Scott & Suzanne

10-31-2009

Processional & Giving away of the bride.

 Suzanne’s father shall escort her down the aisle. Father turns up Suzanne’s veil and gives her a kiss. He shakes Scott’s hand and takes a step back. He remains standing until I ask, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" He answers with a statement, such as, "I do." I will nod, then he takes his seats.

Ceremony

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

Scott and Suzanne thank you for your presence today and ask for your blessing, encouragement and lifelong support.

~

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

~

Scott, Suzanne, are you both 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? [In unison, answer ‘We Are’]

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,

Scott, will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? [yes] Will you be faithful, loving and honest to her always? [yes]

Suzanne, will you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? [yes] Will you be faithful, loving and honest to him always? [yes]

~

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.

~

Scott, if you are ready to start this adventure, please repeat after me,

I, Scott, take you, Suzanne, [repeat]

to be my friend, my lover, [repeat]

the mother of my children and my wife. [repeat]

I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, [repeat]

in times of sickness and in times of health, [repeat]

in times of joy and in times of sorrow, [repeat]

in times of failure and in times of triumph. [repeat]

I promise to cherish and respect you, [repeat]

to care and protect you, [repeat]

to comfort and encourage you, [repeat]

and stay with you, for all eternity. [repeat]

~

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

Scott, place this ring on Suzanne’s finger and repeat after me. “I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my life long commitment to you.” [Repeat]

Suzanne, if you are ready to start this adventure, please repeat after me,

I, Suzanne, take you, Scott, [repeat]

to be my friend, my lover, [repeat]

the father of my children and my husband. [repeat]

I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, [repeat]

in times of sickness and in times of health, [repeat]

in times of joy and in times of sorrow, [repeat]

in times of failure and in times of triumph. [repeat]

I promise to cherish and respect you, [repeat]

to care and protect you, [repeat]

to comfort and encourage you, [repeat]

and stay with you, for all eternity. [repeat]

~

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

Suzanne, place this ring on Scott’s finger and repeat after me. “I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my life long commitment to you.” [Repeat]

~

UNITY CANDLE LIGHTING

Scott and Suzanne you have chosen to affirm your love by the lighting of a unity candle. I would like Greg, Scott’s father, and Dennis, Suzanne’s father to now each light a candle, representing their individual families.

It is said, ‘From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single, brighter light goes forth from their united being.’ (by Baal Shem Tov)

Scott and Suzanne, if you will please take your family’s candle and together light the center candle symbolizing the unity of your hearts and families, and repeat after me, [Light candle and repeat in unison]  

From this day forth, [Repeat]

my soul flows with your soul. [Repeat]

I have found in you the one to light my days [Repeat]

and warm my nights. [Repeat]

You are my someone for all my life. [Repeat]

[Adrienne sings]

~

Suzanne, Scott, 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 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.

It is with great honor and by the power of your love and commitment and the authority vested in me, to now pronounce you husband and wife! Scott, you may kiss your bride.

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