing (following ring exchange)
Look upon the hands you are holding on your wedding day
These are the hands of your best friend, young and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to passionately love and cherish one another through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh together and cry together, and as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. 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 your heart.
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled completely with overwhelming love and desire for you.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. May they give you the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of trials. Keep them tender and gentle as you nurture each other in wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in caring and devotion to one another, all the days of your life together.
Rose Presentation;
Declaration of Marriage
[Groom] and [Bride]... You have come before us and expressed your desire to be husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands. You have made promises of faith and devotion, each to each other. You have sealed these promises by giving and receiving rings.
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me, and in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife.