Cornelius Michael Cotter

Greetings and welcome everyone on this awesome day

We are gathered here, each and every one of us to be a part of Melissa and Tommy’s Wedding.

I believe Ms. Cheryl Fagan has a short scripture she would like to read.

(After the scripture is read, a table with the items for the sand ceremony will be brought forward. While that’s being set up I will read the following.)

Sand Unity Ceremony

Today bride and groom have come here from two different families. Out of these two families a new family will be created.

(table should be in place at this time)

At this time I would like to invite Tommy Sims Sr and Mrs Sims, the parents of the Groom and Jodi and Kevin Arthur, the parents of the Bride, to come forward.

They each have a small amount of sand they will add to the vase. This represents the two separate families that Tommy and Melissa have come from.

 Now I would invite Tommy and Melissa to each take the vial of sand representing your families. This sand represents all you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. I ask you to simultaneously pour the sand into the unity vase symbolizing the uniting of each other in marriage..

As these two containers of sand have been poured into the bowl, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as the grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage, and new family, be forever one.

(at this time table is moved back to its original place behind the arch)

Vows

"You, Tommy, and you, Melissa, having come to me signifying your desire to be formally united in marriage, and being assured that no legal, moral, or religious barriers hinder this proper union, please join your hands and give heed to the questions now asked you.

"Tommy, in taking the woman whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded wife, do you promise to love and cherish her, to honor and sustain her, in sickness as in health, in poverty as in wealth, and to be true to her in all things until death alone shall part you?"

Please place the ring on the ring finger of Melissa‘s left hand

"Melissa, in taking the man whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded husband, do you promise to love and cherish him, to honor and sustain him, in sickness as in health, in poverty as in wealth, and to be true to him in all things until death alone shall part you?"

Please place the ring on the ring finger of Tommys left hand

The couple has chosen to honor their Irish heritage with a short

Handfasting Ceremony

(say the following while fastening hands)

Handfasting is an ancient Irish wedding tradition that has come to be interpreted literally, as the symbolic act of “tying the knot.”

“Blessing of the Hands”

I want you to look directly into each other’s eyes and reflect on these words……

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

You may now kiss your bride

(Pause for photos)

Unbind hands

Family and friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce for the first time anywhere

Mr and Mrs Tommy Sims