Wedding ceremony help!?

Question

Hi

I need help writing a particular part of our wedding ceremony: the declaration of intent! I can't figure out something that flows nicely with the rest of the ceremony. I want something that we can answer together with "we will" or "we do"

the rest is going to be as follows (i picked parts from different websites, i didn't actually write anything on my own)

Opening:

We are gathered today to celebrate one of the happiest moments in the lives of William and Bethany, for on this day they will affirm before witnesses of earth and heaven that they believe God has purposed that they should share life in the holy bonds of marriage.

Declaration of intent:

Vows:

(we’re going to use the same vows)

I, ____________, take you, ____________ as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and in tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that life may find us.

Ring Passage:

As the grass of the fields and the trees of the woods bend together under the pressures of the storm, so too must you both bend when the wind blows strong. But know that as quickly as the storm comes, so equally quickly may it leave. Know that no two people can be exactly alike. No more can any two people fit together, perfect in every way. There will be times when it will seem hard to give and to love. As you give love, so you will receive it. As you give strength, so will you receive strength. Together you are one, apart you are as nothing.

Ever love, help, and respect each other.

The constant circle of love you share is symbolized in these rings. Let them be a token of your friendship and the partnership you have come to celebrate on this day. When the waters are rough, let these rings remind you of the ebb and flow of life. Let them remind you of the happiness you feel at this moment, and let your memory soothe your spirit.

Ring Exchange:

(again, we’re going to repeat the same thing)

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my (wife / husband) this day and forevermore.

Prayers / Blessings:

(I’m going to find a family member to say this part!)

God in heaven above

please protect our loved ones.

We honor all you created as Bill and Beth pledge

their hearts and lives together.

We honor mother-earth

and ask for their marriage to be abundant

and grow stronger through the seasons;

We honor fire

and ask that their union be warm

and glowing with love in their hearts;

We honor wind

and ask they sail though life

safe and calm as in our father's arms;

We honor water

to clean and soothe their relationship

that it may never thirsts for love;

With all the forces of the universe you created,

we pray for harmony and true happiness.

Amen.

Closing:

It is with great happiness that I present you as husband and wife. May you always remember the love that brought you here on this day, and may God bless this union. You may now kiss....

ok, any help? something earthy, and about nature, the elements, something with symbolisim would be great.....Thanks!

Answer 1

i dont know but that is beautiful  

Answer 2

Declaration of Intent:

Today we stand upon this holy earth and in the face of heaven to witness the sacred rite of marriage between ___ and ___. Just as we come together as family and friends, so the great spirit of God, the holy three, is present with us.

The scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means to grace, a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is gods purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be united in love as Christ is united with his community, the church.

This is the sacred way of life that ___ and ___ are now to begin. Today as a sign of this they will join hands, exchange vows, Light candles and exchange rings. we will bless them, and each one of you here, that together, with God, their union may be made strong.

___ and ___, marriage is a precious gift - a lifelong dedication to love. Marriage is a precious teaching - a daily challenge to love one another more fully and freely.

With this understanding do you choose to belong to each other forever more.

Bride and groom : WE DO

----

_____, I love you with my whole self and come here before God, our families and friends to be one with you in marriage. All that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you. Whatever the future holds I will love you and stand by you and strengthen you eternally. As the stars in the sky and the tides of the sea are constant and true, I pledge myself to you in faithfullness and love.

-----

Answer 3

The purpose of the "declarations" in the ceremony, is to make clear that you are free to marry. Traditionally this meant that neither the bride nor groom were being coerced, that the bride's father had given his permission, and that no-one knew of any other impediment. In your very personal ceremony, you might consider the other things that get in the way of being truly "free" to marry -- addictions, character weaknesses, lack of commitment. Make your "declaration of intent" a considered statement about your willingness to face the challenges of married life.

First, what are the things that you feel are important in your personal development, that make you ready to enter into marriage? Use those things to formulate the statement of intent. You might, for example, want to mention maturity, humility, courage, patience. Consider also what you think might threaten your marriage -- things like outside influences, addictions, selfishness. Your strengths and weaknesses will be different from those of any other couple. This is your time to be honest.

Then, have your officiant ask whether you will use your strengths (which he or she might list) to persevere in your commitment, and whether you will struggle to overcome your weaknesses (which he or she might list) and turn to one another for help in that struggle.