Our ceremony

This is what is planned to be said:

Introduction

We have come together today to unite Walter and Carolyn in marriage. A wedding is the celebration of the miracle of love, and that’s what we’re here to do: to celebrate that miracles do occur all of the time, that at any moment, the unexpected can happen and often does

Reading

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of 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”. It is at no time taking the other for granted. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; it is standing together facing the world. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is not expecting perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is having a capacity to forgive and forget. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner. It is discovering that your love for one another at its best will never lose sight of or be blotted out by the common place experiences of life.

And it is remembering that remaining devoted, confident and hopeful in one another are the secret ingredients, which will help you to remain two very happy people, richer for your oneness.

Vows

Minister says to the Groom: Will you have Carolyn to be your wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live? Will you stand together during rough seas, mountain storms, torrential downpours, and desert winds? Will you also stand together during the sunrises, sunsets, and the many blessings and beauty that the world may bring to you?

The Groom shall answer: I will.

Minister say to the Bride: Will you have Walter to be your wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live? Will you stand together during rough seas, mountain storms, torrential downpours, and desert winds? Will you also stand together during the sunrises, sunsets, and the many blessings and beauty that the world may bring to you?

The Bride shall answer: I will.

Rings Introduction

Minister: The wedding ring is a symbolic icon. Alone the ring is just a piece of metal heated and formed with out love. But today, we will transform these cold pieces of metal into beautiful symbols of everlasting love. They will be placed on your fingers and shine forth like a beacon in the storm shouting out that you are not alone in this world, that you have someone to share your life with. When you are apart from each other let this symbol shine in your heart as well as on your hand. This symbol that says you have chosen each other above all others.

Blessing of the Rings

Bless these Rings, and those who wear them, that they may be ever faithful to one another, and live and grow old together in love.

Ring Vows

(Bride repeats after minister): Walter, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love and as a constant reminder that I have chosen you above all others to be the one to share my life.

(Groom repeats after minister): Carolyn, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love and as a constant reminder that I have chosen you above all others to be the one to share my life.

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Declaration of Marriage

You all have been given the pleasure of witnessing this very special occasion that formally announces the marriage of Walter and Carolyn. Now they have spoken their vows to each other and given their promises. They have declared before all of us that they are in love and they will live together in holy matrimony. They both now wear the rings of love on their hands and in their hearts. So, by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce them to be Husband and Wife.

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You may now kiss the bride.

Presentation

Minister: Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present Carolyn & Walter Gerding.