Roch S. Jones

Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, Justin and Gemma, as you embark on this journey together, you will be able to nurture a love that makes each of you better versions of yourselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth.

Justin and Gemma, learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don’t get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love, a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.

The joy you’ll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you’ll encounter on this earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure.

Consecration:

Under the eyes of God, I solemnly consecrate these matrimonial proceedings and the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.

Marriage is an ancient rite. As you enter into this union, you are choosing to take part in a historical human establishment and are pledging your commitment God here today to enter into the tradition with honor.

Exchange of Vows:

Justin and Gemma, the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love in your own words. I would at this time invite you to declare these vows:

Justin, you may begin.

Gemma, you may now make your promise.

Declaration of Intent:

Justin and Gemma please face one another and join hands. Under the eyes of God, Justin, do you take Gemma to be your lawfully wedded Wife? By making this commitment, you are joining in the sacred covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor her in love, to be sensitive to needs, to comfort her in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in her, so long as you both shall live?

Justin: I do.

Under the eyes of God, Gemma, do you take Justin to be your lawfully wedded Husband? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage. Do you promise to honor him in love, to be sensitive to his needs, to comfort him in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in him, so long as you both shall live?

Gemma: I do.

Exchange of Rings:

To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day.

Will each of you please repeat after me as you place this ring on your loved ones hand?

I, Justin, give you Gemma this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

I, Gemma, give you Justin this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

Pronouncement:

By the power vested in me, by the state of Hawaii, I pronounce you, Justin and Gemma as Husband and Wife, lawfully wedded before God.

Kiss:

Justin, you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union.