... or just scroll down for ceremonies, texts, vows...
Hon. Mark Ovard (972) 445-1329 (Click here to Go to Medieval/Celtic
Ceremonies -
New!) Standard Christian Ceremony
CLICK HERE TO READ OLD& NEW TESTAMENT
BIBLE VERSES RELATED TO WEDDINGS - NEW
(This non-denomination
Christian ceremony takes about 9-17 minutes, depending upon whether you have
unity candles, Rose ceremony etc. You may make changes if you wish.)
Should
there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage,
they must speak now or forever hold their peace. Who is it that brings this woman to this man? (The father, children, relative etc. may give the bride away. He /they answer "I do", "I do on behalf of her family and friends" etc. , This person then steps back and the groom takes the bride's hand.) ____________________ and _______________________ , life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family or by our friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life - and is the shared goal of a married life. VOWS (Vows used unless other vows are wished. See Alternative Vows. You may change the vows as you wish or write your own vows.) (Groom ) ___________________, do you take ________________ to he your Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do") (Bride _____________________, do you take __________________ to be your Husband? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? ("I do") (If rings are exchanged each does so before repeating the following vows - unless you wish other vows or do not wish to repeat) Repeated Vows & Wedding Rings "Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in marriage." (Groom) I _____________, take thee , ________________ to be my Wife- 7o have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore. (Bride) I _________________ , take thee _______________, to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise My love to you forevermore. (If there
are children of either couple, sometimes couples will give a ring or small
gift such as a necklace or ring to the child and say a short statement that
they also are now part of the new family. I believe it very important to mention
children's names in the ceremony, If you have minor children coming into
the marriage, please provide their names so I will mention them as is appropriate.)
Corinthians "A marriage
ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments. But it also is a declaration
of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the
Corinthians. I believe it is a true model of love and it is a model of love
I hope you pursue in your marriage: (For more OLD& NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE VERSES RELATED TO WEDDINGS - click here) PRAYER UNITY CANDLES (If unity candles are used - optional. If the Rose Ceremonyis used, it is placed after the unity candle ceremony or in place of it.) ____________________ and _____________________, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take on of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle. The individual
candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents
that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining
together of your two families and sets of friends to one. MUSIC
________________________ and _________________________,
in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Holy Matrimony,
have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your
hands and the giving of these rings, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.
It is my privilege to present to you Mr. & Mr. __________________________ Hon. Mark Ovard
(972) 445-1329
Traditional Christian Ceremony (This is a non-denomination, traditional Christian Ceremony that you may modify or add to. I conduct the ceremony in the legal capacity as an ordained Christian minister.) We are gathered here today in the sight of God and angels, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words which shall unite _____________and________________ in holy matrimony Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union, which also exists between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love. Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace. (You may delete this if you wish) (If bride is escorted forward)
Who
is it that brings this woman to this man? (If the father, he
may answer
"her
mother and I", "her father on behalf of the family"or simply
"I do" . He
will place the bride’s hand with the groom's and steps back.
______________and____________________ life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is give to us by our family and friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of life's greatest challenges and is the shared goal of a married life. But a husband and wife should not confuse love of worldly measures for even if worldly success is found, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love; love is created by God. The measure of true love is a love both freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free. Today truly is a glorious day the Lord hath made - as today both of you are blessed with God's greatest of all gifts - the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today - and those here in heart - wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success and the world has to offer. As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly. Within the Bible, nothing is of more importance that love. We are told the crystalline and beautiful truth: "God is Love". We are assured that "Love conquers all". It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure. VOWS (You may selection other vows, pick for our different denomination vows, or write your own) Would you please face each other and join hands. (Groom ) ___________________do you take _________________to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her forevermore? ("I do") (Bride ) ________________do you take_________________ to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him forevermore? ("I do") A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians a long time ago. I believe this is a true model of love, and it is a model of love I would hope you both would pursue in your marriage: " Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels - but do not have love, I am only sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. Though I have the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains – but do not have love, I am nothing. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love endures and is kind. Love is not envious or jealous. Love wants not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, it is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness - but in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Where there are prophecies, they shall fail, where there be tongues, they shall cease, where there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, that which is part shall be done away with. When I was a child I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child. When I became an adult, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly - as in a mirror - but then we shall see face to face. At present I know partially, then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain- these three- but the greatest of these is love.
(For more OLD& NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE VERSES RELATED TO WEDDINGS - click here) (Vows to be repeated) (you may change these vows or write your own) [Groom] I,________________ take thee _________________, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore. [Bride ] I,___________________ take thee ________________ to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore. Exchange of Rings (rings are not required for a marriage ceremony) Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage. (Bride and Groom will repeat these vows as they place the ring on the other’s finger:) "With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
(If a song is being sung, it is often added at this point)
Reading from Ephesians (Some couples delete this passage from the ceremony) In Ephesians, the relationship between husband and wife is compared to between Christ and the church: " Submit yourselves one to another
as the fear of God. Wives, show reverence for your own husbands, as unto the
Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head
of the church and He is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church
is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own Husbands in everything.
(For more OLD& NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE VERSES RELATED TO WEDDINGS - click here) Charge to the Couple ______________________ and ___________________ as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect. PRAYER
" Dear
heavenly Father (or "Oh Lord"), our hearts are filled with great happiness
on _____________ and _________________’s wedding day, as they come before
You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they may be
ever true and loving, living together is such a way as to never bring shame
or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding,
rid them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's
sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the
cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may
the home they are creating today, truly be a place of love and harmony, where
your spirit is ever present. (Some couples
will have the minister ask guests to join in the Lord’s Prayer or it may be
sung or played in tape – CD. Other couples will ask someone else to read the
prayer above or say their own prayer.) UNITY
CANDLES "___________________
and ________________ the two lighted candies symbolize your separate lives,
your separate families and your separate sets of friends. I ask that you
each take one candle and that together you light the center candle.
Rose
Ceremony may be added at this point Pronouncement
as Husband & Wife BENEDICTION
(may be deleted if you wish:) Congratulations, you may kiss your bride. I
present to you Mr. and Mrs. ____________________________.
Hon. Mark Ovard (972) 445-1329
If
you need an JP or Minister for your wedding - CLICK HERE Non Religious Ceremonies
Brief Elopement Ceremony (Go to Map) Civil Ceremony(Go to religious ceremonies) Contemporary Non Religious Ceremony (Go to bottom)(Go to Top) BRIEF
ELOPEMENT CEREMONY
You may add a PRAYER and/or Bibleverse
however if you wish a brief Christian elopement ceremony- pick your own
or from this material. Or the Apacheor Cherokee Blessing... or any other changed. You are
welcome to make any changes, deletions or additions to this ceremony.)
___________ & __________, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of marriage. (Vows used unless other vows are wished. You may change the vows as you wish) (Groom ) ___________________, do you take ________________ to he your Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do") (Bride
_____________________ , do you take __________________ to be your Husband?
("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking
all others and holding only unto him?
("I do") (If rings are exchanged each does so before repeating the following vows - unless you wish other vows or do not wish to repeat vows. It is not required to repeat vows.) Rings are NOT required) (Groom) ,I _____________, take thee, ________________ to be my Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you. (With this ring, I thee wed.) (Bride), I _________________ , take thee _______________, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise My love to you. (With this ring, I thee wed.) ____________________________
and ___________________________, just as two very different threads woven
in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives
merge together to form a very beautiful marriage. To make your marriage work
will take love. Love should be the core of your marriage, love is the reason
you are here. But it also will take trust - to know in your hearts
you want the best for each other. It will take dedication - to stay
open to one another; to learn and to grow together even when this is not always
so easy to do. It will take faith - to always be willing to go forward
to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring. And it will take
commitment - to hold true to the journey you both now pledge to share
together. ________________________ and _________________________, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your bride. Hon. Mark Ovard Call our 24 hr. number at (972) 445-1329 Civil Wedding Ceremony (This ceremony takes 8-15 minutes, depending upon whether you have unity candles, Rose ceremony , other readings etc. We are gathered here today to celebrate
one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty
of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite_______________________
and ____________________________ in marriage. Should there be anyone who has cause
why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or
forever hold their peace.
(If the bride is escorted forward) Who is it that brings this woman to this man? (The father, children, relative etc. may give the bride away. He /they answer "I do", This person then steps back and the groom takes the bride's hand.) ____________________ and _______________________
, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with
respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness
that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your
marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus
on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong.
This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose
sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And
if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of
your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
(Vows used unless other vows are wished. See Alternative vows. You may change the vows as you wish or write your own.) (Groom )
________________, do you take _______________ to he your Wife? ("I do")
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking
all others and holding only unto her forevermore? (Bride
________________, do you take __________________ to be your Husband? ("I
do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking
all others and holding only unto him forevermore?
"(I do") (If rings are exchanged each does so before repeating the following vows - unless you wish other vows or do not wish to repeat vows. It is not required that a couple exchange rings.) (Groom) I _____________, take thee, ________________ to be my Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow and I promise my love to you. If Rings are exchanged - ("With this ring, I take you as my wife, for as long as we both shall live") (Bride ) I _________________, take thee ______________, to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health , for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. If Rings are exchanged - ("With this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as we both shall live.") (If there are children of either couple, sometimes couples will give a ring or small gift such as a necklace or ring to the child and say a short statement that they also are now part of the new family. I believe it very important to mention children's names in the ceremony, If you have minor children coming into the marriage, please provide their names so I will mention them as is appropriate.) ____________________________ and ___________________________ as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other. Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust , to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both pledge today to share together. (If unity candles are used - optional. If the Rose Ceremony is used, it is placed after the unity candle ceremony or in place of it.) UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY (this is not required) ____________________ and _____________________, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take on of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle. The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one. (You can also involve children in the unity candle ceremony - click here) (For couples who are adding music to the ceremony, it is usually placed either here or after the vows are repeated earlier.) (THE ROSE CEREMONY MAY BE ADDED AT THIS POINT IF YOU WISH. This beautiful addition is on this site.) ________________________ and _________________________,
in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have
promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands
and the giving of these rings, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.
It is my privilege to present to you Mr. & Mrs. _______________________________ (If a large gathering, after the wedding party has exited, I will thank all for coming on your behalf and make any reception announcements that you wish.) Affordable Wedding Photography -
CONTEMPORARY
NON RELIGIOUS CEREMONY
(This is a contemporary, non religious ceremony. You may change it anyway you wish or construct your own ceremony) (Opening Words Good
afternoon (morning/evening)! We are gathered here today, not to witness
the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create
this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with
__________________ and ___________ and their friends and families the wondrous
and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives.
So let
the ceremony begin!
Marriage is a supreme sharing of experience, and an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the joyous union of two people whose comradeship and mutual understanding have flowered in romance. Today ___________ and__________ proclaim their love and commitment to the world, and we gather here to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together. The joy we feel now is a solemn joy, because the act of marriage has many consequences, both social and personal. Marriage requires "love," a word we often use with vagueness and sentimentality. We may assume that love is some rare and mystical event, when in fact it is our natural state of being. So what
do we mean by love? When we love, we see things other people do not see. We
see beneath the surface, to the qualities which make our beloved special and
unique. To see with loving eyes, is to know inner beauty . And to
be loved is to be seen, and known, as we are known to no other.
One who loves us, gives us a unique gift: a piece of ourselves, but a piece
that only they could give us. We who love, can look at each other's life and say, "I touched his life," or, "I touched her life," just as an artist might say, "I touched this canvas." "Those brushstrokes in the comer of this magnificent mural, those are mine. I was a part of this life, and it is a part of me." Marriage is to belong to each other through a unique and diverse collaboration, like two threads crossing in different directions, yet weaving one tapestry together. The secret of love and marriage is similar to that of religion itself. It is the emergence of the larger self. It is the finding of one's life by losing it. Such is the privilege of husband and wife - to be each himself, herself and yet another; to face the world strong, with the courage of two. To make this relationship work, therefore, takes more than love. It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both. While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. They are not a destination, but a journey. The true
art of married life is in this an inner spiritual journey. It is a mutual
enrichment, a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments
which diminishes neither, but enhances both. You
and I As the
poem shows us, mingling in marriage is a mutual dedication, a cooperative
venture in every sense. It is a relationship based on love, respect, and
a determination by both partners to adjust to each other and support one
another, in health and in sickness, in joy and in sadness, in ease and in
hardship. Through this co-operation, we give ourselves, our lives and love. into the hands of the one we love. We do so trustingly and generously. And so, each of us receives a gift: the life and love of the other. We receive this gift, not only from the one we love, but also from the parents who brought us into the world, and from our friends and families as well. And so as _______________ and _________________s friends and family, we are here to share with them this joy and hope, and to see them off on the path they will walk together. May it be a path of blessedness, bright with flowers of prosperity and spiritual awakening; a path of ever deepening, ever broadening love that they will travel, arm in arm. through out eternity. (The Commitment) _______________ and _______________ this celebration is the outward token of your sacred and inward union of hearts, which the church and temple may bless, and the state make legal, but which neither state nor church can create nor annul. It is a union created by your loving purpose and kept by your abiding will. It is in this spirit and for this purpose that you have come here to be joined together. (You may pick other vows or write your own) ______________ (Groom) , will you have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, and honor her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, so long as you both shall live? I Will! _______________ (Bride) you take this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Will you love him, comfort him. and honor him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, so long as you both shall live? I Will! (Ceremony of the Rings) Traditionally, the marking- of the passage to tile status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken. (Each places the ring on the other’s finger and repeats this simple vow:) "With
this ring, I thee wed." We will close with
an Apache Blessing: Now
you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other.
________________ and _________________, remember to treat both yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty or fear assail your relationship – as they threatened all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the times when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together will be marked by abundance and delight. (The Unity Candle and/or The Rose Ceremony may be added at this point if you wish. Both are included on other sheets of the material sent to you. You also may add the Cherokee Wedding Prayer - from the "SPECIAL READINGS " section. (You may also involve children in the unity candle ceremony - click here) Inasmuch as you have consented together in this ceremony to live in wedlock and have sealed your vows in the presence of this company and by the giving of these rings, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are Husband and Wife. Congratulations, you make kiss! (Recessional) (I will make
any announcements of reception, party or announcements that you wish at the
conclusion of the ceremony.) Hon. Mark Ovard (972) 445-1329 MARRIAGE
CEREMONY We are assembled here in the presence of God and these witnesses to celebrate the joining of this man and this woman in the unity of marriage. There are no obligations on earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than that of the home you are about to form. True marriage is the holiest of all earthly relationships. It should be entered into reverently, thoughtfully, and with full understanding of it’s sacred nature. Marriage to be complete must first be spiritual. From this inner state of conscious unity in FAITH, LOVE, THOUGHT, PURPOSE, PLAN AND ACTION, there comes the outer state corresponding to it, making the outer, like the inner, peaceful and harmonious. The state of matrimony is true marriage only when based on this deep, invisible union of two souls who seek to find completion in one another. Do you understand this? Today your separate lives with their individual memories, desires, and hopes merge into one. Will you bring to this new life each for the sake of the other, the best that you have in you, seeking to express your life together, each at the highest level of his own understanding? ***** OPTIONAL Who gives this woman in marriage? Will you please face each other and join hands? G______, will you take this woman, whose hands you hold, choosing her alone to be your wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her at all times, and be faithful to her? B______, will you take this man, whose hands you hold, to be your wedded husband? Will you live with him, comfort him, honor him at all times, and be faithful to him? As you take these preliminary vows, G______ and B______, I would have you remember: To love is to enter a whole New World, a world of togetherness, a world of sharing.... All that is dearest and deepest within your hearts. To love is to remember and keep alive forever all those unique qualities that drew you to one another in the beginning.... Those first halting phrase...the thrill of discovery.... That wonderful feeling of oneness when your eyes met. To love is to constantly search for new ways to bring each other to happiness, to make the most of every moment you share together, and marvel at how your feelings for one another keep rising to new dimensions. To love is to create an oasis of tranquility for one another and a quiet place, apart from others, where you need not pretend...where you can be yourselves.... And know within your hearts, you will be accepted by one another. To love is to greet each day with anticipation...Always eager for another opportunity to share new adventures...And gather up new memories TOGETHER! To love is to follow the rainbow through the rain, to be able to laugh at yourselves and be willing to say...."I was wrong, I'm sorry"...To forgive, and more importantly, to FORGET, and to always believe and trust in one another. To love is to watch with wonder all the miracles of creation, to find beauty in all the simple things of life, and to find, within ourselves, a deeper appreciation and a new awareness of how wonderful it is to be alive...To be happy...To be…TOGETHER. To love is to come together from the pathways of our past and then move forward...Hand in hand, along the uncharted roads of our future, ready to risk, to dream, and to dare.... And always believe that all things are possible with faith and love. ***** OPTIONAL: THE PROPHET (SEE BELOW) Will you repeat after me: .I G______, take you B______ to be my wife, to love and cherish, from this day forward, and thereto pledge you my faith, I, B______, take you G______, to be my husband, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, and thereto pledge you my faith. I understand you have brought rings as a token of your sincerity? ***** OPTIONAL (Ask guests to join in the blessing – each in his own way) Bless O God, this ring, that he who gives it and she who wears it may ever abide in thy peace, living together in unity, in love, and in happiness, and with good purpose do thy will. Amen. This ring is a symbol of the unbroken unity of truth now to be symbolized in your married life. G______, will you repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it ever be to us a symbol of our love. 1. Bless O God, this ring, that she who gives it and he who wears it may ever abide in thy peace, LIVING together in unity, in love and happiness, and with good purpose do thy will. Amen. This ring again is a symbol of the unbroken unity of truth now to be symbolized in your married life. B_______, will you repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it ever be to us a symbol of our love. .***** OPTIONAL The lighting of the Unity Candle is symbolic of the two separate Souls coming together as One and of the two families supporting this new couple. (This is a good place for a SPECIAL SONG to be played) ***** CHILDREN’S VOWS (SEE BELOW) And now I'll share these closing thoughts: That you love each other with an encompassing spectrum of love...That there be expressions of love in words and actions as well as in comforting silence...That there be interest in nurturing concern for each other's happiness and well being…. That your love be broad enough to accept the family and friends of each other and that they accept your love... That you be mindful of each other's needs with honest effort of fulfillment...to TALK when the other needs to hear...to LISTEN when the other needs to be heard...to TOUCH when the other needs touching...to HOLD when the other needs to be held. To understand solitude when the other needs to be alone. And that you may make living space for each other's humanness, with both its strengths and frailties...That you have tenderness in your strength and yet find strength in tenderness itself...That you open yourselves to that Divine Love which has woven the tapestry of your union, and that you honor the Infinite Weaver with FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, these three, knowing that the greatest of these is LOVE. Will you accept this challenge? ***** OPTIONAL (I have some advice for you to remember. The way to have a long happy marriage: When you're wrong promptly admit it! When you're right, Please God, JUST forget it!) Let us all join together in prayer. Eternal Spirit, Life, Truth, and Substance of All, with whom to be in conscious union is joy, and from whom to feel separated is darkness, (OPTIONAL start here - Heavenly Father) may this man and this woman, who have entered into this spiritual union, always be conscious of Thy indwelling presence. May they be one with each other as they are even now with thee? May they rejoice in perfect love and peace together, and live always in accord with the true law of their Divine Being. Amen. *****(Optional benediction) APACHE PRAYER OF BENEDICTION Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness for you now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness, and may your days be good and long together. Amen. In as much as you, G_____, and you B______, have consented together in the union of matrimony and you have pledged your faith each to the other in the presence of God and this company, now by the authority vested in me as a minister, I now pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE! YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE! ***** OPTIONAL (Rose Service –SEE BELOW) LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I NOW PRESENT TO YOU MR. & MRS. ______________ THIS COMPLETE
SERVICE TAKES NO MORE THAN 15 MINUTES and can be shortened depending on how
many attendants and how much music you have. The shortened version would be
about 10 minutes. TO CONTACT REV. NICHOLS - CALL METRO (972) 445-1329
SHORT
MARRIAGE CEREMONY Dearly beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God and these witnesses to celebrate the joining of this man and this woman in the unity of marriage. There are no obligations on earth sweeter or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than that of the home you are about to form. True marriage is the holiest of all earthly relationships. The state of matrimony is based this deep, invisible union of two souls who seek to find completion in one another. Do you understand this? (Respond by yes, nodding, etc.) ***** OPTIONAL Who gives this woman in marriage? Will you please face each other and join hands? G______, will you take this woman, whose hands you hold, choosing her alone to be your wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor her at all times, and be faithful to her? B______, will you take this man, whose hands you hold, choosing him alone to be your wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor him at all times, and be faithful to him? As you take these preliminary vows, G______ and B______, I would have you remember: To love is to come together from the pathways of our past and then move forward...Hand in hand, along the uncharted roads of our future, ready to risk, to dream, and to dare.... And always believe that all things are possible with faith and love in God, and in each other. *****OPTIONAL (Continuation, if you wish to recite to each other, otherwise leave out) Will you repeat after me? I G______, take you B______ to be my wife, to love and cherish, from this day forward, and thereto pledge you my faith, I, B______, take you G______, to be my husband, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, and thereto pledge you my faith. I understand you have brought rings as a token of your sincerity? *****OPTIONAL Blessing of rings:( May be omitted if desired) Bless O God these rings, that each gives, receives, and wears as a token of the covenant between them and God, and may they ever abide in thy peace, living together in unity, in love, and in happiness, and with good purpose do thy will. Amen. G______, will you repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it ever be to us a symbol of our love. B_______, will you repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. Let it ever be to us a symbol of our love. In as much as you, G_____, and you B______, have consented together in the union of matrimony and you have pledged your faith each to the other in the presence of God and this company, now by the authority vested in me as a minister, I now pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE! YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE! LADIES
AND GENTLEMEN, I NOW PRESENT TO YOU MR. & MRS. ______________ TO CONTACT REV. NICHOLS - CALL METRO (972) 445-1329 Jewish Marriage Ceremony (This is a full Jewish ceremony
rich in the traditional spirituality of a Jewish marriage ceremony combined
with consistent romantic language. The Benedictions or other spiritual language
is in strict accordance with the guildelines of the Central Conference of
American Rabbis. However, the wording of the ceremony does not imply officiation
by a Rabbi or Jewish officiant. This ceremony should not be used to replace
officiation by a Rabbi - but instead it is an emergency fill-in ceremony or
when a Rabbi is impossible to obtain due to date and time. Editing and comment by the Hon. Mark Ovard THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY (Officiant motions guests to stand as the bride enters if there is a processional) We are gathered here today to celebrate on of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite ________________ and _____________ in marriage. (If bride is escorted forward) Who is it that brings this
woman forward to this man? _______________ and ___________, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family and friends - we learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life; and it is the shared goal of a married life. But we also must remember that it is not mankind
which created love, but God who created love. (Ist marriage vows) (Groom) Do you ____________, take _______ to be your wife? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect her, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with her a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do") (Bride) Do you ____________, take _______ to be your husband? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect him, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with him a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do") (The Benediction) May the bride and groom now recieve the benediction - "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of Man. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who hast fashioned us in Thine own image and who established marriage for the fullfillment and perpetuation of life in accordance with Thy holy purpose. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Creator of man. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who art the source of all gladness and joy. Through Thy grace we attaoin affection, companionship, love and peace. Grant that the love which unites this man and woman my grow in abiding happiness. May their family be ennobled through their devotion to the faith of Israel. May there be peace in their home, quietness and confidence in their hearts. May they be sustained by Thy comforting presense in the midst of our people and Thy promise of salvation of all mankind. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe,
Who dost unite this man and this woman in the holy joy of martrimony.
JEWISH CEREMONY WINE RITUAL (If wine is presented to the Bridegroom and his Bride..) "As you have shared the wine from this cup, so may you, under God's guidance, draw contentment, confort and strength from the cup of life. May you find life's joys heightened, it's bitterness sweetened, and all things hallowed by true companionship and love." (Exchange of rings) (Groom) __________ , as you
place this ring upon the finger of __________, speak to her these vows:
(Bride) __________ , as you
place this ring upon the finger of __________, speak to her these vows:
Charge to the Couple ____________________________
and ___________________________ as the two of you come into this marriage
uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and
love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each
other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas
and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges,
and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward
you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened
by your love and respect for each other. (If a mixed marriage using acceptable components from multiple ceremonies, this may be an appropriate charge to stress that strength of faith of both - not surrender of faith by both - is where true oneness and respect is found - for which this is an ALTERNATIVE CHARGE TO COUPLES: Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust , to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both pledge today to share together. "Blessed out Thou O Lord
God, who sanctifiest Thy people Israel by the covenant of marriage.
Special Request for Bless "Blessed be he that cometh
in the name of the Lord. Silent Prayer I ask you and all your dear ones to bow your heads in reverence. Silently pray that God will bless the home of ______________ and _____________ and that they each, and together, may achieve their highest hopes. (After short pause) "May
the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto to you,
and give you peace. Congratulations, you may kiss your bride! (If the bottle is to be broken, it is done at this point - just before kissing the bride. The best man places the bottle (usually I light bulb well wrapped in a white cloth at the groom's feet. It is appropriate for guests to applaud upon the breaking of the bottle.) It is my privilege to be the first to present Mr. _______________ and Mrs. _________________ (After the bridal party has exited, I will thank all in attendance on behalf of the bride, groom and their families, make any reception announces you wish, and then release the guests). TO READ BREAKING OF BOTTLE TEXT, CLICK HERE
Next item is the beautiful "Rose Ceremony"
(Click here to Go to Medieval/Celtic
Ceremonies - New!)
The
Rose Ceremony In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a Rose. Two roses are all that is necessary. If you have children coming into the ceremony, you may have a rose for each of them too - see " Ways to Involve Children" Section. The Rose Ceremony is placed at the end of the ceremony just before being pronounced husband and wife.
<>In
more elegant days, flowers were used as a means of communication. Each Flower
had a special meaning. In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always
meant "I love you". The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and most
honorable title of "Husband and Wife".
This ceremony originates in a classic rose ceremony from a lost and elegant age. Though the words of the classic Rose ceremony long ago lost, this ceremony was rewritten by the Hon. Mark Ovard explaining the true meaning of the ceremony - and in ways that can endure through your married life together - this is a unique and meaningful addition to any marriage ceremony - that also inspires your guests too.
Next are the Alternative vows - Christian &
Non religious Affordable Wedding Photography-
Click here! RELIGIOUS NON RELIGIOUS
( You may write any vows that you wish , use one of those below, or the one in the ceremony you picked. Sometimes a couple will write a short statement to say to each other in the ceremony. Remember, a marriage is a promise that you make to each other so the vows should reflect the commitment and promise you are making to each other. You do not have to write your own vows if you do not wish to and may simply use the vows already in the ceremony. Below are the traditional vows of various denominations. The subtle distinction between them are insightful and reflect the flavor of each denomination.) "Will you, _______, have _____ to be your wife/husband? Will you love her/him, comfort and keep her/him, and forsaking all other remain true to him/her as long as you both shall live?" ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wife/husband, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true wife/husband." (Rings) "With
this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness
and in health, in poverty or in wealth, 'til death do us part." " _______, will you take _____ here present, for your lawful wife/husband according to the rite of our Holy Mother, the Catholic Church?" ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take you ______, for my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." (Rings) "With
this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee my troth.." "_________, wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wedded wife/husband to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and keep her/him as long as ye both shall live?" ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wife/husband, and pledge thee my troth, so long as ye both shall live?" (Rings) "Receive
this ring as a token of wedded love and faith." "_________, wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wedded wife/husband to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her/him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her/him, so long as ye both shall live? ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better – for worse, for richer – for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge thee my faith." (Rings) "In token
and pledge of the vow between us made, with this ring I thee wed; in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
"_______, wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wife/husband, and wilt thou pledge thy faith to her/him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her/hi, and cherish her/him, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of marriage?" ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wedded wife/husband, and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be thy loving and faithful wife/husband; in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live." (Rings) "This
ring I give thee, in token and pledge, of our constant faith and abiding love."
"_______, wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wedded wife/husband to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her/him? Comfort her/him, honor and keep her/her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him/her as long as you both shall live? " ("I will") (Repeat) "I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wedding wife/husband, to have an to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part, according to God’s ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth." (Rings) ",With
this ring I thee wed; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen." (Groom) Do you ____________,
take _______ to be your wife? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and
protect her, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with her
a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do") (Groom) __________ , as you
place this ring upon the finger of __________, speak to her these vows:
Traditional: "Do you, _______, take _______ to be your wife/husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her/him, forsaking all others and holding only unto her/him?" ("I do") (Repeat) "I ________, take thee ________, to be my wife/husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you.." (Ring) With
this ring, I thee wed; all my love, I do thee give." "_______, do you come here freely and without reservation? ("I do") (Repeat) "I _______, take you _______, to be my wife/husband. To share the good times and hard times side by side as husband and wife. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my faith and love to you." (Rings) "Just as this circle is without end,
my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance,
my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed."
(Repeat) "Before our friends and those so special to us here, on this wonderful day of gladness and good fortune, I ______ take you _______ as my wife/husband, in friendship and in love, in strength and weakness, to share the good times and misfortune, in achievement and failure, to celebrate life with you forevermore ( Ring)
With this ring, I thee wed." Optional
Readings & Poems (You are invited to select passages and poems that best suit your hopes and goals. If you wish, you may also write your own or have a family member or friend make a special statement) (Of shared love
in marriage and one best way to show love - by Victor
Hugo
) "
You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The
great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small
acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that
even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And great happiness
of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even
loved in spite of ourselves."
(Love reflects love in return:The Divine Comedy by Dante) "
The love of God, Unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way
light rushes into a transparent object. The more love we receive, the more
love we shine forth; so that, as we grow clear and open, the more complete
the joy of loving is. And the more souls who resonate together, the greater
the intensity of their love for, mirror like, each soul reflects the other."
Classic Reading from"The
Prophet" "
Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like
a moving sea between the shores of your souls. ( Love as a challenge – causing advancement, personal evolution and a shared life quest byRainer Rilke) " For
one human being to love another human being; this is perhaps the most difficult
task that has been entrusted to us – the ultimate task, the final test and
proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation. Loving at
first does not mean merger, surrender and uniting with another person.
(As you travel through life together, you may find you lose your sense of priority. This is one of life’s most important of all priorities – love. By L. Brownlow) " We all
need love. With all our complexities, we are not easy creatures to satisfy.
We can not meet the conditions of a satisfied life by gorging ourselves, lying
down on the grass and staring at the clouds. This is often called the "Apache Blessing". If used, it is near the end of the ceremony: "Now you will fell no rain, for each of you will the shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth to the other. Now 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, and may your days be good and long upon the earth." (This is
often added:) "Treat yourselves and each other
with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give
the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your
connection deserves. When frustration, difficult and fear assail your relationship
- as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to
focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In
this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun
in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment,
the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality
of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
CHEROKEE PRAYER: "God in heaven above please protect
the ones we love. Jewish Traditional Breaking of the Bottle... Below is one explanation I offer of the breaking of the bottle in a wedding ceremony, which is placed immediately before declaring the couple to be husband and wife: "The
breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind
of two very important aspects of a marriage. (The bottle is usually a light bulb wrapped in a white towel. The best man will place the bottle before the groom. However, it is not broken at this point. Instead, the officiant continues to declare the bride and groom to be "husband and wife". With " congratulations, you may kiss your bride !" the groom then smashes the bottle with his foot and kisses the bride. Applauding is appropriate in most ceremonies with the breaking of the bottle.) Kahlil Gibran on MarriageFrom Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
Then Almitra
spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, Master?
And he answered
saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another,
but make not a bond of love: Give your hearts,
but not into each other's keeping.
Next is Other Ceremony Ideas - Involving Children, Guests, Friends
OTHER
CEREMONY IDEAS : (This is added to the Prayer in the Ceremony) "Oh Lord, today we not only celebrate this marriage, but we also celebrate the formation and affirmation of a family with - (child or children's names) - We
pray that you guide _______ and ________ as parents to raise and teach (child/children’s
names) with love and respect; and that you protect this new family and keep
them always in your care..." ADDING CHILDREN TO THE ROSE CEREMONY: (This is added
to the Rose Ceremony - the Rose Ceremonyis a beautiful
addition) "The lighting of the center candle represents not only the union of ____________ and ___________ in marriage, but the unity formed in this new family in which your lives will now shine as one family." INVOLVING THE MOTHERS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM: Sometimes
couples which a special recognition to their mothers - such as giving them
a rose each on the exit. They also may read something special, light the
unity candles at the beginning - or at the time of the unity candles (lighting
the other candle - see below). In some ceremonies with step-parents this
may not be appropriate. UNITY CANDLES - Mothers of Bride and Groom: If the outer unity candles are first lit by the mother of the Bride and of the Groom (when each is first escorted forward), it may be appropriate to add: "The outer candles represent the
light of your separate lives before today. It is appropriate that the mother
of the Bride and the mother of the Groom each lit these candles as it is from
these from which the light of your life first shown forth..."
ROSE CEREMONY
- Roses for the mothers:
Involving children in the ceremony If children are coming into the marriage, there are many different ways to involve the children in the wedding ceremony itself. I believe it is very important that if children are coming into the marriage that they be recognized or participate in some aspect of the wedding ceremony itself. Children often can not express fears or doubts they have. As I have 6
children myself, I am very aware as to how much children will be an influence
in the couple's life together. Involving children in the ceremony help them
to transition to the new relationship they are now a part of. MENTIONING THE CHILDREN: I think it is much more important that children hear their names mentioned in the ceremony, than it is that they play any major part of the ceremony. Mentioning their name during the wedding assures that they are an important part of the occasion and have special status which guests and other family members attending do not. Children need to feel important to their parents. If children
are coming into the marriage, it is appropriate to mention in the ceremony
that not only is a marriage being formed, but also a family - and then name
each child. If a prayer is in the ceremony, each child's name will be stated
in the prayer. WHEN CHILDREN TEND TO FEEL "LEFT OUT" IN A WEDDING: Most couples are careful to take time to talk to the children about the marriage before the wedding day and involve children in some aspect of the ceremony. Where children tend to be left out is immediately after the ceremony. The bride and groom walk away and are crowded by "big people" - with the children left out of the immediate post ceremony celebration. When children tend to feel most left out is immediately after the ceremony. Children tend to see the world as revolving around themselves - and the wedding ceremony as also their day. They feel very left out if all the adults celebrate and they are ignored at the end. They also do not know what they are supposed to do after the ceremony ends. This is easily
avoided. The couple should simply take a moment to hug their child/children,
thank them for helping in the ceremony, and then telling them they are free
to play. This 30 seconds of recognition is very important. NON CEREMONY ROLES FOR CHILDREN: With many weddings,
a good way to involve children (except very young) is to give each their own
one-time use camera and have them take pictures they think are important.
It will be interesting to see what pictures they take and the photos could
be theirs later when developed. EXCESSIVE INVOLVEMENT OF CHILDREN IN THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY: Generally,
children will not share your sense of excitement about the wedding. Rather,
to them it seems more a party occasion. Usually, giving children major roles
in the ceremony quickly becomes chores. It is generally best to give a child
only one active role and also to be mentioned in the ceremony, rather than
to actively involve a child at many different points throughout the ceremony.
ADVISE ME OF THE CHILD/CHILDREN'S NAMES: Simply write the name(s) in the margin of the ceremony and I will mention their names at the appropriate place. PARTICIPATION IN THE CEREMONY: For younger
children, usually the simple task of holding the rings or bouquet is enough
to accomplish a sense of participation. For teenagers, the role may be as
simple as standing up with the couple, playing the CD or tape of wedding
music, or even just taking pictures of the ceremony. WALKING THE BRIDE FORWARD: If the bride's children, sometimes the children will walk forward with the bride. When asked "who brings this woman to this man?" they answer "We do" or "We do for the family". VOWS FOR CHILDREN: Occasionally,
a couple will have the children asked, "Do you accept this family and
the marriage?" Care should be taken in this decision, as sometimes the
child is not completely comfortable with the marriage. If a couple
is adding the "Rose Ceremony ", often they will have
a rose for each of the children. After exchanging roses, the couple will
then give each child a rose, a hug, and whisper "I love you." I will add to the Rose Ceremony (which is a separate
sheet sent to you) - "Not only are ______ and ______
creating a marriage today, but they also are forming a family with (child/children's
name). Just as it is appropriate for ______ and ______ to declare their love
for each other in the gift of a rose, they also wish to show you (to the children)
how much they love you with the gift of a rose." GIFT FOR THE CHILDREN AFTER THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS: Typically, couples give children a gift right after they exchange their own rings and vows - usually a necklace or ring - along with a hug and an "I love you." Children tend to be fascinated with candles and involving them in the Unity Candles is an excellent involvement means. This can be done many ways. Usually, the bride and groom light small candles for the children - and then all light the center candle together. While doing so, I will point out that the center candle not only represents the marriage, but also the light and unity of the new family. ALSO READ
THE SECTION ON "SPECIAL READINGS " FOR OTHER IDEAS
CONCERNING CHILDREN, FRIENDS AND GUESTS. INVOLVING GUESTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS Asking for acceptance by guests and family members: (Some couples wish to involve guests and family members in an active and positive sense in the ceremony itself. This is one popular way and text. You may write your own or alter the wording. The officiant steps to the side and addresses those in attendance.) "As
the family and friends of ________________ and ___________________, you
are here to express your love, hope and joy for this occasion. If you truly
love _________________ and __________________, you will never do anything
to hinder their marriage, never speak against either spouse, and support
the marriage through the good times and the hard times. Will your accept
and support this marriage? If so, answer "WE WILL". New Parent's vow to children: If the marriage ceremony involves minor children coming into the family, sometimes the new parent will state a vow also the child(ren). He/she will address the child(ren) by name and then state a short vow accepting the child(ren) as their own and making a commitment to them. A new parent's vow to the children is NOT required and you may change the wording if you decide to make such a vow.) "(State child(ren)
name(s), "___________,
I promise to accept and love you as my own child(ren) and to protect and
love you all of my life. I promise to do my best to guide and support you
- and to respect you enough to allow you to see the world through your own
eyes." Involving others in ceremony itself: Having family members and friends participate in the marriage ceremony adds much to personalize the ceremony and bring it to life. You are welcome to have friends or family member step forward for any reading, a poem, to read a bible verse or say a prayer or blessing. Selecting other materials: You are invited to
add any materials to the ceremony. This may be a favorite poem, something
you have written yourself, or a reading you wish to add. The ceremonies suggest
locations for additional materials - or call us if you wish to discuss ideas.
You also may add a special song during the ceremony as well. ALSO LOOK IN
"SPECIAL READINGS " for more ways to involve children
in the ceremony.
Next Ceremony is the Spanish Ceremony
SPANISH CEREMONY Wedding Ceremony / Ceremonies & Marriage Vows for North Texas DFW - Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Lewisville, Coppell, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Addison, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Azle, Burleson, Mesquite, Seagoville, North Richland Hills, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Cedar Hill, Dunkinville and Greater DFW Metroplex for your Marriage Ceremony (Few
weddings have only Spanish speaking guests. Typically, ceremonies when there
are Spanish speaking guests is done in both Spanish AND English. The officiant
conducts the ceremony in English - one paragraph at a time - and the couple
select someone to read the same paragraph in Spanish… In this way everyone
understands the ceremony and the overall effect is quite nice.)
HAY ALGUNA PERSONA PRESENTE QUE
POR ALGUNA CAUSA, MOTIVO 0 RAZON NO ESTA DE ACUERDO CON EL MATRIMONIO DE ESTA
PAREJA DEBE HABLAR AHORA 0 QUEDAR EN PAZ PARA SIEMPRE. FRENTE A FRENTE. MANO A MANO. (NOVIO) _________________, TOMAS TU A (NOVIA)_________________, COMO TU ESPOSA, PROMETES AMAR LA, RESPETARLA, PROTEJERLA ABANDONANDO A TODO Y DEDICANDOTE SOLO A ELLA? (NOVIA) _________________, COMO TO ESPOSO,
PROMETES AMARLO, RESPETARLO, PROTEJERLO ABANDONANDO A TODO V DEDICANDOTE SOLO
A EL? (ASK FOR RINGS) LOS ANILLOS DE BODA SON UN SIGNO VISIBLE DE ESPIRITUALIDAD V GRACIA, SIGNIFICANDO ASI PARA TODOS LA UNION DE ESTE HOMBRE Y ESTA MUJER EN MATRIMONIO. (REPITA
CONMIGO, WHILE PUTTING ON RING) (RING) YO (NOVIA)_______________/TOMO A
(NOVIO)_______________ /COMO MI ESPOSO/PARA COMPARTIR/ Y CUIDAR DE EL/EN ENFERMEDAD
COMO EN SALUD,/ EN LA RIQUEZA 0 POSREZA,/Y PROMETO TODO MI AMOR /ASI A TI.
LA ORACION DE LA MANO (NOMBRE)________________ __________________YA QUE EN ACUERDO MUTUO/ HAN DESIDIDO UNIR SUS VIDAS EN SANTO MATRIMONIO/ Y SE HAN PROMETIDO AMOR MUTUO, Y HAN INTERCAMBIADO ANILLOS/Y UNIENDO SUS MANOS LOS DECLARO MARIDO Y MUJER,/ LO QUE DIOS A UNIDO ESTE DIA QUE NADIE LOS SEPARE. FELICITACIONES, PUEDE BESAR LA NOVIA. LES PRESENTE AL SENOR Y SENORA________________________.
ORACION FINAL NUESTRO QUERIDO Y ETERNO PADRE CELESTIAL HOY EN ESTE DIA TAN ESPECIAL COMO LO ES EL MATRIMONIO DE __________________ Y ___________________. NOS HEMOS REUNIDO CON GRAN ALEGRIA EN NUESTROS CORAZONES YA QUE ELLOS HAN VENIDO ANTE TI CON LA PROMESA DE AMARSE, Y VIVIR JUNTOS DE UNA MANERA CORRECTA. TE PEDIMOS LLENES SUS CORAZONES
DE BONDAD/ ENTENDIMIENTO/ Y QUE ABANDONANDO TODO TIPO DE CELOS QUE PEUDAN
INTERFERIR EN SU RELACION. QUE SIEMPRE SE VEAN COMO ENAMORADOS, SIENDO SIEMPRE
BUENOS AMIGOS, Y QUE JUNTOS VENSAN TODOS LOS CONTRATIEMPOS. QUE EL HOGAR QUE
HAN FORMADO HOY, SEA UN LUGAR LLENO DE AMOR Y. CEREMONIA MATRIMONIAL SON UNOS DE LOS GRANDES MANDAMIENTOS DE LA VIDA/ME GUSTARIA LEERLES LO QUE PABLO/ESCRISIO SOBRE EL AMOR/EN LA CARTA A LOS CORINTIOS/HACE MUCHO TIEMPO ATRAS. SIENDO ESTA UN VERDADERO MODELO DE AMOR/LO CUAL YO ESPERO/USTEDES PUEDAN USARLA COMO MODELO DE AMOR DENTRO DEL MATRIMONIO. PABLO A LOS CORINTIOS EL AMOR ES MUY PACIENTE Y BONDADOSO/
NO TIENE CELO/ NI ENVIDIA/ EL AMOR NO ES JACTANSIOSO/ NO SE ENVANESE/ NO HACE
NADA INDEVIDO/ NO BUSCA LO SUYO/ NO SE IRRITA/ NO GUARDA RENCOR. EL AMOR
NO SE GOZA DE LA INJUSTICIA/ MAS SE GOZA EN LA VERDAD/ TODO LO SUFRE, TODO
LO CREE, TODO LO ESPERA, TODO LO SOPORTA. SI TU AMAS A TU PAREJA/ SIEMPRE
SERAS FIEL, NO IMPORTANDO EL COSTO/ SIEMPRE LO DEFENDERAS, DANDO SIEMPRE LO
MEJOR DE TI/ Y ESPERANDO LO MEJOR DE EL. DESDE HOY EN ADELANTE/ QUE CADA
UNO DE USTEDES/ RESPETEN SU HOGAR, SU REFUJIO/ENCONTRANDO CONSUELO Y FORTALESA/
Y SOBRE TODO EL RESPETO Y EL AMOR. QUE TODO ESTO LOS LLEVARA AL EXITO DEL
MATRIMONIO. LA VELA DE LA UNION ESTAS DOS VELAS SIMBOLIZAN/CADA
UNA DE SUS VIDAS POR SEPARADO/COMO CADA UNA DE SUS FAMILIAS/Y CADA GRUPO DE
AMIGOS. LES PIDO A CADA UNO TOMEN UNA VELA Y JUNTOS ILUMINEN LA VELA DEL CENTRO.
LAS VELAS INDIVIDUALES REPRESENTAN CADA VIDA DE USTEDES HOY./ ILLUMINANDO
LA VELA DEL CENTRO/ REPRESENTA LA UNION DE SUS VIDAS COMO UNA/ COMO TAMBIEN
REPRESENTA LA UNION DE LAS DOS FAMILIAS/ COMO EL GRUPO DE SUS AMIGOS ES UNO.
Click here to Go to Medieval/Celtic Ceremonies - New! If you need an JP or Minister for your wedding - CLICK HERE!
Copyright ©: All materials on this site are copyrighted by DFWX and may not be reproduced without express permission. 2019 www. DFWX . com (972) 445-1329 Emails
to: revpaul@revpaul.com
|
