Chris & Jessie

07-10-2009

Elegant Gardens, Kennewick, WA

Lindsay M. Giberson Photography

The Vows:

Processional & Giving away of the bride.

 Jessi’s father & mother shall escort her down the aisle. Father turns up Jessi’s veil and gives her a kiss. He shakes Chris’s hand and takes a step back. He remain standing with mother at the alter until I ask, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Parents answer with a statement, such as, "Her Mother and I." I will nod, then parents take their seats.

Ceremony

Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Jessi and Chris. We share in this formal commitment they make to one another, offer our love and support, so they may start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.

Chris and Jessi thank you for your presence today and ask for your blessing, encouragement and lifelong support.

~

Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure. It must be built from love and patience, dedication and perseverance, talking and listening. Helping, supporting and believing in each other. Through tenderness and laughter, learning to forgive and to appreciate differences. By learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest.

No ceremony can create a marriage. What a ceremony can do is witness and affirm the choice to stand together as life mates and partners. So, I ask now,

Chris, will you take this woman to be your wedded wife?

Jessi, will you take this man to be your wedded husband?

~

Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength which may nourish not only each other, but the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to Jessi and Chris. By our steadfast care, respect and love, we must support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. We must surround Chris and Jessi in love, offer them the joys of our friendship and support them in their marriage.

~

Jessi, Chris, your love, rooted in faith, trust and acceptance, will be the foundation of an abiding and deepening relationship. No other ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume. Your life will have joy and the home you establish will be a place in which you both will find the direction or your growth, your freedom and your responsibility.

If you are able to keep the vows you take here today, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of desire to love and be loved without limitation, I ask you both to repeat after me:

“My best friend, I give myself to you.” [repeat]

 “I give you my heart, my soul, [repeat]

my tears, my laughter.” [repeat]

----

“My best friend, I promise you.” [repeat]

 “I promise to be with you in good times, [repeat]

when life is easy, [repeat]

when our love is simple.” [repeat]

I promise to comfort you in bad times, [repeat]

when life is hard, [repeat]

when our love is challenged.” [repeat]

----

“My best friend, I cherish you.” [repeat]

 “I will hold you in the highest regard, [repeat]

I will support and encourage you. [repeat]

I respect you, adore you [repeat]

and I believe in you.” [repeat]

---

“My best friend, I love you.” [repeat]

 “You are beautiful, compassionate, [repeat]

warm and loving. [repeat]

Today and all the days of our life, [repeat]

I will love you.” [repeat]

~

Chris, do you have a ring for your bride? [“I Do”]

Chris, place this ring on Jessi’s finger and repeat after me. “I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love.” [Repeats]

Jessi, do you have a ring for your groom? [“I Do”]

Jessi, place this ring on Chris’s finger and repeat after me. “I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love.” [Repeats]

By the power of your love and commitment and the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Chris, you may kiss your bride.

Family and friends, may I introduce, Mr. & Mrs. Nokes!