Jonathan James Frantz

Who gives this woman to this man?

Good afternoon, everyone. [Please be seated.] On behalf of Miranda and Jacob, thank you all for being with us today- for making short or long trips to share this day and this life together.

You’ve all been invited to bear witness to the marriage of these two long-time partners. For some of us, the curious nature of marriage and what it means can only be imagined today. A book cannot prepare you for a lifetime bond by detailing exactly what to expect from it. Your parents cannot show you what your life will look like just by watching theirs. Your love is your own.

Marriage will allow you the opportunities to prove your love has grown over time and will continue to develop past what you thought you already knew. Many of you have someone to look to and confirm truths about what marriage entails. Those who are married can agree that your life together is not the same as another’s. Despite our differences from one relationship to the next- married or new romance- there is one universal truth about the love between two people: One person cannot accomplish this for both. Both persons must be like-minded with the understanding that they have to be able to accept love and return it unconditionally. For honest love to exist, it must be created. People must surrender themselves to the vulnerability of giving themselves to another and be open to receiving the love from that person.

Most couples here can concur that their partner allows them to be the truest reflection of themselves, validating that who you are as an individual is exactly what another person desires for their lifetime.

Jacob- You know today that Miranda is exactly what you desire for the rest of your life.

Miranda- You know today that Jacob is exactly what you desire for the rest of your life.

What we are celebrating today is not the beginning of a marriage, but a marriage already in progress. This ceremony today is in no way the creation of something that does not yet exist, but a celebration and a symbol of the life and the commitments these two will continue to provide one another- and the promises they have left to fulfill.

Jacob and Miranda have written their own vows to each other that they will now recite.

Jacob…

Miranda…

These two have decided to employ the use of a unity candle to convey the two separate families, lives, and respective friends. Before today, they were unconnected entities that belonged to Jacob and Miranda as individuals. Today, these lives and friends and families belong together.

(Lighting the unity candle.)

Will those who bear the rings please provide them to the bride and groom?

Miranda, repeat after me: With this hand I will lift your sorrows… Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine… With this candle, I will light your way into darkness… With this ring, I ask you to be mine.

Jacob, do you take this woman to be your wife?

Jacob, repeat after me: With this hand I will lift your sorrows… Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine… With this candle, I will light your way into darkness… With this ring, I ask you to be mine.

Miranda, do you take this man to be your husband?

By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.