Service #2

 

Service #2

 

Presentation of the Bride

 

Who offers their blessing for the union of ______________ and __________________?

(Wait for response from Father of the Bride or other important chosen family member.) 

 

Opening Words

 

We are gathered here today to celebrate a day of gratitude, gladness, and joy.  It is one of life’s greatest miracles when two people love each other so much, they are willing to commit their lives together as one in spirit.  The ability to love is a miraculous gift which God has given us, and a wedding is a celebration of that gift.  Today, we have been invited to share and to rejoice with _________ and _________, and to vow our unconditional love and support to them as they begin their journey as husband and wife.

 

Officiant:  ___________ and _______________, your marriage will develop a true friendship between you, and that friendship must be strong to withstand the tests of time.  Remember, love, like friendship, is a choice.  When you are a true friend to someone,  you choose to spend time with them; to share with them; to care for them when they are sick spiritually or physically; and to learn new things with them.   You choose to change with them;  to grow in truth with them; and to experience all that life has to offer, with them.  Through this process you will grow in the same direction, and that is the secret to having peace and happiness in your lives.  Take responsibility for helping the other person feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your relationship deserves.  Never allow anything to be more important than the one you have pledged to spend your life  with.  Remember that the secret to a long and healthy marriage is not in choosing the right partner; it is in BEING the right partner.

 

Seek love and never take it for granted.  Love is believing, sharing, caring and dreaming together.  It is honesty, friendship, companionship, and selflessness.  Love is the desire and commitment to be intimate physically, psychologically, and emotionally.  It is devotion, celebration, understanding, forgiveness and sacrifice.  Love is strong, yet it can be fragile.  Love is gentleness, kindness, and patience.  It is trusting, protecting, inspiring, and supporting. 

 

Vows

(To Groom) Please repeat after me:

 

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 cherish you, and to always

hold you in highest regard.

These things I give to you today,

and all the days of our life.

 

(To Bride) Please repeat after me:

 

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 cherish you, and to always

hold you in highest regard.

These things I give to you today,

and all the days of our life.

 

Exchange of Rings

 

This ring represents my affection for you, and my commitment to you.  It shows the world I will always love you, cherish you and honor you, for all the days of my life.  With this ring, I thee wed.  (Groom places ring on bride's finger.) 

 

This ring represents my affection for you, and my commitment to you.  It shows the world I will always love you, cherish you and honor you, for all the days of my life.  With this ring, I thee wed.  (Bride places ring on groom's finger.) 

 

 

Pronouncement of Marriage

 

Because,  _____ and _____ you have expressed your love and commitment, and promised each other the joy of all your days, before God and this company, it gives me great honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.

 

Kiss

You may now kiss the bride.

 

Introduction

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. _____ _____!