This is my wedding ceremony so far, please offer some feedback. Btw, the officiant is my uncle and he knows us well, that is why I put in a little space for him to say his own words that he wants to say:
~Welcome to Guests~
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love
that Alex and Laura share. Today is the day that they will formally and publicly make their promises to one another. Today that love becomes the bond uniting their souls into marriage.
~Opening Words~
Alex and Laura, please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way and countless times wipe the tears from your eyes.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams and give you strength when you need it. They will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.
And lastly, when you are wrinkled and aged, these hands will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
[Something personal from officiant]
~Marriage Vows~
Not only are we here for the celebration of the joining of these two wonderful people, but to get a glimpse of what this truly means from their perspective. To this end they have written their own vows to one another. I invite you now to share with them as they reveal their innermost selves both to each other and to all of you:
[Alex vow to Laura]
[Laura vow to Alex]
~ Presentation of the Rings ~
May I have the rings please?
The Circle is a perfect figure, without beginning, without end, with no area of
weakness. It is a symbol of the Cycle of Life, of birth, death, and rebirth. This
shall serve as a physical reminder of your vow, and that all things begin and end
and begin anew. When you are engulfed in anger or in sadness, look to your
hand and let these rings shall serve to remind you that life goes on, that
moments pass, yet your love is constant. When life brings you its greatest joys
look then to your hand and remember that the Wheel turns forever
onward, and it is love that turns the Wheel.
~Ring Vows~
Alex, will you now place the ring on Laura’s finger and repeat
after me?"
(Alex places the ring half way on to Laura’s finger)
"With this ring I promise you
my passion, my compassion, my honesty and my love
This day and forever more"
(Alex places the ring the rest of the way on to Laura’s finger)
Laura, will you now place the ring on Alex's finger and repeat
after me?"
(Laura places the ring half way on to Alex's finger)
"With this ring I promise you
my passion, my compassion, my honesty and my love
This day and forever more"
Laura places the ring the rest of the way on to Alex's finger
~Closing Words~
In closing, I will read to you an Apache love poem of the couple’s choosing:
Now you will feel no rain
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth for the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.
There is only one life before you,
and your seasons will be long and good.
You are now as your hearts have always known you to be:
Husband and Wife. I now present Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Laura Boren. You may kiss your beautiful Bride!
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