Our Handcrafted Ceremony ~ September 24, 2005 

Intro

On this special occasion, Jeff and Julena have called upon friends and family to share in their joy and happiness as they are united in marriage. We are thankful for the beauty of this place, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful, for our friends in all parts of the earth. (adapted from Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Wedding Prayer)

Reading

I have an excerpt from an essay entitled Marriage Joins Two People in the Circle of it’s Love, by Edmund O’Neill that I would like to share with you.

Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.

Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.

When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.

Jeff and Julena would like to take this opportunity to express how fortunate they feel to have grown up with parents who are perfect examples of how to create a lasting and loving marriage. Each of their parents were high school sweethearts and their marriages are still growing stronger today.

(we’ll hug our parents-who are seated behind us- & give flowers/corsages to them)

Prior to Vows

Jeff and Julena, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love, please join your hands and remember that:

“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 you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.” (adapted from “Blessing of the Hands”)

Vows

Jeff, are you ready to enter into this marriage, and to be to Julena loving, faithful and supportive always?

Jeff:  I am

Julena, are you ready to enter into this marriage, and to be to Jeff loving, faithful and supportive always?

Julena: I am

By these answers, your love for one another is affirmed. You may now express your personal vows to each another.

(we will read these from a card)

I give you my promise that from this day forward, you will never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, my arms will be your home. We will walk together through life as partners and best friends. I promise that I will always do my best to love and accept you exactly the way you are. I give you all my love, trust and devotion. I give you my heart, the greatest gift I can give. (Borrowed from our friends Lisa & Matthew McGee who borrowed them from a book)

Rings

These rings are a symbol of an unbroken circle of love. Like circles, love freely given has no beginning and no end. They are tokens of the growing relationship you have come here to celebrate and confirm. Wear them proudly for they are reminders which speak of the love that you have for one another, and of the vows you have taken here today.

Jeff, place this ring on Julena’s finger, and repeat after me:

(Jeff): Julena, I give you this ring as a symbol of our love, /and of the promises I have spoken to you today.

Julena, place this ring on Jeff’s finger and repeat after me:

(Julena): Jeff, I give you this ring as a symbol of our love, /and of the promises I have spoken to you today.

End

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May your days be good and long upon the earth. (Adapted from Apache blessing)

By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your promises with a kiss.