Charlton Winston

*(Parent’s Blessing)*

Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and downs, its trials and triumphs. With full understanding of this, Gabriella and Eric have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.

Who gives this woman in marriage?

*(Opening Remarks)*

I would like to welcome family, friends, and most importantly, the couple here today. Each and every one of us is honored to be here celebrating this joyous occasion, witnessing one of the most important days in their lives together. As Gabriella and Eric take their relationship to the next level, this will be the day they are sealing their bond in word and action, witnessed by those they hold most dear.

Without context, marriage is just a word. It is the love that you have for each other that gives the word its power. It is the promise that you are about to make to each other that give marriage its significance. It is the unity of your bond that stands as a testament to the word, affirming that you, Gabriella and Eric, share the deepest and most sacred love.

*(Mother’s Blessing)*

We know that a wedding is more than the joining of two people; it is a joining of two families and, therefore, a celebration of that union. As a thank you for their unconditional love, unyielding strength, and selfless sacrifices, Gabriella and Eric would like to present their mothers with flowers; without you, they know they would not be who they are today.

*(Words on Marriage)*

Marriage is not something entered into lightly, since it requires that each person be willing to support the other in both good times and in bad. It requires that each person, at times, put their needs second to their partner's. But, in return, marriage provides a level of joy that one person, by themselves, cannot reach; and, a type of love that only two people can create together.

*(Vows)*

Gabriella,

Do you give yourself to Eric in marriage?

Do you promise to encourage him, inspire him, laugh with him, and comfort him in times of sorrow and struggle? *(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you promise to love him in good times and bad; when life seems easy and when it seems hard; when love is simple and when it is complicated? *(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you promise to cherish him, be faithful to him, and always hold him in highest regard?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Eric,

Do you give yourself to Gabriella in marriage?

Do you promise to encourage her, inspire her, laugh with her, and comfort her in times of sorrow and struggle?

Do you promise to love her in good times and bad; when life seems easy and when it seems hard; when love is simple and when it is complicated?

Do you promise to cherish her, be faithful to her, and always hold her in highest regard?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

*(Ring Exchange)*

Through marriage, two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is difficult to express in words the profound relationship that is love. The marriage ring is a physical manifestation of the promises joining both the bride and groom together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart - the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment. These rings are visible symbols of your bond.

As you, Gabriella, place this ring on Eric's finger, please repeat after me: Eric, with this ring, I thee wed. Wear it as a pledge of my love and as a symbol of all we share.

As you, Eric, place this ring on Gabriella's finger, please repeat after me: Gabriella, with this ring, I thee wed. Wear it as a pledge of my love and as a symbol of all we share.

*(Handfasting)*

And now, Gabriella and Eric have asked us to join them in a handfasting to symbolize the joining of two individual paths merging into one, and the start of a journey they will continue on together

Handfasting is an old tradition. With each wrap of the cord, you deepen your commitment to each other, vowing to respect and support one another, to grow with each other, to offer each other compassion and understanding, and to take each new challenge and adventure as it comes, together. Let this bond be strong and loving!

*(Pronouncement and Kiss)*

By the authority vested in me by the State of Florida, and... The Internet Guys, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

You may kiss your bride

*(Introduction)*

I am honored to present, for the very first time, Eric and Gabriella Barfield!