CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #5
BEYOND THE ORDINARY
PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
Who gives this woman in marriage? / I do.
TO GUESTS
As friends and family of _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ we have gathered here today in the presence of God to ask God’s blessing on their marriage. What _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ mean to each other is obvious in their lives, but it’s not easily expressed in the language of a ceremony. Marriage, and the union it symbolizes, can be among the most intriguing of human experiences, for in any accounting, love in its infinite manifestations is what life is all about. To share their lives, to encourage creativity, to inspire each other to reach beyond the limits of the ordinary–not at the expense of each partner’s individuality, but rather, by the strength of the common bond: this is the hope in which _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ come to be married. Out of this tangled world, they have been drawn together, two people bound firmly by the sure insights of love. We, their friends and family, stand with them to offer our affirmation, our encouragement, and our support.
REMEMBRANCE
Today, as we celebrate this special day, _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ would like to pause to reflect upon those who have shaped their character, moulded their spirits and touched their hearts. Let us not forget the ones that have departed from our world, but not before they graced us with special memories only they could create. Though we cannot see them, we sense their presence. Though we cannot touch them, we feel the warmth of their smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives.
DECLARATION
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ , are about to commit themselves in marriage to each other. If anyone knows just cause why they may not be lawfully joined in marriage, let them declare it or else forever hold their peace.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
_(Groom)_ , 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 for as long as you both shall live? / I WILL.
_(Bride)_ , 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 for as long as you both shall live? / I WILL.
As you have declared your intention to marry, _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ , 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.
VOWS
In preparation for sharing your wedding vows, please give you bouquet to your Maid of Honour, _(Bride)_ ?
Face each other and join hands.
_(Groom)_ , please repeat after me your vows to _(Bride)_ ?
I _(Groom)_ , take you _(Bride)_
to be my wife,
to love and cherish,
from this day forward,
and thereto pledge you my faithfulness.
_(Bride)_. please repeat after me your vows to _(Groom)_?
I, _(Bride)_ take you _(Groom)_ ,
to be my husband,
to love and to cherish,
from this day forward,
and thereto pledge you my faithfulness.
THE RINGS
May I have the rings please?
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
_(Groom)_ , will you repeat after me to _(Bride)_ ?
With this ring,
I thee wed.
Let it ever be to us
a symbol of our love.
_(Bride)_ , will you repeat after me to _(Groom)_ ?
With this ring,
I thee wed.
Let it ever be to us
a symbol of our love.
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
In as much as you, _(Groom)_ , and you _(Bride)_ , have consented together in the union of matrimony and you have pledged your faithfulness to each other in the presence of God and this company, now by the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario as a minister of the Gospel, I now pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE! Whom God has joined together, let no one come between.
KISS
SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENT
Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. & Mrs. ——- .
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