Thomas and Kimberley wedding ceremony

Presentation of Bride by father:

minister: Who presents this woman to be married to this man?
response: I do


A question directed towards parents:

Do you as the parents of ____ and _____wish to express
your approval and offer your blessings upon the vows
about to be spoken?
answer: Yes


Intro remarks by minister:

What greater joy for two persons than to feel that
they are joined together. To strengthen each other
in all labor; to rest on each other in all sorrow;
to help each other in all need; To share all joy;
To be one with each other.

Each of us has been invited here by _____and ______
to share in their joy and their promises. We are
invited to be involved in this marriage and encourage
this union.


Question of intent (contempory question):

_______, do you take_____ to be your husband/wife?
To laugh with him/her in joy; to cry with him/her in
sorrow; to grow with him/her in love; to cherish
what you have found in one another, now and throughout
youre lives?
Answer: I do


Vow:
_______, you are my best friend; and I love you. I vow to
cherish, respect, honor, support and trust you, through
all the experiences of our lives. I choose to share
my life with you; to stand as one; to love as one;
to be best friends are life as husband and wife.


exchange of rings:

Wearing these rings will tell you each time you look down
at your hand that you are never alone because the love
you have for one another goes with you everywhere you go;
a constant reminder that you share a bond of love;
a visible sign of your commitment to each other which
you want the whole world to recognize.

_____, accept this ring as a symbol of my love. I ask
you to wear this ring as my husband/wife.

Prayer:

May we always remember the joy we feel today.
As the beautiful dream that we've shared, now becomes real;
As we start out together a life made for two
Asking God's blessing and help as we do,
As the love in your hearts is revealed in our vow
May we always remember that joy we feel now
Knowing that being together, is a joy in itself,
To be treasured forever.


A blessing to conclude the ceremony:

God bless you and may the wings of angels uphold you
throughout your lives together. May you live forever
in happiness with one another. May your hearts be full;
may your lips stay sweet and may you love long and
happily in each others' arms.


reading to compliment ceremony:

Sonnet 116 William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.

Oh, no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks;
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

It this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor man ever love.