TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
THE INVOCATION:
Let us go into prayer now as we close our eyes, resting in the quietness and the goodness within.
Heavenly Father we give thanks for the miracle of life that you bestow upon us this glorious day. We give thanks as you weave the spirit of love throughout every heart, body and mind within this gathering. May the blending of our hearts prepare us to remember the truth of Oneness as we bear witness to the sacred ceremony of marriage. May the radiance of joy on this special day, overflow with peace and harmony throughout the rest of _________ & _________ life together as husband & wife. And may this peace & harmony continue to expand, bringing joy to their families and friends and to all others who enter their home and circle of life.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ... Amen
THE GREETING:
_________ and __________, we are gathered together this day in the sight of God to celebrate your union together as husband and wife. A wedding is a celebration of a man and a woman entering the Divine Mystery of Oneness as they sanctify their partnership through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is nothing less than the proclaimation of the depths of your love for one another in a reverent manner, as the Lord Jesus Christ had expressed his reverence and love for God.
Hence, marriage is one of the most precious occasions in life when we are presented with a profound opportunity to enter the timeless dimension of Love as it descends into the world of time. It emphasizes and reminds us that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond the day to day affairs of worldly life and that Love is the strongest bond, the greatest joy and the sweetest nourishment we can ever experience.
Optional: In First Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul further describes the nature & characteristics of love in this way ... "Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not envious, jealous or boastful. It is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on itís own ways. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrong and wrongdoing. But rejoices in right and truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. So faith, hope and love abide these 3. But the greatest of these is love."
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.
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: Today, _________, I join my life to yours as your beloved life partner, most intimate friend and confidant. I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years to come. With you I will walk the path of love and devotion forevermore!
Minister: _________, please repeat after me the following words ...
Bride: Today, _________, I join my life to yours as your beloved life partner, most intimate friend and confidant. I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years to come. With you I will walk the path of love and devotion forevermore!
THE BLESSING OF RINGS:
As God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere, so let the seamless circle of these rings become a symbol of 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 _________ís finger & repeat after me:
Groom: "With this ring, I thee wed ... I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my life to you. ëTill the end of time I will embrace you."
Minister: _________, please place this ring on _________ís finger & repeat after me:
Bride: "With this ring, I thee wed ... I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my life to you. ëTill the end of time I will embrace you."
THE PRONOUNCEMENT:
_________ & _________ you have been guided by the Lord to discover in one another an oasis of love. You have exchanged precious rings, proclaimed vows of love, devotion and faithfulness 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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