Jennifer Johnston Crow

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments and to cherish this ceremony that will unite Eden and Lacey in marriage.

Marriage is a promise between two people who love, trust, and honor one other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together. It’s a symbol of how far they have come together, and of the promises they will make to continue growing stronger as individuals and as partners – no matter what challenges they may face.

Declaration of Intent

Lacey and Eden, no words of mine, nor anyone else’s, can truly marry you. That is done only when you exchange your promises and commit yourselves to this marriage and to each other. So, I ask you, in front of this witnesses and your faithful attendant, Maggie:

Do you, Eden, take Lacey to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day as you walk together through life?

Do you, Lacey, take Eden to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day as you walk together through life?

Handfasting

Eden and Lacey, we joyfully join you today in a handfasting ritual to symbolize the merging of two individual paths into one, and the start of your journey together.

I now invite your mothers to drape their ribbons evenly across your clasped hands. These ribbons symbolize the two families from which you have come. Between them, I place another ribbon. This ribbon symbolizes the new family you are creating here today.

Handfasting is an age-old symbol of strength and love, of continued commitment and steady devotion. It signifies a desire to grow alongside one another, to face life as a team. It draws on your individual strengths while accepting each other's help and support. It embodies the belief that together you will meet challenges you could never meet alone.

I invite you now to share the vows you make to one another.

Now for the best part: tying the knot. Literally. Please grasp the ribbons hanging down with your free hands. As you gently pull your hands apart, also gently pull the ribbons to tighten the knot and hold it up for all to see.

Notice that the knot you have tied is an Infinity Knot, which symbolizes long-lasting commitment and love. May it ever be so for you.

PRONOUNCEMENT

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of Ohio and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married.

Congratulations! I invite you to seal your vows with a kiss.