Well its offically 3 weeks from today! Joe and i put together most of our ceremony and plan to leave some of the elements up to our reverend to decide on but any feedback would be lovely. We pulled the readings and ideas from numerous sources online. (and apologies in advance if this pastes in funny):
Words of Welcome:
Friends and Family, we have gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to recognize the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words which shall unite ____ and ___ in marriage.
(and anything else you want to add)
Prayer: of your choice
Reading – a cousin will read (unless it think its more appropriate for you to read):
Union by Robert Fulghum
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks – all those sentences that began with “When we’re married…” and continued with “I will and you will and we will…” – those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed, well I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment, you have been many things to one another: acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this…is my husband and this…is my wife.
Vows:
I wish to join my life with yours/ To stand by your side and sleep in your arms/ to be joy to your heart and food to your soul/ to work as partners and live as family while we grow old together./ I vow to love, honor and respect you./ To hold you in my heart,/ but not bind you to my will./ I promise to listen carefully and to speak the truth./ To stay with you throughout life’s struggles and pleasures/ all the days of my life. Will you accept me and all that I am? I will.
Blessing of the Hands:
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 tenderly hold your children. 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.
Rings:
I hold in my hand two beautiful rings, symbolic of a binding contract to be given and received as bonds of never ending love and devoted friendship, circles of life and circles of love. These rings are symbols of the beginning of a life long commitment: a journey together filled with wonder, laughter, tears, work and surprise. May God bless these rings and may they remind you of the promises you have made to each other today
I give you this ring/ as a sign/ that I choose you/ to be my husband(wife)/ today, tomorrow, and always.
Blessing: of your choice
Pronouncement of Marriage:
Now that you have shared sacred vows, and exchanged ring before this company and before God, I pronounce you husband and wife. What has been joined together, let nothing on earth separate. You may kiss.
Introduction:
Friends and Family, it is my privilege to introduce for the first time: ___________.
Recessional
Walk to “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve