CONTEMPORARY CEREMONY
THE GREETING:
__________ & __________ , we are here today to celebrate the intertwining of your destinies together as husband and wife. Having been true to your hearts, you are now choosing to consecrate your togetherness on this very special day. With the gift of such union comes a great responsility ... the resposibility to treat one another with great respect and to revere this union as though it were a sanctuary within the world. For the love that arises out of such union, truly is a sanctuary and such a rare gift to be grateful for.
Even though you are already one in spirit, happiness in marriage is not something that simply maintains itself. A good marriage must be cultivated and cared for as though it were as tender as a rose garden. And above all else, it is not only a question of marrying the right partner ... it is about being willing to be the right partner.
The ceremony of marriage has been used throughout the ages for the specific purpose of initiating and transforming relationship into partnership. It is in this spirit, that you marry. Not just out of the attraction of a man and a woman living together as lovers or best friends, but for the higher purpose of fulfilling the destiny of your individual paths together ... as One.
THE EXCHANGE OF LEIS: (Optional)
In Hawaii we exchange leis as a symbol of embracing one another in love. The leis was originally created as a means of bringing healing herbs and flowers from the mountains to villages on the sea. Over the passage of time this ring of beautiful flowers has come to symbolize affection and respect between two people. In Hawaiian tradition, the head and shoulders of an individual are considered to be sacred. Therefore, the placing of a lei is an expression of great honor toward the one to whom the lei is given. You may now present your leis. It is also traditional to include a kiss upon both cheeks.
THE READING: ( Optional)
THE DECLARATION of Intent & Vows:
Minister: Before we come to the exchange of vows, I will ask each of you your intent.
Groom: _________, will you unconditionally accept this woman to be your wife? Will you devote your life to loving her, nourishing her and honoring her uniqueness? Will you nurture her in sickness and support her in health for as long as you both shall live? If so, please say "I do" or "I will".
Bride: _________, will you unconditionally accept this woman to be your wife? Will you devote your life to loving her, nourishing her and honoring her uniqueness? Will you nurture her in sickness and support her in health for as long as you both shall live? If so, please say "I do" or "I will".
Minister: _________, please repeat after me the following words ...
Groom: _________, from the depths of my heart, I give to you all that I am, and all that I am to become. I pledge to honor and respect you as you share your life with me. From this day forth, I will nurture you and love you unconditionally on our lifelong journey together.
Minister: _________, please repeat after me the following words ...
Bride: _________, from the depths of my heart, I give to you all that I am, and all that I am to become. I pledge to honor and respect you as you share your life with me. From this day forth, I will nurture you and love you unconditionally on our lifelong journey together.
THE BLESSING OF RINGS:
The unbroken circle of the wedding ring symbolizes eternity, the timeless dimension of unconditional love. May the presence of these rings continue to remind you of the eternal love and devotion you are to share with one another from this moment onwards. May the beauty and perfection of these rings remind you of the beauty of your togetherness and the perfection of this union you are sanctifying in this perfect moment.
THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS:
Minister: _________, please place this ring on _________'s finger and holding it there, repeat after me ...
Groom: With this ring I pledge to you my love and devotion from the depths of my heart. May this ring remind you of our oneness, now and always.
Minister: _________, please place this ring on _________'s finger and holding it there, repeat after me ...
Bride: With this ring I pledge to you my love and devotion from the depths of my heart. May this ring remind you of our oneness, now and always.
THE PRONOUNCEMENT:
_________ & _________, you have discovered in one another an oasis of love. You have exchanged precious rings and proclaimed vows of love and devotion and now have finally entered into the sacred covenant of marriage.
By the authority vested in me in the state of Hawaii, it gives me great joy to pronounce you husband and wife.
You may now kiss your Beautiful Bride.
For the very first time I would like to present_________ & _________ _____________, husband and wife.
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