Today we celebrate the joining of __ and __ in the sacred bond of
marriage. I ask all who are gathered here, amidst this natural setting to offer peace
and loving kindness to this couple as they share a path marked with beauty and truth.
This ceremony is a symbol of their journey's beginning. May they be blessed with courage, compassion, and divine guidance..
Blessing
Minister to Bride and Groom:
"As we stand by the ocean, may your love
always be as constant and unchanging as these
never-ending waves that break beneath our
feet, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea.
Your love came softly upon each others hearts, just
as the foam breaks softly before us, and just
as there will never be a morning without the
ocean's flow, may there never be a day without
your love for each other. Pledge yourselves to
each other this day and promise to be as
faithful, unchanging and dependable as the tide.
As these Waters nourish the earth and sustain
life, may your constant love nourish and sustain each
other until the end of time."
Declaration
__, do you take __ as your husband, in happiness and with patience,
understanding and kindness, through times of darkness and through times of light? ( I do)
__, do you take __ as your wife, in happiness and with patience,
understanding and kindness, through times of darkness and through times of light? ( I do)
Ring Exchange
__, please take the ring and place it on __'s finger, and repeat
after me, "Accept this ring as a token of my vows. With it I give to you my Love, my Honor, and my Friendship."
__, please take the ring and place it on __'s finger, and repeat
after me, " Accept this ring as a token of my vows. With it I give to you my Love, my Honor, and my Friendship."
Closing
"Inasmuch as __ and __ have declared their love to each other
before the sky and the deep eternal sea, I now greet them as husband and wife.
May these two find happiness in their union. May they live faithfully together, executing the vows they have made between them; and may they ever remain compassionate and encouraging, that their years may be rich with the joys of life, and their days be long upon the Earth."
What God has joined together, let no one put asunder.
Reading
Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is
never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish,
not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs;
does not gloat over other men's sins, but delights in the
truth. There is nothing love can not face; there is no limit to
its faith, its hope, and its endurance.
I Hope You Dance
By Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers
Sung by: Leeann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger;
May you never take one single breath for granted;
God forbid, love ever leave you empty-handed.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens;
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance;
I hope you dance.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance,
Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking;
Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making.
Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to selling out, reconsider;
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
