Alessa Leigh Roesch

Welcome family, friends, and loved ones. We are here today to celebrate the love that Mikayla and Zachary have for each other; to witness the commitment they will make to one another; to offer our love and support to their union and to allow them to start their married life together, surrounded by the people dearest to them.

I see you are wearing your amulets of Mara, so before we continue, the Groom challenges anyone who objects to this union to speak now or forever hold your peace........

*Groom can mean-mug the crowd for a laugh*

Today's ceremony, much like our couple, is special and unique and will include an ancient Handfasting ritual. Handfasting is a sacred ceremony of the eternal joining of two people in love. We will use a ribbon, beautifully crafted by the Bride, to fasten their hands together, symbolizing their commitment and intention by being bound to one another.

*MOH hands me the ribbon and Bride hands her bouquet to MOH*

Mikayla and Zachary will start by exchanging vows.

*Bride and Groom take each other's hands, however feels natural, during vow exchange*

Zachary, do you accept Mikayla as your wife, promising to stand by her in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to love her without reservation, honor and respect her, protect her from harm, comfort her in times of distress, and to grow with her in mind and spirit?

*I DO*

Mikayla, do you accept Zachary as your husband, promising to stand by him in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to love him without reservation, honor and respect him, protect him from harm, comfort him in times of distress, and to grow with him in mind and spirit?

*I DO*

We are now ready for the rings.

*Best Man hands Bride and Groom the rings*

These rings represent the vows and promises you've willingly exchanged. They reflect the commitment those words inspire and all your hopes and dreams for the future. You may exchange your rings, wearing them as a symbol of your love and commitment to one another.

*Bride and Groom place rings on each other's fingers*

Please join your hands, left hand to left hand and right hand to right hand, forming the symbol for infinity.

I will now bind this ribbon, as we all wish blessings upon the couple and their union made this day. Wrapping this ribbon around their hands means that the couple is no longer two separate entities, but joined as one, bound together in mutual love.

*(Wrap the ribbon)*

These are the hands of your best friend,

young and strong and full of love for you,

holding yours on your wedding day.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours,

as together you build your future and realize your dreams.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes,

tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it,

support and encouragement to pursue your dreams,

and comfort through difficult times.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when aged, will still be reaching for yours,

still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch,

today, tomorrow, and always.

Your hands have been bound and fasted, with this ribbon as proof of your commitment to each other. May your marriage be abundantly blessed from this day forward.

It is with great joy, in front of your family and closest friends, by the authority vested in me by the State of Ohio. I now pronounce you husband and wife!

Zachary, you may kiss your bride!