John Joseph Albano

PROCESSION

• CEREMONY BEGINS.

INVOCATION

JOHN:

Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here to celebrate the union of Sarah Mandanas and Jonathon Sparling. Each of us has had a role in helping them along the path that has led to this joyful occasion. Whether as a family member or friend our influence has touched their individual journeys, and we celebrate with them as they now join their lives together, forever.

I ask you to pledge your continued love and support as Sarah and Jon enter this new adventure. Let us—together—nurture, advise and console them, celebrating each achievement and standing with as they navigate their combined journeys

JOHN TO COUPLE:

Sarah and Jon, we welcome you to this moment in your lives and to the place you have earned in each other’s hearts. We join with you on this day, as you commit before everyone present that from this point forward you shall live as one.

MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE (IF YOU WANT THIS)

JOHN:

Let us take a moment to remember those who can’t be with us today, either because of distance or because they have gone before us. In particular, we lift up [Name any family members or others whom the couple chooses to memorialize.]

Though they may not be physically present here, today, they remain with us in spirit—for they are linked forever with our lives and our shared memories.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

JOHN:

Sarah and Jon do you now commit to forging a life together—to the difficult yet endlessly rewarding adventure of your intersecting lives?

SARAH AND JON:

(Together) We do!

OFFICIANT'S WORDS ON FAMILY & MARRIAGE (IF THIS IS TOO WORDY, WE CAN SHORTEN IT OR GET RID OF IT)

JOHN TO COUPLE:

When you were little, your families were your whole world. Everyone you knew and loved, everything you experienced, was part of a cozy circle centered around your home.

Then you went to school, and your universe widened to include other children and adults. They learned and played with you; instructed and counseled you; helped you find the tools that would allow you to find your own way in a world of growing complexity. As your activities and interests expanded, so did the circle of those who would continue to influence and protect you. What began as your parents’ role was now the collective duty of your burgeoning community.

You went to college, grew more independent and were further from home. You developed another group of friends. Eventually, you found each other! Today we marvel at the loving connection you two have made.

As you move together through the world, please remember the journeys that led you to become the unique individuals that you are, and that eventually lead you to eachother.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS AND VOWS

JOHN:

Sarah and Jon have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of their commitment.

JOHN TO COUPLE:

Let these perfect circles symbolize the path you set upon together.

May you wear them always as a reminder of the unbreakable bond you share

JOHN TO SARAH:

Sarah, please place Jon’s ring on his finger and make your vow to him.

• SARAH PLACES THE RING AND RECITES HER VOWS

JOHN TO JON:

Jon, please place Sarah’s rings on her finger and make your vow to her

• JON PLACES THE RING AND RECITES HIS VOWS

DECLARATION OF INTENT TO MARRY (THE 'I DO'S) (THIS MAY BE REDUNDANT BASED ON WHAT YOU SAY IN YOUR VOWS, WE CAN KEEP IT OR REMOVE IT)

JOHN TO SARAH

Do you Sarah take Jon to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

SARAH TO JON:

"I do."

JOHN TO JON:

"Do you Jon take Sarah to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

JON TO SARAH:

"I do."

PRONOUNCEMENT

JOHN TO THE COUPLE:

By the power vested in me by the State of New York and American Marriage Ministries, and through the witness of all here present, I now YOU HUSBAND AND WIFE

You may share your first kiss as husband and wife.

• THE COUPLE KISS.

RECESSION/ RECESSIONAL

JOHN TO THE GUESTS:

It is my pleasure to present, for the very first time as a married couple, Sarah and Jon Sparling! (THIS IS ASSUMING YOU ARE TAKING ONE OF YOUR LAST NAMES IT, OF COURSE CAN BE CHANGED TO WHAT YOU WANT)

• APPLAUSE FOLLOWED BY THE RECESSIONAL; THE COUPLE MAKE THEIR EXIT DOWN THE AISLE.

• CEREMONY ENDS.