MelodyAnne Parlet Flitton

Welcome Friends and Family, thank you for being here today to help celebrate the love of Stephanie & Gifford.

At this time we want to formally recognize the elements that encircle us all and ask that they may be in harmony as Stephanie and Gifford begin their marriage.

As we look to the East, we acknowledge the element of air and ask for the blessing of peace.

As we look to the South, we acknowledge the element of Fire and ask for the blessing of passion.

As we look to the West, we acknowledge the element of water and ask for the blessing of strength.

As we look to the North, we acknowledge the element of earth and ask for the blessing of growth.

Today you both have chosen to commit to one another and understand that this love is dynamic and everchanging, and what we celebrate today

is the eternal connection you will share from this day forward.

Gifford and Stephanie have chosen to share the tradition of handbinding, which recognizes the sacred vows that will bind them together. These vows should

not to be entered into lightheartedly as they signify the binding of your souls eternally.

You make these vows today with the understanding that you are committing to be partners, to be faithful, and to honor and respect each other, as you begin

this new chapter of life, together as one.

Knowing this, Gifford and Stephanie is it your intent to enter into this commitment with one another?

Then let us begin.

Handbinding Ceremony

Gifford and Stephanie, you will be making six vows in total to one another before me and these witnesses. For each, I will ask Gifford for his commitment first,

then Stephanie I will ask for yours. Once you have both affirmed, we will move to the next vow. You may affirm by stating, I will or I do. As we bless this commitment,

Stephanie I would ask that you hold the rings in your left hand symbolizing your support and Gifford place your left hand over the rings to symbolize your strength and protection.

Gifford, will you share in Stephanie’s pain, and seek to protect and ease her in difficult times?

Stephanie, will you share in Gifford’s pain, and seek to protect and ease him in difficult times?

Then let the binding be so.

Gifford, will you share in Stephanie’s joy, rejoice with her, and look for the best in her always?

Stephanie, will you share in Gifford’s joy, rejoice with him, and look for the best in him always?

Then let the binding be so.

Gifford, will you share in Stephanie’s hardships, so that the two of you may grow together?

Stephanie, will you share in Gifford’s hardships, so that the two of you may grow together?

Then let the binding be so.

Gifford, will you share in Stephanie’s dreams and work with her to help fulfill them?

Stephanie, will you share in Gifford’s dreams and work with him to help fulfill them?

Then let the binding be so.

Gifford, will you use your strengths to help carry Stephanie in her times of weakness?

Stephanie, will you use your strengths to help carry Gifford in his times of weakness?

Then let the binding be so.

Gifford, will you remain faithful and honor Stephanie, treating her as an equal in this bond?

Stephanie, will you remain faithful and honor Gifford, treating him as an equal in this bond?

Then let the binding be so.

Now that the binding ceremony is complete, it’s time to seal your bond with the exchange of rings. The ring is a symbol of completion - as the two of you are now complete.

Gifford please place the ring on Stephanie's hand and repeat after me:

Stephanie, I promise from this day forward to share your pain, joy, burdens, and your dreams.

I promise to be faithful, compassionate, and forever your best friend as our love is greater then life & death.

Stephanie please place the ring on Gifford's hand and repeat after me:

Gifford, I promise from this day forward to share your pain, joy, burdens, and your dreams.

I promise to be faithful, compassionate, and forever your best friend as our love is greater then life & death.

Now that your souls have been bound and blessed by the elements,

it is my pleasure that with the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Utah, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

You may now seal your bond with kiss.

Please help me to congratulate Mr. & Mrs. Parlet