Susan Beach Forrester

Welcome

Officiant: We are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Garrett and Emily. We stand here to honor and celebrate the love shared between these two people, as they come together to start their new life with a solemn vow, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Garrett and Emily are overjoyed that you are able to join us here today.

Address

Officiant: This ceremony celebrates the beginning of your marriage. It’s a journey of love, understanding, perseverance, and dedication to one another that lasts through time. As we stand here today to mark this occasion, we remember that what matters most is not the ceremony itself, but the love and companionship you will continue to share throughout your married life together.

Wedding Vows

OFFICIANT: You met by chance, but you're here today because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You've chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter.

You're about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You're going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in the other. There's a simple premise to each of these promises: you're vowing to be there. You're teaming up and saying to the other, "Every experience I am going to have, I want you to be a part of."

Officiant: Please face each other as you declare these vows to one another. Emily, you may start.

Emily’s Vows….

Officiant: ________, please now make your vows.

Garrett’s vows…

Declaration of Intent

Officiant: Do you, Garrett, take this woman to be your wedded wife?

Groom: I do

Officiant: Do you, Emily, take this man to be your wedded husband?

Bride: I do

Officiant: Let us now proceed.

Exchanging of Rings

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 tenderly hold your children.

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 you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Officiant: It is now time for you to exchange rings. Your rings symbolize the eternal commitment that you make to each other, and the never-ending circle of your love. May these rings always remind you of the commitment you are making here today.

Officiant: ________ and ________, please repeat after me. I, ________, give you, ________, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.

Pronouncement

Officiant: By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.

Officiant: It is with great honor and delight that I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sizemore