Uniquely, I Do's Couples

Dennis & Kathy

08-29-2009

Welcome family and friends. We have all gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Dennis and Kathy.

We all share in the commitment they make to one another and offer our love and support, so that they may start their married life surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.

While we have assembled to witness the vows that Dennis and Kathy will make today, the true union is in their hearts and was formed from the mutual love, concern, trust, and respect they have developed for each other.

Dennis and Kathy, the step which you are about to take is the most important one human beings can take.  It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection.  Your lives will change and your responsibilities will increase; but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest in today’s pledges to one another.

***

Dennis and Kathy, please join hands.

Dennis, please repeat after me: “I take you, Kathy, to be my wife, lover, and best friend.” (Dennis repeat)

“I promise to be faithful and honest.” (Dennis repeat)

“I will respect, trust, help, and care for you.” (Dennis repeat)

“I will share my life with you and everything that is to come for the rest of our lives together.” (Dennis repeat)

Kathy, please repeat after me: “I take you, Dennis, to be my husband, lover, and best friend.” (Kathy repeat)

“I promise to be faithful and honest.” (Kathy repeat)

“I will respect, trust, help, and care for you.” (Kathy repeat)

“I will share my life with you and everything that is to come for the rest of our lives together.” (Kathy repeat)

~Musical Interlude~

It used to be said that in marriage, man and woman become one.  Dennis and Kathy, you have given yourselves to love; but you are not giving your individuality away.  It is your uniqueness that the other needs. That uniqueness drew you together.  You understand and believe that each of you is stronger for having two hearts, two wills, and two bodies to rely on and trust in.  Let it be known, from this day forth, that you stand—not as one—but together.

What token of your love do you offer? [Dennis & Kathy place rings in my hand]

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives will now joined in one unbroken circle. 

Wherever they go, may they always return to one another.  May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May these rings symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.

Dennis, place this ring on Kathy’s finger and repeat after me:

Kathy, you are now blessed to me as my wife from this day forward. (Dennis repeat)

I give you this ring as the pledge of my love (Dennis repeat)

and as the symbol of our unity. (Dennis repeat)

With this ring I thee wed. (Dennis repeat)

***

Kathy, place this ring on Dennis’ finger and repeat after me:

Dennis, you are now blessed to me as my husband from this day forward. (Kathy repeat)

I give you this ring as the pledge of my love (Kathy repeat)

and as the symbol of our unity. (Kathy repeat)

With this ring I thee wed. (Kathy repeat)

These eternal bands, given and received today, are a token of your affection, sincerity, and fidelity to one another. Let them be a daily reminder of your love and your promises to one another.

May you always share with each other the gift of love.  Be one in heart and in mind. May love, friendship, generosity, and kindness always be emphasized in this home that you have established together.

Dennis and Kathy, you have consented before God, your family, and your friends to live together in wedlock.  You have pledged your vows to one another.  I have witnessed the same before this company. By the authority vested in me,  I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Dennis, you may now kiss your bride.

I now have the joy of presenting to all of you, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis...