Jean Marie Carroll

Invocation:

Dear Loved Ones present here today and those we hold in our hearts,

We are gathered on this joyous evening to join Kelly and Ben in the spiritual union of marriage.

The marriage contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

Here are some thoughts for consideration:

Think of marriage as a verb not a noun.

Remember why you chose this person.

Consider the larger purpose of the life you are about to embark on together.

Ask yourselves:

What are your shared dreams, values, and beliefs?

What is unique and special about this person that you plan to share your life

with?

Remember: Every day is a new day to turn toward your partner choosing them with

intention and offering them a generous act of love.*

Personal remarks:

These reflections were based on my personal interactions with the couple (as their Aunt) and drawn from paragraphs that I asked each of them to send me about the other.

Declaration of Intent:

Do you Kelly take this man Benjamin to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Benjamin take this woman Kelly to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Exchange of Vows:

As a symbol of their love and commitment, Kelly and Ben will now exchange their vows and rings.

(They each made a personal statement/vow to the other.)

Exchange of Rings:

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look

upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have

promised to one another.

Ben, please place this ring on Kelly's finger and repeat after me:

Kelly, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share

my life's journey with you. I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today,

tomorrow, always and forever.

Kelly, please place this ring on Ben's finger and repeat after me:

Ben, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share

my life's journey with you. I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today,

tomorrow, always and forever.

Kelly and Ben, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin this new journey in your lives. Always remember that love, loyalty and friendship are the foundations of a happy home and an enduring marriage.

Pronouncement:

In closing, I would like to share an Irish Blessing:

May God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.**

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of New Jersey, I now pronounce you wife and husband!

(You may now kiss for the first time as wife and husband!)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my sincere pleasure to present for the first time as newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Sullivan!

*words from Jenni Skyler, Marriage & Family Therapist

** an Irish Marriage Blessing