Rachel Robinson

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Carrie Froman and Matthew Howard Toler in the spiritual union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

*(Vows)*

For those who may not know:

Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic custom, where a couple come together at the start of their marriage relationship and their hands, or more accurately, their wrists, were literally tied together.

This practice gave way to the expression "tying the knot" which has come to mean getting married.

Carrie and Matthew, do you come here voluntarily to enter this marriage ceremony? (Yes, we do)

Carrie and Matthew, would you please hold hands.

Carrie and Matthew, will you honour and respect one another? (We will)

The first cord is draped over the couples' hands.

Will you support and assist each other in times of pain and sorrow? (We will)

Second cord is draped over the couple's hands.

Will you be present in the difficult and challenging times so that you may grow strong in this union? (We will) Third cord is draped over the couples' hands.

Will you share each others laughter and joy, and look for the brightness and fun in life, and the positive in each other? (We will).

Fourth cord is draped over the couples' hands.

Is it your intention to bring peace and harmony into your every day ways of communicating? (We will)

Fifth cord is draped over the couples' hands.

And when you falter, will you have the courage and commitment to remember these promises and take a step back towards one another with an open heart? (We will).

Sixth cord is draped over the couples' hands.

Do you Carrie take this man Matthew to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Matthew take this woman Carrie to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Carrie and Matthew will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Ohio I now pronounce you wife and husband!