Wedding Vows, Ceremonies and Prayers
VOWS
BEACH WEDDING INTRODUCTION
As we stand witness beside the ocean tide, may your love always be as constant and unchanging as these never ending waves, floating endlessly from the depths of the sea touching softly upon the sands, as did your love come softly upon your hearts.
While these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, so may you never have a day without love for each other, love that will nourish and sustain you until the end of time.
TRADITIONAL VOWS
I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.
VOW TO CHILD FROM NEW STEP-PARENT:
Today is also a celebration of your life together as a family.
(Bride/Groom) please repeat:
I promise to care for (child) for all of our days and to treat her as my own. I gladly accept the obligations that go along with this pledge. I love (child) and want her to be a part of my life. (Note: at this point a special gift such as a ring or necklace may be presented to the child.)
OPTIONAL RING EXCHANGE
(Bride and Groom) you have chosen to exchange rings as the sign and seal of the promises you are making today. The ring is an ancient symbol of such vows, as the circle is considered to be the most perfect form of all forms in nature. As one unbroken circle, your ring symbolizes your unending love and commitment to each other.
(Groom) as you place this ring on (Bride’s) finger, please repeat after me:
(Bride), I give you this ring, as a symbol of our marriage, for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come. Wear this ring as a sign of my love, and as a constant reminder, of the promises we exchange today.
(Bride), as you place this ring on (Groom's) finger, please repeat after me:
(Groom), I give you this ring, as a symbol of our marriage, for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come. Wear this ring as a sign of my love, and as a constant reminder, of the promises we exchange today.
DOVE RELEASE CEREMONY
It has been said that if doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured. Doves, which mate for life, have traditionally symbolized love, fidelity, peace and prosperity. They are the perfect symbol for the union of a bride and groom. The release of doves by (Bride and Groom) will symbolize the newly wed couple embarking together on a life long journey.
UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY
(Bride and Groom) are going to light their Unity Candle, a symbol of their marriage relationship. The candles from which they light it have been lit by their mothers to represent their lives to this moment.
The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love they have received from their parents, are distinct, each burning alone. [Name] and [Name] will light the center candle to symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one.
From now on, your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity. May these candles burn brightly as symbols of your commitment to each other, and as a tribute to your parents' lasting and loving marriages.
PRAYERS
APACHE PRAYER OF BENEDICTION
Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you
Will be warmth for the other.
Now there is no loneliness
For each of you
Will be companion for the other.
You are two persons,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling
To enter into the days
Of your life together.
CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13, VERSE 7
Love is patient and kind.
Love is neither jealous nor 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.
"HAND" CEREMONY
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 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.
IRISH MARRIAGE BLESSING
May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness...from this day forward.
|
|
