Rachel Rhiannon Francis Faulkner

Welcome,

We are all gathered here for the same reason. Steve and Beth have chosen all of you, those special and important to them, to witness and celebrate the beginning of their new life together.

Who gives this woman to this man?

FOB: I Do

Everyone, please be seated.

Steve and Beth, if it is your intention to share with each other your laughter, your tears, your family, and all that the years will bring, then it is proper to acknowledge it in the presence of your family and friends assembled here today as you consider thoughtfully the seriousness of the commitment you are making by your promises to one another binding you together as husband and wife; remaining undivided for what life will bring you. Marriage is a bold step into an unknown future. It is risking who we are for the sake of who we can be. In Marriage, two lives are intimately shared; and the blending of the two must not diminish either one. rather, it should enhance the individuality of each partner. This is not only the joining of two people, but the joining of two families.

Love is born out of mutual acceptance. It is commitment and it is sacrifice. Love is neither a duty nor a burden. It is a gift. It is important to always remember to be kind; to take a moment to put your spouse's needs in front of your own. Compromises will always be needed and battles will always be fought, May you accomplish these with understanding, keeping in mind that a good marriage must be created. Support each other as individuals and as a couple. I encourage you to never go to bed angry. To have the capacity to forgive and forget - or at least to forgive and then not bring up again.

Steve and Beth, please face each other.

Steve,

Do you take Beth to be your wedded wife?

Do you promise to Love her freely, honestly, and without deceit? To comfort her, honor and respect her, keep her in sickness and health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

Steve: I Do!

Beth,

Do you take Steve to be your wedded husband?

Do you promise to Love her freely, honestly, and without deceit? To comfort her, honor and respect her, keep her in sickness and health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

Beth: I Do!

May the rings be brought forward please.

Now rings have been a traditional part of wedding ceremonies, representing an endless circle of love with no beginning and no end. These are your symbols of your commitment to one another. And may these rings always remind you of the vows you are taking today.

Steve place this ring on Beth's finger and repeat after me:

On this day, I give you my love,

my promise that I will walk with you hand and hand,

with compassion, understanding and encouragement

Through all our life and adventures,

Learning, laughing, growing, and living

together

for all our days.

Beth, place this ring on Steve's finger and repeat after me:

On this day, I give you my love,

my promise that I will walk with you hand and hand,

with compassion, understand and encouragement

Through all our life and adventures,

Learning, laughing, growing, and living

together

for all our days.

Sand Ceremony:

Before each of you is a container of sand. Steve, this sand represents you. All that you are and all that you will be. And Beth, this sand represents you, all that you are, and all that you will be. Today, your sand is combined into a final vessel. Once poured, these grains of sand can no longer be separated again into their individual containers. Just as these individual grains of sand can never be separated, nor will your marriage.

Steve, I’d like you to start. Begin by picking up your vessel. You’ll pour about a quarter of your sand. Beth, you’ll now pour a quarter of your sand. Continue taking turns until your individual container is empty.

With the exchange of these vows and rings I now have the please of saying by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Maryland, I now pronounce you happily ever after.......as husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride.