Uniquely, I Do's Couples

Doug & Kelly

08-29-2009

Married at sunset, Boardman, OR

The Vows:

Processional

 Kelley’s father shall escort her down the aisle.

Giving away of the bride

Father turns up Kelley’s veil (if applicable) and give her a kiss. He shakes Doug’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?"

Father answers with a statement, such as, "I do."

I will nod, then father takes his seat.

Ceremony

Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Kelley and Doug. 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.

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 Kelley and Doug. By our steadfast care, respect and love, we must support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. We must surround Doug and Kelley in love, offer them the joys of our friendship and support them in their marriage.

~

Doug, Kelley, 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.

Doug, today you present yourself before friends and family and offer yourself to Kelley. You offer her your heart, your soul, your tears, your laughter.

You promise to stand beside Kelley in good times, when life is easy, when your love is simple. You promise to comfort her in bad times, when life is hard, when your love is challenged.

Today and all the days to come, you vow to hold Kelley in the highest regard, to support and encourage her, respect, adore and believe in her.

Doug, are you able to keep these vows, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of desire to love and be loved without limitation? [I am]  Do you take Kelley to be your wedded wife? [I do]

Doug, do you have a ring for your bride? [Yes.] (Best man hands Doug ring)  Please place this ring on Kelley’s hand as a daily reminder of your love. (slips ring onto Kelley’s hand)

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Kelley, today you stand before your friends and family and offer yourself to Doug. You offer him your heart, your soul, your tears, your laughter.

You promise to stand beside Doug in good times, when life is easy, when your love is simple. You promise to comfort him in bad times, when life is hard, when your love is challenged.

Today and all the days to come, you vow to hold Doug in the highest regard, to support and encourage him, respect, adore and believe in him.

Kelley, are you able to keep these vows, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of desire to love and be loved without limitation? [I am]  Do you take Doug to be your wedded husband? [I do]

~

Kelley, do you have a ring for your groom? [Yes.] (Maid of honor hands Kelley ring and piece of paper to read from)  "Doug, I know you. I know the man you are. I know the husband you'll be. You are the man I love.  You are a man of few words, you sometimes struggle to find the right words to tell me, but as sure as I stand here today, I know the love within your heart, I know the love in your touch, I know... I simply know. You are my best friend, you are my lover. From this day forth, you are my life. I don't want or need you to say or do anything but be my husband. I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love. (slips ring onto Doug’s hand)

~

Kelley, Doug, 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 have assumed. 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.

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

~

Family and friends, I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Lee!

 
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