We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Selene Ball and Craig Hauss in marriage.
Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.
(Brief pause with angry glare at audience)
Who is it that brings this woman to this man?
(Selene's father:
I do
, then steps back and the groom takes the bride's hand.)
A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments. But it also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians. I believe it is a true model of love and it is a model of love I hope you pursue in your marriage:
Love is never tired of waiting;
love is kind;
love has no envy;
love has no high opinion of itself,
love has no pride;
Love's ways are ever fair,
it takes no thought for itself;
it is not quickly made angry,
it takes no account of evil;
It takes no pleasure in wrongdoing,
but has joy in what is true;
Love has the power of undergoing all things,
having faith in all things,
hoping all things.
Selene and Craig have prepared their own vows, and would like to share them at this time..
Craig
Dearest Selene.
As I stand here before you, I still have to take a breath as I consider the events that brought us here to pledge our love before the people that matter the most to us. We've already shared so much, and it's hard to believe this is just the beginning. ---But it really is a beginning and we are starting down the path to the rest of our lives. We have a good start though; there is caring, love, attraction, respect and happiness. As we continue on through life I will always care for and about you and do what I can to ensure that you never feel alone or unloved. I will continue to respect you and your thoughts and ideas and learn from you when I can. And lastly, I promise you will always be the most beautiful woman I could ever know, and that I will always love you.
After today we will be joined together forever, and I wish for hope, success and adventures for both of us. I know that life is an ever-changing thing and there will be ups and downs and everything in-between, and I will always be there by your side through all of it sharing every second of it with you.
Selene
My love, typical vows just wouldn't fit here. and at the same time, there is so much that I wish I could promise you right now. Let me start by saying that every day you exist in my life, I am blessed. It is as if I am at last smiled upon. Long ago, I asked for you. I asked for you exactly. And from that moment until June, our paths almost crossed countless times. We said when we met that it was fated, and that it must have been the right moment.
I hope you know how happy I am that we are standing here together now. I love you deeply and passionately. I love you with admiration and respect. Your love for me feels like magic. I wanted to remind you that I have been keeping a list of things that make my heart beat faster, and though I have already shared them with you, these are the things on my list that were inspired by our love:
- The first kiss between lovers who waited for it and could wait no more.
- Star-gazing. and wishing.
- Foot massages, on Sunday afternoon.
- Skinny-dipping in the daytime.
- Compulsive laughter.
- Telling someone you love them and risking everything.
- Seeing the one you love after a long period of separation.
- Talking about children while lying in bed. wrapped in a shared cotton sheet.
- Being watched by my lover's sparkling eyes.
What else can I say? I would give you the world if it was mine to give. In the meantime, I am yours.
To the Groom:
Do you Craig take this woman Selene to be your lawfully wedded
wife? If so answer
Arrr
To the Bride:
Do you Selene take this man Craig to be your lawfully wedded
husband? If so answer
Arrr
Traditionally, the marking of the passage to title status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.
(have the groom and bride repeat the following parts, pausing as needed)
Groom: Selene, 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. With this ring, I thee wed.
Bride: Craig, 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. With this ring, I thee wed.
In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Craig, you may kiss your bride!
pause for the kiss....
It is my privilege to present to you, Mr and Mrs Craig Hauss!