Yesterday, we met with the photographer and we think she’ll be able to capture the essence of our wedding. Her photography is artistic – and she has a knack for capturing natural, intimate moments at an event. She tends to take candid pictures over posed ones. And, those are the moments I want to capture on the day of our wedding. So I think I’ve found the right person. Just in case you’re curious, you can get a sense of her photography at her site (http://www.m-contemporaryphotography.com)
We have also started working on the actual ceremony. Here it is so far:
Introduction: Welcome, to all of you who have gathered today to share in this ceremony with Scott and Suzan
The words that will be spoken here today are significant, though they are not what join these two. Nor is it this ceremony. For we are not here to mark the start of a relationship but to recognize a bond that already exists. Scott and Suzan have already committed themselves to each other, and we have gathered so they might bear witness before us of the love that has grown between them.
We are here to witness their statement of love and commitment. This is an act as ancient as the human race and, at the same time, as new as each morning. For it speaks of the past and hopes for the future, of the life of the individual and the existence of the community. Marriage is a going forth; a giving up of one way in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone, risking what they are for what they might be.
Declaration of Intentions:
Scott and Suzan, do you come with joy and anticipation to this moment when you will be legally joined in marriage? Do you pledge to treat each other with kindness, respect and compassion, to listen to each other and to speak to each other with honesty, today and always?
We do.
Recognition of the Gathered Company:
Each of you has been invited here because you are a special person in the lives of Scott and Suzan. You have come to celebrate with them and to witness their commitment to one another. Will you, their friends and family, do all in your power to support this couple now, and in the years ahead?
Reply: We will.
Words to the Couple:
You have come to love each other deeply and sincerely. That love has given you the desire to unite in marriage and to establish a home together. In this ceremony you are dedicating yourselves to give happiness and well being, each to the other. Your marriage is an act of trust. It must not be based on the vain hope of what the other will do or will not do, might become or might not become. It must be based on the firm belief in your own individual worth and that of the other. Your pledge today is an expression of your devotion. The words spoken in this ceremony will validate your marriage only if your love and commitment to one another are strong enough to sustain it. Today you announce your love for each other in the presence of families and friends. We rejoice with you and we wish you well.
In marriage a family comes into being. Be joyful in your family. Bring to your family an appreciation of the beauty of each other. Bring to your family a sense of comfort and strength. Bring to your family a joy and thankfulness for being together. Today we not only celebrate this marriage, but we also celebrate the affirmation of family with Put the names of your children
Betrothal:
Scott and Suzan, as you have come here freely to give yourselves in marriage do you now promise that you will love and honour each other as husband and wife? Reply: We do
Exchange of vows:
*Scott's for Suzan*
Today Suzan, before our family, friends and children I take you as my wife. I join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your best friend, I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you in all your efforts and be your faithful companion in good times and in bad. I commit to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you and hold you above all others.
*Suzan's for Scott*
Today Scott, before our family, friends and children I take you as my husband. I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife, but as your best friend, I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you in all your efforts and be your faithful companion in good times and in bad. I commit to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you and hold you above all others.
*Exchange of Rings:*
The ring is the symbol of the unbroken gift of love. Like time, love freely given has no beginning and no end. May these rings be an outward and visible sign of the bond which unites these two loyal hearts in endless love. May your rings always call to mind the freedom and power of this love.
* please repeat after me:*
Suzan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder that I will always be there for you, and will forever remain loving, honest, kind, patient and forgiving. Take this ring and be my wife.
* please repeat after me:*
Scott, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder that I will always be there for you, and will forever remain loving, honest, kind, patient and forgiving. Take this ring and be my husband.
*Sand Ceremony *
Suzan and Scott are joined in their vows by their children, for the love and commitment involves everyone in this blended family of six. This relationship is symbolized through the blending of these individual containers of sand. Each person brings their own special light and gift onto this union. What is created here today is a unique symbol of the union to which all of you form a part of.
Scott, you are the foundation of the family, the protector, the keeper and the defender. Neither folly nor harm may come to your family least it passes first through you. A man draws his strength from the love of his wife and children. And by all rights there be not a man nor circumstance that can hope to stand against you.
Suzan, you are the family’s heart built of love, nurturing and wellbeing for the family. Gently, guiding, inspiring, soothing and comforting. You guard and tend the hearts and emotions of your beloved family. You are ever present and steadfast in subtle yet dynamic ways, offering great and enduring strength and loving wisdom that will carry on for a life time.
Preston, you are the eldest. As the eldest, you will be seen as the leader, providing a watchful eye and examples for the others to follow. Your gifts to this family are the qualities of justice, independence, determination and self reliance.
Amelie, you are strong, witty and playful. You understand the importance of friendship. You understand that to inspire others, you must have confidence in yourself. And your playfulness is a gift to our family.
Chloe, you show by example what kind of heart it takes to make a difference in this world. You are capable of so many great things …not just for yourself, but for the benefit and wellbeing of all. You remind us the greatest gift is love.
Cole, you have a unique and creative mind. You’re ability to get lost in your imagination is incredible. We appreciate your ‘suspishical’ spirit.
Scott and Suzan you now seal the family vessel with your sand, symbolizing the families’ blending and unity, with love, joy, wisdom, pride, protection and blessings for each of you and for all the days of your lives. From this moment forward you are now and always will be a family. May all of you keep your individuality as represented by your individual vases, and in time, as the sands in your family vase combine so will the strength and bounds of your new relationships. Nurture and respect each other always. Honor the gifts that each of you posses and share your gifts with each other freely and with sincerity. By doing so, each of you will become greater, wiser, kinder and stronger.
Support, and protect each other, listen to each other and teach each other through love, understanding and consideration.
Pronouncement:
Scott and Suzan, inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and inasmuch as you have declared the same in the presence of this company by exchanging vows and by giving and receiving rings, I do now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may seal your vows with a kiss.
With abiding confidence and deep affection,
We send you forth on life's journey together.
May love and peace be yours always.
A peace which the world can neither give nor take away,
A love which the world cannot destroy.
May you have courage, wisdom and peace in your future years together.
And may the happiness you share today be with you always.
Go now to walk the ways of the world together. You, Preston, Cole Amelie and Chloe, too, have entered this circle of love, where you will be sheltered and warmed until you are grown and go to find your own world. May the days of all of you be good and long upon the earth.
Ladies and Gentlemen: I present to you Scott and Suzan, as husband and wife
No comments:
Post a Comment