Stacie & Randy- Favorite Ceremonies

Such fun! These two brought a lot of excitement to the ceremony (and afterwards as Randy slung Stacie over his shoulder and sprinted down the aisle- really!).

This has one of my favorite handfasting adaptations-  promises personally written by the couple incorporated with the tying of the hands. 

The Wedding of  Stacie Kobylanski & Randy Long

August 24th, 2013

Welcoming Words

Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.

-Albert Einstein

Stacie and Randy want to thank you for sharing with them on this special and joyous day. Those of you who have had the pleasure of spending some time with them, have seen for yourselves that they possess a very rare and exceptional love. We are here today to celebrate their love and participate in this most wonderful occasion.  

Presentation of Stacie

Who, with love and support, presents this woman to be married to this man?

Opening Prayer

Eternal God, source of infinite love, bless us with a sense of your indwelling presence as we worship here. Keep us sensitive to the wonder of things which fill our days and give meaning to life. Deepen in us the level of our loving, both for those near and dear to us, and for those who, though strangers, need our concern. Especially do we pray your divine blessing on these two who come here in this high moment of their lives. Hear them as they take their promises to each other, that they shall pledge their vows with deepest sincerity knowing full well the meaning of the words they say. And do grant to us all, we pray, a heightened sense of the joy of life because we share this moment with them. In your loving spirit. Amen.

Officiant’s Address

Omitted here.

Declaration of Intent

Stacie and Randy, today I ask you to make a promise:
That whatever happens, you shall never walk alone;
That your hearts will be shelter to each other and your arms will be your
home;
That you’ll stand side by side and sleep in each other’s arms:
That Randy, you’ll watch over Stacie and keep her from harm;
That Stacie, you’ll be the joy in Randy’s heart and the food for his soul;
May you feel deeply loved  for indeed you are; through your brightest days and your darkest nights.

And so I ask, will you now take each other into your hearts and pledge your love in this moment and forever?

Personal Vows and Handfasting

In Europe, until the mid 1700’s, few unions were sanctified in a church or a synagogue.

Rather they were celebrated by a ceremony in which the couple joined hands over the village anvil, out in the fields or in a grove of trees.

The hands were then bound together with ribbon or rope.

This is where the terms ‘giving one’s hand in marriage’ and ‘tying the knot’ come from and not at all where the phrases “noose” or “bound in chains for all eternity” come from.

Today Stacie and Randy will build on this ancient tradition. They have each written vows that they would like to share with the other.

We begin with the traditional words of the ancient poet, Peter of Cook, who once said:

Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew today. Mawwiage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam. And wove, twue wove, wiww fowwow you fowevah and evah… So tweasuwe youw wove...

The Handfasting

Stacie, do you promise Randy that you will laugh with him and at yourselves in times of joy, and comfort him and cry with him in times of sorrow?  

Randy, do you promise Stacie to keep your life full of wonder and adventure even if its just sitting on the couch and watching a new movie or climbing the highest mountain that you can't find just to say “I love you”?

Tie

Randy do you  promise to always strive to make all of your dreams come true and lend Stacie strength in her pursuit to do the same?

Stacie, do you promise to forever be Randy’s best friend and love him unconditionally?

Tie

Randy, do you promise to cherish Stacie and her opinion even when you do not agree with it?

Stacie, do you promise that you will try really hard to remember to put the toilet seat lid down and to wash out your cereal bowl...and that any children you have will be raised to prefer pop over soda?

Tie

Stacie, do you promise to always walk beside Randy through your future together; never before him nor behind?

Randy do you promise to always stand by Stacie’s  side for all of eternity and always keep her close... until the zombie apocalypse, at which point all bets are off?

Tie

As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.

The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords, but rather by the vows you have made.

For always you hold in your own hands the fate of this union, and perhaps you can teach the zombies to put down the toilet seat lid.

Tie

May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day.

May they always be held by one another.

May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment.

 May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love.

May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection.

May Stacie and Randy see each other’s hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.

Cords are removed

Rings

May I have the rings please?

From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending. As often as either of you looks at this symbol, I hope that you will be reminded of the commitment to love each other, which you have made today.

Randy/Stacie, take this ring and place it on Stacie’s/Randy’s, finger and repeat after me.

 

Will each of you repeat after me:

Randy: I, Randy / Stacie, give to you Stacie / Randy, this ring, as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

Stacie: I, Stacie / Randy, give to you Randy / Stacie, this ring, as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.

Final Blessing or Conclusion

Stacie and Randy,  if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, may it be the love that brought you here today, not only the love of each other, but also the love of your families and friends.

It is only love which can make your marriage a glorious union, and by love which your marriage shall endure.

Today your separate lives with your individual memories, desires, and hopes have merged into one. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in the entire world whom you love above all others. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, your weaknesses, triumphs, trials and  responsibilities.

May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s dreams, consolers of each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all of life's challenges. May you encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May you trust each other, trust life and be unafraid. May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding. And many, many years from now may you be able to look at each other and say “ With you I have lived the life I have always wanted to live. With you I have become the person I have always longed to be.”

Declaration of Marriage

Stacie and Randy, remember the promises you have made to each other today, carry them close in your heart, but most all live them, each and every day.  I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Friends and family, may I now introduce Mr. and Mrs. Randy and Stacie Long!

Igor & Rachel- Favorite Ceremony

Such beautiful symbolism here! A little bit Jewish tradition, a little bit Serbian tradition, a little nerdiness and a whole lotta love. This has a wonderful example of a dual-presentation (both partners being presented to each other). I've left in the processional so you can get a good idea of the logistics of the thing.

Igor Avramovic & Rachel Trimble Ceremony

Processional and Music

• The officiant walks down the aisle.
• Groomsmen walk down the aisle.
• Groom walks down the aisle with parents.
• Father lights the Unity Candle on one side.
• Bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
• Rachel walks down the aisle with mother and father.
• Mother lights the Unity Candle on the other side.

Opening Remarks and Welcoming

Parents, friends, and family: We assemble today to witness the wedding vows of Rachel Trimble and Igor Avramovic.

Rachel and Igor welcome you today, in gratitude for the important roles you have played in their lives.

You have each played a part in the wonderful people they have become.

Your love and support has enabled them to grow, and to be able to share their love with each other here today.

They seek to continue the commitment, which does not begin today, but which began some time ago when they found love in each other.

There are many stages and kinds of commitment among persons in our culture, but this one is the deepest, the most sacred that comes out of the clear choice of two people.

It is said that love is the communication of the good life.

When we find a person who communicates the good life to us, and whose answering resonance tells us that we have been sharing something significant together, then we may make the decision to continue sharing permanently.

Rachel and Igor have found much to share and much to enrich their lives together.

Circling

In Jewish tradition, the bride circles the groom seven times, symbolizing the creation of a new family circle and forming a "wall" of protection for the groom.

Today, Rachel and Igor are adapting this ritual by each circling the other three times and then circling once together.

This symbolizes the creation of a new and protective home and the intertwining of their lives.

Rachel circles around Igor 3 times. Igor circles around Rachel 3 times. Rachel and Igor circle 1 time together.

Acknowledging Different Traditions

Rachel and Igor have created this ceremony.

They have woven from threads of two traditions, a fabric that represents who they are together.

Out of two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their differences, and confirming that being together is far better than being apart from each other.

Explanation of Symbols

Chuppah:

We are here at a time of happiness to celebrate Rachel and Igor’s love and commitment they have made to marriage.

They stand under a chuppah.

It represents the promise of the home they will create together.

Its four sides are open, symbolizing the importance of community and participation in each other’s lives.

Together, Rachel and Igor will weather their storms, and their love will grow stronger as a result.

The members of their families stand at the wall and corners of their symbolic home; they are the foundation upon which the structure of their lives rests.

Friends and family fill the home.

The roof symbolizes the importance of what is beyond ourselves and the presence, in our hearts, of those who we love who cannot rejoice with us today.

Rosemary:

In Slavic tradition, Rosemary symbolizes the welcoming of you, Rachel and Igor’s wedding guests. The plant is an evergreen symbolizing everlasting love and favor. Rachel and Igor give these Rosemary sprigs to you so that you too may share their love, wishes, and luck.

Blessings

May they build a life together that is bright with the laughter of children and the smiles of friends and family.

May their home be a haven from the tensions of our time and wellspring of strength;

may it be the one place where they most want to be.

And may the years deal gently with them.

Walking together, may they find much more in life than either would have found alone.


There is a very special prayer that is said upon reaching a joyous occasion, called the Shehechyanu.

The Shehechyanu is said when a baby is born, when a baby learns to walk, upon celebrating religious and educational milestones, at important holiday celebrations, and on the union of two people who join together in the sacred bond of marriage.

The Shehechyanu expresses our gratitude for being able to be with Igor and Rachel on this very special occasion.

Cantor:

“Blessed are you, creator of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and permitted us to celebrate this joyous occasion.”

“Baruch ata Adonai elohenu melech haolam Shehecheyanu Vekeeyamanu Vehigeeyanu Lazman Hazeh.”

Remarks by the Officiant 

Omitted here.

Blessing of the Wine (2 cups)

This cup of wine is symbolic of the cup of life.

As you share this cup of wine, you undertake to share all the future may bring.

May you find life’s joys doubly gladdened, its bitterness sweetened, and all things hallowed by true companionship and love.

Two cups are before you.

By your choice, only one of the cups is reserved for the two of you alone.

You decided to share the first cup with those who have been partners in your lives thus far, the ones who have helped to make you the individuals you are.

This cup of wine symbolizes the gratitude Rachel and Igor have for the loving care and teaching of parents, the ties of heart and mind and memory that link brothers and sisters, and for the friendships that fill this cup to overflowing.

Cantor:

“Blessed are you, creator of the universe, who has given us the fruit of the vine. “
“Baruch ata Adonai elohenu melech haolam boray p’re hagoffen.”

Rachel and Igor drink from 1 cup. Parents drink from the other cup.

Ketubah

It is a Jewish custom to sign a ketubah, or wedding contract, as part of the wedding rituals.

The ketubah is traditionally signed before the ceremony.

It is a written promise they make to one another, in front of their families and friends as witnesses.

They will display the ketubah in their home as a reminder of their love and commitment for one another.”

Reading of the Ketubah

Read by: Rev. Mark

On the Seventh day of August, Two Thousand and Eleven, 7 Av, 5771,

Rachel Trimble and Igor Avramovic entered into a mutual covenant as husband and wife, loving and supportive companions in life and said to each other:

This ring symbolizes our free decision to create this ceremony which joins us and is prompted by the love that we have for each other.

We will honor each other’s culture as we link customs to form a trusting relationship.

We will protect, support and encourage each other as we create a loving future together.

May our lives be intertwined forever and be as one in faith and in hope.

This love provides us with the determination to be ourselves, the capacity to surrender and the push to live life to its fullest.

It gives us the courage to hope and the ability to make our dreams a reality.

Our purpose in joining together is to nurture that love in each other and, as best we can, give it to others.


We promise to try to be ever open to one another while cherishing each other’s uniqueness, to comfort and challenge each other through life’s sorrow and joy,

to share our intuition and insight with one another,

and above all to do everything within our power to permit each other to become the person we are yet to be.

I will be your loving friend as you are mine.


We also pledge to establish a home for ourselves and our children shaped by our respective heritages; a loving environment dedicated to peace, hope and respect for all people;

a family filled with love and learning, goodness and generosity, compassion and integrity.

Let our home be built on truth and loving-kindness, rich in wisdom and reverence.

May we always keep these words in our hearts as a symbol of our eternal commitment to each other:
I give you my hand and my love. I promise to share my life openly with you, to care for and comfort you, and to be your ally in good times and in troubled times from this day forward.


After having spoken the words and performed the rites which unite their lives Rachel and Igor become husband and wife,

married in the eyes of God and according the laws of the State of Washington.

7 Blessings

Historically, brides and grooms have been blessed with seven wedding blessings.

In Jewish mysticism, the number seven symbolizes creation and completion.

As a man and woman join together in love and marriage, they help each other feel more complete, more whole than they ever felt alone.

For their ceremony, Rachel and Igor have chosen these seven contemporary blessings that reflect their own hopes and feelings for each other that symbolically sanctify this day and this marriage.

Reader:

May you work together to build a relationship of substance and quality.

May the honesty of your communication build a foundation of understanding, connection and trust.

May you respect each other’s individual personality and philosophy, and give each other room to grow and fulfill each other’s dreams.

May your sense of humor and playful spirit continue to enliven your relationship.

May you understand that neither of you is perfect: you are both subject to human frailties; and may your love strengthen when you fall short of each other’s expectations.

May you be ‘best friends,’ better together than either of you are apart.”

And may you continue to be best friends, better together than either of you are apart.

May your marriage be as sweet as the fruit of the vine.

Cantor:
“Baruch ata Adonai elohenu melech haolam boray p’re hagoffen.”

Unity Candle

“Rachel and Igor’s your marriage not only brings together two individuals who are very much in love, but two faith traditions, and two sets of friends and families.

Together, you bring all of these strengths into your marriage.

Individually, you now receive the flame from your own candles, which your Families have lit for you. Together you will now light your Unity Candle. This shared light symbolizes the beginning of your new life together, and the family you are creating together.”

Rachel and Igor jointly light the Unity Candle, and return to face each other
May the strengths of family, friends, tradition, and love nurture your commitment, and may the beauty of your relationship light your way.

Vows

Igor/ Rachel: I give to you my hand and my love.

I will respect you, honor you,

and live my life openly with you.

Through my love for you,

I pledge to work to increase your happiness

and to diminish your sorrows.

I promise to cherish and protect you

in good fortune and in adversity

from this day forward.

Ring Ceremony

In keeping with the declaration you have made, you give and you receive these rings.

They are tokens of your union, symbols of enduring loyalty.

May they ever remind you that your lives are to be bound together by devotion and faithfulness.

As you (Rachel/Igor), place this ring upon the finger of your bride/groom, speak to her/him these words.


Igor/Rachel: I give you this ring

as a symbol of my commitment to you

and to our partnership in life.

You have my heart always.

Rachel/Igor (in unison): I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

Pronouncement

Your friends and family, all of us here, celebrate in your happiness and wish that this day marks only one of many more blessings you will share in the days and years ahead.

And now that you have spoken the words and performed the rites that unite your lives, I do hereby declare you, Igor and Rachel, husband and wife.

Closing Remarks / Blessing

May your way be blessed

May wisdom’s light shine upon you

May your journey bring you peace, shalom.

Explanation of Breaking the Glass(es)

The custom of “breaking the glass” has a number of interpretations.

Some say it is a symbol of the love that will remain in good times, and in sorrow.

The permanence of the broken glass represents a permanent change in the lives of this couple, as well.

Just as glasses are broken and cannot ever be exactly the same as they once were, their lives will never be quite the same.

Rachel and Igor, our wish for you today is that the innumerable pieces of the glass beneath your feet will be a reminder of the innumerable ways you will love each other in the years to come.


Igor, you may now break this glass and kiss your wife!

Kelly & Nevin- Favorite Ceremonies

Like many people with many vowels in their last name I was raised Catholic. I was an altar server, my dad was a choir director in a number of parishes here in Beaver County. But, for me it just didn't take. It seems to be that way with many couples. Many of us have a different spiritual outlook than those generations that have come before. We may still feel an attachment to- or, for various reasons, have a desire to honor- those traditions.And that's what Kelly & Nevin's ceremony was. Traditional, yet personal, and wow, was it fun!

These two gave me a ton of info to work with on their questionnaires. So much so, that I actually had a harder time figuring out what not to use than what to use. 

Their ceremony featured one of my favorite unity ceremonies- the Love Letter and Wine Box. 

Also, check out their Declaration of Intent! This is a great way to add a little surprise humor into the ceremony. 

The Wedding of Kelly Miller & Nevin Edwards

March 29th, 2014

Convocation

All stand.

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

The union of two people in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this holy union Kelly and Nevin now come to be joined.

Presentation Of The Kelly

Who presents this woman to be married to this man?

Father (or parents) of the Kelly: “I do” or “her mother and I do.” Or something similar.

Honoring Those Not Present

At this time, we would also like to honor those who could not be with us today.

Though we cannot see you, we know you are here.

Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile as Kelly and Nevin begin a new chapter in their lives.

We pause now to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts.

The Liturgy Of The Word

The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Let us pray.

O gracious and ever-living God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Reading

excerpt from “The Art of a Good Marriage”, by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

Reader:  Brandon Miller Kelly’s brother, Brandon

"A good marriage must be created.

In marriage the "little" things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say, ”I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is having a mutual sense of values, and common objectives.

It is standing together and facing the world.

It is forming a circle that gathers in the whole family.

It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner."

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (love is patient and kind)

Reader: Christine Zacherl

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Minister’s Address (Homily)

When I first met with Kelly and Nevin we got into a discussion of how often people get Nevin’s name wrong. In fact, when she first met Nevin, Kelly had even thought that she had heard it wrong or that it was a nick-name. Instead, she remembered Nevin as “that guy who broke the Sliz”. (Some of you will get that reference, others won’t. Talk about it at the reception.)

But it was amazing to me the variations Nevin gets: Devin, Kevin, Malkin… Spevin.

I promised Kelly and Nevin that I would be sure to get it right during the ceremony.

And so, Nelly and Kevin, that is exactly what I intend to do.

Standing in the hallway today, I heard a little girl ask “daddy, why do people get married?” I didn’t hear the dad’s answer, but I did hear the slap that he got from his wife. I decided not to stick around after that.

But, it was a pretty good question: “Why do people get married?”

Neville and Kreskin, why are you getting married?

We all have different answers: Love, of course; companionship, sure; a nice little break come tax season, perhaps, but as I looked around here I realized that it’s the gifts! People give you things when you get married!

That’s actually one of the things Paul talks about. In some versions of the Bible, the word “love” in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is translated as “charity”.  Love in the context of marriage is exactly this- a selfless, voluntary gift.

The best gift we can give other people is our whole selves in truth. By doing so we give them a true and accurate mirror that allows them to see themselves. We also give ourselves the best opportunity to grow. As Danny Kaye once said, “Before we can give ourselves to the world, we must first accept ourselves.” Or as my dad used to say “A man who can give himself a hug every day truly has the arms of an orangutan”

Nermal, you make Kelly laugh with your odd- ball sense of humor. You make her  feel loved and appreciated, safe and secure, like she’s the most important person in your world, (or at least the most important person not covered in fur.)  And though Kelly may never fully understand your strange bond with Jax or your deep-seated involvement with the cult known as Penn-Trafford, your compassionate, caring nature extends to everyone- your friends, your family and most of all, to her. You are her friend, her protector, her other half, her love.  You are so much more to her than she could ever put into words and she simply cannot  fathom going through life without you by her side.

Kurly, it’s no wonder that you’ve found in Nevin a caring, understanding man. You are seeing there a reflection of yourself.

Those little things you do brighten Nevin’s every moment- the Post-it notes with words of affection and encouragement, the way your smile lights up a room- you even pack his lunch for work. They say “don’t marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can’t live without.”   Nevin near-certifiably insane when you have to travel.  He doesn’t know what to do with myself when you are gone, and it is those times when he really understands how he much he loves you and misses you.  There is not one other person in the world that he would rather be with than you.

And I know that no one told you life was gonna be this way,

Before you met, Your job was a joke, you were broke, your love life was D.O.A.

It's like you were always stuck in second gear

Always feeling like it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, but

now, Kelly, you know that Nevin will be there for you. And Nevin, you know that Kelly will be there for you, too.

These are the real wedding gifts that you present to each other today.

So, share the gifts of your friendship, humor, vulnerability, sensitivity, and kindness.

Be sure to find ways each day to protect, affirm, and support each other,

and to treasure the balance and shared values that you have found with each other.

But here’s the the thing, Kelvin (which really ought to be the name of your first child), you have given us a gift, too. By letting us join in this day of joy with you you share with us the gifts of your love, of hope, of all the things that make life grander.

All of us here, your family and friends, would love to be able to give you the gift of happiness. But, it is not ours to give. You, and only you, create this marriage.

So, travel the country, the world together, but never stray far from each other in your hearts.

Go out on those hot wing nights, and fill each other’s plates with loving-kindness, compassion and hope.

Take in a Pirates game, and always remember that win or lose, ultimately you are on the same team.

May you enter into your marriage believing that the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things.  And may you always, always be in love.

Is there anything in particular that you would like me to say to your future spouse during the ceremony, or anything that you would like in the ceremony that I haven't covered here?

Kelly: “Although it already feels like we’re married, I’m excited to make it official and continue our lives together.  I can’t picture myself with anyone else but you and I cannot wait to be “Mrs. Edwards”

Nevin: “Let's Go Pitt!”

Declaration of Intent

Kelly and Nevin, today I ask you to make these promises before all of us:

Will you always trust in each other, as the people you are today and the people you will become?

We will

Will you always laugh together, joke together, and keep a playful nature?

We will

Will you always show affection and remind each other of the love you share?

We will

Nevin, will you promise to always give Kelly your full attention, no matter how long her stories are or even if you've already heard them 9 times?

I will

Kelly, will you console Nevin in times of need, such as suffering thru the many heartbreaking losses Pitt will undoubtedly have in your lifetimes?

I will

Will you always strive to love each other the way you do today no matter what life brings your way?

We will

THE MARRIAGE

Blessing Of The Rings

Do we have the Rings?

Lord, please bless these rings that Kelly and Nevin are about to exchange. May these rings forever remind them of their covenant with one another, as well as the circle of love they have publicly created here today. May their compassion and kindness for one another always be like these rings, with no beginning and no end.

Nevin places the ring on Kelly’s ring-finger and says:

I, Nevin, take you, Kelly, to be my wife,

in equal love, as a partner and companion,

to have and to hold,

to honor and to cherish,

in joy and in sorrow,

from this day forward.

Kelly places the ring on Nevin’s ring-finger and says:

I, Kelly, take you, Nevin, to be my husband, in equal love, as a partner and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, from this day forward.

Unity Ceremony

Unity Candle

May the lighting of this candle of unity represent the oneness of this union and the eternal flame of love that burns within these two hearts.

(Music begins)

(Kelly and Nevin light center candle)

Love Letters and Wine Box

Kelly and Nevin have chosen as a couple to perform a Love Letter & Wine Box ceremony.

This box, handmade by Nevin’s Pap, Randy, contains a bottle of wine and a love letter from each to the other. The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry. The letters are sealed in individual envelopes and they have not seen what the other has written. You have created your very own "romantic" time capsule to be opened on your 5th wedding anniversary.

I recommend that you keep the box in a place of honor prominently displayed in your home as a constant reminder of your commitment to each other.

Kelly and Nevin should you ever find your marriage enduring insurmountable hardships, you are to as a couple, open this box, sit and drink the wine together, then separate and read the letters you wrote to one another when you were united as a couple in marriage. By reading these love letters you will reflect upon the reasons you fell in love and chose to marry each other here today.

The hope is, however, that you will never have a reason to open this box. And if this is the case, you are to open this box to share and enjoy on your 5th year wedding anniversary!

Kelly and Nevin, do you promise to respect and honor the commitments you have made here today and achieve the life through kindness, compassion, and an ever-adoring heart? Do you also promise to resist the temptation to sneak a look at each others letters, not open this bottle because it has been a hard week at work and you forgot to stop at the State Store, or use this box as a step-stool so you can reach the glasses on the top shelf?

Kelly and Nevin, you may now seal the box.

It is my sincere hope that the tender sentiments and words of commitment you have written to one another will always serve you as a gift beyond measure. May they always remind you of the love you share,today, tomorrow and in the decades of married life to come.

The Prayers

All stand.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us, the Lord’s Prayer:

People and Celebrant:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

THE BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE

The people remain standing.

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.

Presentation Of The Couple

With the blessings of the family and friends present, under the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and in the name of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  

You may kiss the bride.  

Please join me now in celebration as we greet for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Nevin and Kelly Edwards!