Beach weddings look beautiful but with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather make sure you have a plan B! You will need to seriously consider your alternative plan not only if it is very cold, wet and windy but also in the extreme heat. Be mindful that your guests will have arrived a lot earlier than the bridal party so try to arrive on time and you may need to have some shelter and refreshments available!
Nayani and Dinesh were married with their feet in the sand on a glorious February day at West Beach Bathers Pavilion in St Kilda.
….”It was always Nayani and Dinesh’ dream to be married near the beach in summer, with their family and special friends here to help celebrate with them.”
In the bridal party there were three groomsmen, three bridesmaids and a flower girl and pageboy in glorious peach and white shades.
…Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.
Today is a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought you here. And a time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come…
In Nayani’s words: “Dinesh is cute, kind and caring. We first met at the Diwali Cultural festival through our common friend Raj who is the best man here today! It all started after we both bumped into each other again at Southland Shopping centre. A magical love at first site moment, the chemistry was there from the start and we exchanged numbers. We think alike and are always on the same page and wave length. We have this weird connection which we can’t explain and we truly believe that fate plays a big part in our relationship.
“We are getting married because we always wanted to do everything right and make sure it was done perfectly. Once we tie the knot we want to start our own family and have a name for ourselves as a real family and have lots of children!
In Dinesh’ words: “Nayani is also cute, nice and giving, and both our goals for happy marriage is to not change what we have going right now, except maybe listen and communicate better!
We realised straight away that we were meant to be. We had the same beliefs and traditions and we just clicked and had heaps of the same interests. We were from the same country and Town, culture, religion and Language so our relationship developed easily and comfortably.”
The Vows
(Celebrant) You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter.
Vows:
“to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
…. Giving you this ring means that I give myself to you, it is a symbol of the love that I pledge.
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Need a celebrant? Contact me any time for an obligation free meeting.
Joshua and Queenie just wanted a small ceremony with their close family and friends. We met at one of the gates at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and walked to the lovely secluded area they chose to have the ceremony. Queenie wore a short pink lace frock and Joshua looked smart and comfortable in his pale blue suit. It was a lovely intimate and relaxed ceremony.
….from their vows:
I promise to love you
offering my friendship and trust in you,
promising to be faithful and understanding
as long as we both shall live.
Please accept this ring
and wear it as a symbol of my love
and of the love we will share together.
I offer a discount on small ceremonies
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Gus sponsored Peggy who was born in Hong Kong to obtain a spouse visa to get married in Australia. He hired a migration lawyer to deal with the complicated application, who recommended me to assist with the process. I met with them both when Peggy was in Australia to sign the legal paperwork and to discuss their plans to marry.
They eventually, after the usual 9 to 12 month wait, had a lovely intimate ceremony in my backyard on a beautiful sunny autumn morning last year. Unfortunately the night before I had stumbled at the local shopping strip in Westgarth and had a very painful and swollen left foot. However the show must go on and I strapped it up, iced it and rested as much as I could before the ceremony. I had a sneaking suspicion I had a fracture, but first Gus and Peggy needed me to perform their marriage ceremony, my foot would have to wait!
That afternoon I spent a few hours in the emergency department getting a moon boot and crutches fitted for my broken foot. It was a difficult busy wedding season but all my brides and grooms were very understanding and my husband drove me everywhere!
I have been in touch with Gus and Peggy they are still waiting for a permanent visa in his words:
“Hi Anna hope you’re well, Yes you can definitely publish our story, we’re still in the process of getting a permanent visa. The process is pathetic to be honest and ridiculously expensive. Its been about a year and a half since we applied and our agent says we’re still a long way away from getting an answer. Thank you again for your great service.”
For next week’s story we go to The Melbourne Botanical gardens for Joshua and Queenie’s wedding.
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Northcote, Victoria
Daniel waited a long time to marry Bernadeth. His bride-to-be lived in The Philippines and Daniel was sponsoring her to obtain a prospective spouse visa. He came to see me and to support his application we filled out the paperwork and I wrote a letter to the Department of Immigration stating that he had hired me to be his celebrant to perform their marriage ceremony. We set a tentative date and then had to wait for the visa to be granted before they could get married. Many months later the approval was finally granted and the marriage took place in April this year at beautiful Queens Park in Moonee Ponds. It was a crisp autumn evening but the ceremony was held outside with the beautiful backdrop of the lake. Bernadeth’s sister travelled from The Phillippines to be one of the bridesmaids…………
(Daniel’s vows)
….It’s taken us 2 years and almost 6,000 kilometres to get here, But our journey is definitely not over yet. Today, I commit to spending the rest of my life on that journey with you I promise to love you and care for you, I promise to make you smile and laugh and I promise to always provide for you and look after you – Regardless if you’re being makulit or mabait. I’ll keep trying to learn Tagolog – but I’m not promising I’ll succeed with that one… From this day, to the end of my days I will love you and only you Mahal kita walang iba
(Bernadeth) When I met you, I had no idea how much my life was about to be changed, but then, how could I have known? A love like ours happens once in a lifetime. You were a godsend to me, the one who was everything I had ever hoped for, the one I thought only existed in my imagination.
When you came into my life, I realized that what I had always thought was happiness couldn’t compare to the joy loving you brought me. You are a part of everything I think, I do and I feel, and with you by my side I believe that anything is possible, because of you, I laugh, I smile and I dare to dream again…….
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0407 300 970
I have helped many couple with their prospective spouse visa application, don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like me to be your celebrant and good luck with your application! Many couples wait a long time and it is a very rewarding experience to be able to help them.
It was a slow beginning to the relationship between Bruna and Alby it took months of text messages and the odd chance encounter on the train before Alby decided to give his mobile number to Bruna. Then one night in October at a soccer presentation night, Alby discovered the feeling of butterflies in his belly when Bruna went over to say hello. A quick good bye was exchanged at the end of the night with the hope that more would come. Around comes November and Alby invites himself to watch Bruna play indoor soccer; he felt like a young teenage boy full of excitement to see this girl. Finally Alby got the courage to ask Bruna out and they went on a first date on the 26th of November.
On this date there was no shortage of conversation, both were fighting to get their say, Bruna winning that battle of course. It was a great night; both enjoying each other’s company.
A second date followed on the Saturday where they decided a movie would be nice… which ended up with poor Alby discovered that bringing Bruna to an action movie wasn’t such a great idea. As it so happens Bruna is very jumpy during the action bits and has such a thing that with every jump she flings her arms in fright…well let’s just say that Alby went home that night with some nice bruising on his arm.
From then on Alby and Bruna were inseparable, with a deep understanding of each to the point where they would finish off their sentences or would answer each other’s questions before it was even asked. It is like they have known each other for years.
Now fast forward ……… nestled in a cute little restaurant under the Spanish steps in Rome, Alby asks Bruna to marry him and with a little delay she said yes…
I asked Bruna and Alby to finish this sentence – if love is… then marriage is?
If love is like making a cake…Then marriage is like enjoying what you have created together…….
The following are a few lines from the beautiful vows Bruna and Alby wrote themselves:
(Alby)
…….It amazes me how I feel so at ease and comfortable with you. Never before have I opened up my most inner thoughts and desires to anyone as I have to you. I have always had this inner me but not willing to share it with anyone before. ……….
Bruna, my Bella, I promise you today to give you all my love now and forever, as your husband till the day my eyes close for the last time.
(Bruna)
………I love you for the way you make my heart beat a few extra beats when you hold me tight and for how you look into my eyes and allow all my worries to just fade away and you let me just simply breathe………..I love you for how you love my son like his yours and for how you are willing to make us your family. I love you for being you…a warm gentle soul, that has lots of time for others, that has compassion, courage, strength, intelligence, wits and a great passion for life…………..
Vows to include Bruna’s son Wayde)
Marriage is also an affirmation of the family union which includes Wayde and the responsibilities, joys, sharing, love and strength that this family holds for them. Alby and Bruna know that by loving one another they will give Wayde the greatest gift of all, that of giving and receiving love. Their shared love and friendship will bring great joy to themselves and to all those who know them.
Vows to Wayde
Alby: Today as I become your husband, we will also become a family. I promise to be faithful to you and I will be there for you and Wayde always. No matter what circumstances life brings our way, we will face them together as a family. I commit myself to both of you from this day forward and forevermore……
If you would like to hire me as a celebrant you can email tocelebrations@bigpond.com or visit my website for further information. www.annarichards.com.au
0407 300 970
Kirk and Tess were married at Ballara in Eltham on a beautiful sunny spring day. They had a large bridal party and it was very special with the rotunda in front of the lake. They chose classical music by Bach, Pachelbel and Vivaldi for the entrance of the bridesmaids, bride and the signing. At the end of the ceremony I suggested something upbeat so they chose “Happy” by Pharrel Williams.
After the introduction we went straight into the story of how they met, I loved their story, I think it was another case of love at first sight!
Story
It was a chance occurrence that saw Tess and Kirk meet. After they had exchanged some small talk, they made a spur of the moment decision to give each other their numbers and meet again.
It was when they next met that the seed sprouted, and it did so very quickly. The chemistry was there immediately. On their first date they talked and talked. It wasn’t until they realised that work was only a few hours away that they called it a night. They had talked a lot, well over 5 hours! They both felt like they had known each other for years, and were completely at ease in each other’s company. It was this natural sense of being, the comfort and warmth they felt together that brings them here today.
Not long after that first meeting Kirk had to go to Spain for 3 months for work. They had grown very close in a short time, to the point Kirk didn’t want to leave without her. Tess couldn’t wait the whole 3 months for him to come home either. So he offered to pay for Tess to fly to Spain and spend a few weeks with him. Flying around the world to meet after such a short time requires a leap of faith. For those who know Tess well, they would probably say they were surprised as she would normally run from her own shadow. She was very nervous about travelling on her own to meet him. The trust in each other however, made this an easy decision.
It was a great experience for Tess and they had an amazing few weeks together, even squeezing in a weekend in Paris. To this day their trip along the Champs Elysees to visit the Palace of Versailles remains a treasured memory. However Tess had to return home before Kirk did, but there was much time chatting on the phone and their relationship thrived.
Kirk has widened Tess’s horizons and likes to encourage her to try new things even if she is unwilling at first, like getting her to eat 6 snails. They travelled to Europe together again for 2 months last year in August to October. Kirk has taken Tess to experience many beautiful places and buildings as he loves the history and architecture. She admits that she has experienced a lot of things that she would never have tried before thanks to Kirk.
Kirk loves the way Tess is so close to her family, and he admires her loyalty and caring nature. ………. Kirk encourages Tess in all things she does and supports her especially in her work. In Tess’s words “He believes in me and loves me for who I am and doesn’t try and change me. …….. He makes me laugh, and tells good jokes.”
Together they love going to the movies, out for dinners, concerts, weekends away, snow trips, road trips and of course overseas trips. I mustn’t forget to mention that they also love their little dogs Gizmo and Lola. They even travelled to Hahndorf in South Australia to collect Lola as a pup!
Vows;
…….Day by day I promise to love you and to honour you
To treasure you and respect you
To walk with you side by side, and joy and sorrow
Day by day I promise as your husband
To hold you in my arms, to grow with you in truth
To laugh with you, to cry with you, to be with you and to love you
With all that I am and all that I shall become
This I promise you from the depth of my heart, my soul, for all our life together.
……. If everyone can please be upstanding it is my great pleasure to present before you the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson!
I just received an email from them and they are the proud parents of a 5 month old daughter. Congratulations!
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04
Today’s story is another local one held at Pizza E vino in High Street Northcote. It had a personal meaning as the restaurant belongs to Lou’s cousin Enzo.
It was a lovely intimate space and a beautiful day in March this year. Lou and Janette spend a lot of time in Melbourne even though they now live in Lake Bolac and they wanted a celebrant who was also local to Northcote. Lou and Janette are a fun couple who are very passionate about everything they do. We had a lot of fun planning their ceremony and it was a pleasure to create a personal story as l had a lot of input from them.
The following are some excerpts:
We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. Always remember, “Relationships are something that must be worked on all the time, not only when they are broken and need to be fixed. Never stop doing the things that brought together in the first place.”
……..From the moment they met they had an instant connection. This couple works well together because they have a similar sense of humour and are willing to weather the challenges of life together.
Janette is the logical sensible one in the relationship and Lou is the loyal determined one! They work well as a team and complement each other nicely.
Personal story
Lou and Janette just love being together, chatting for hours and sitting on their back veranda overlooking Lake Bolac and enjoying the view together. If fact that is their goal for a happy marriage relaxing in each other’s company and enjoying that view from their back veranda!
The fact that they can communicate about anything is the bedrock behind everything in their relationship.
They both love antique and second hand shops, going on long drives together and just spending time together, comfortable. They laugh a lot together and were “meant to be” like “two peas in a pod”, and they are happy being “two perfectly imperfect people”.
I asked them when they knew they were in love: at first they said we are still questioning that!,, upon reflection they said they don’t question it they just enjoy being together in a very comfortable relationship.
Their role models for a happy marriage are Lou’s parents who have been married for 60 years. His Mum says she loves his father more today than the day she married him.
In Janette’s words:
Lou and I met in outback Australia in Kununurra 2 years ago. Lou tricked me into thinking he was a perfect gentleman. It was a challenge but Lou knew we were meant to be!
We were both fighting for humanitarian rights for the aboriginal people. We are both passionate about aboriginal affairs.
Lou is very loyal, has a high regard for honour, extremely passionate about life, highly protective of those he loves.
Communication gets us through adversary rock solid.
We are getting married because we want people to understand we belong as a couple.
In Lou’s words:
Janette is intelligent, very protective of her children, smart about everything she does.
She is just a logical person who thinks before she acts. Janette sees the good in everything before the bad.
She believes that if you haven’t got anything good to say about someone say nothing at all!
We are strong believers in equal opportunity for everyone. That was our connection and Janette is a very attractive lady!
Why didn’t she run away when she met me? “The heart wants what the heart wants”
Declaration of marriage
………..You have invited us to share in the celebration of your love, a very special love that culminates in your union as husband and wife.
Every experience you ever had, everything you have ever done, everything you have ever learned, has brought you to this moment.
New experiences lie before you with opportunities to grow more deeply in love with each other.
As you walk hand in hand into the future, cherish each moment as a gift to strengthen the bond between you.
May your home bring joy to your family and friends! Let the celebrations begin!
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Gabriele and I have been friends for many years, we met at choir and enjoyed being choir buddies for many years. We were also both nurses so had another common interest. We shared a room when our choir travelled to Perth many years ago and got to know each other very well.
I had heard a lot about Gerrit her new man and I was very excited when Gabriele told me they were engaged and thrilled when she asked me to officiate at the ceremony. She and Gerrit had firm ideas of the run of the events for the day and it was all organized very quickly.
They wanted a prewinter date so they were married on 27th May this year. We all met at their house beforehand for drinks and nibbles. We then “processed” the short walk to the hotel where the ceremony and reception were held. The neighbours all came out to cheer us on and it was a lot of fun!
Ceremony excerpts:
……When planning the ceremony with Gabriele and Gerrit it became quite apparent that they did not want anything too formal or too traditional and they wanted as much involvement from their friends and family as possible, which I think is testament to the way they live their lives in general, with many of us being privy to their hospitality, warmth and generosity over the years.
Personal story
I asked Gerrit and Gabriele to tell me a little about their relationship and what making a commitment means to them. In fact, I gave them a whole list of questions: Gabriele promptly answered them in her quick decisive manner. I must say Gerrit did agree with her answers!
…..One thing came through loud and clear: three values are very important to them and they are: honesty, respect and trust…..the qualities they most treasure about each other are their love, openness and directness.
Their goals for a happy marriage include the ability to maintain their own identity, also trust, honesty, communication and fun and laughter. And for their children they believe their marriage will provide a safe and secure space from which they will venture forth and fulfil their dreams.
In Gabriele’s words:
Gerrit is passionate and enthusiastic in his endeavours. he is sensitive, always cries at movies and is very loving. He is happy to try new things and is adventurous. He likes my cooking. He is open to saying yes. Life will never be boring with him.
Memorable times.
Our first date was on a rainy night at the Radisson, when I was late for choir rehearsal afterwards. I noticed his good table manners and passion for skiing. Gerrit was very nervous, and continued to be nervous for our next few dates. We went 5 Rhythms dancing on a few choir free Tuesday nights (child free evenings), which were a fun physical release and a way of getting to know each other.
At our first date, Gerrit reignited my skiing passion. A few practice sessions at Ski City set me up for a few weekends in Mt Buller where Gerrit worked winters. I remember how excited Gerrit was that I could ski! The kids tried and enjoyed skiing too……….
Appreciation of music is a strong bond. Both of us love our Tuesday nights. I’m at choir (RMP) and Gerrit rehearses with his band. We try to get out and hear some live music, whenever we can.
Gerrit is dedicated and devoted to Gabriele. He dutifully sent me the answers to my list of questions about Gabriele and their relationship. On their first date he also remembered it was raining and the big hug he got……………He loved their lunchtime dates and meeting and spending time with Gabriele’s children. He also enjoys their times skiing and dancing….
Their three children all participated in the ceremony: Gerrit’s son Grant was the ring bearer and Gabriele’s two daughters, Erica and Sophia did readings. They all took part in the unity candle ceremony.
Poem for a Mother’s wedding Robyn O’Connell read by Erica
Who would have thought, that there would come a time
When I would be standing at your wedding, rather than you being at mine?
That day will come, as sure as can be
But for now, it’s my turn and look what I see
A mum that has been there, through thick and through thin
And now here you stand, your face in a grin
The wish that I bring for my mother right now
Is health and happiness, as you take your wedding vow
So, to you dear Mum, what more can I say?
Than to love the dear friend you have beside you today
I hope you both are as happy, as you can ever can be
Knowing much love comes from your daughter – that’s me!
Once upon a time you two met You’ve shared much love and laughter May your marriage be a fairy tale Happy ever after
I’m glad I’m in the fairy tale And you are too I guess Congratulations, King and Queen From your fairy tale Princess.
………
Reading: What is a family Author unknown read by Sophia
A family is…
The sweetest feelings the warmest hugs, trust and togetherness
Unconditional love,the stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made, treasured photos
Thankful tears, hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another, supporting and caring
Understanding, helping, sharing,
Walking life’s path together and making the journey more beautiful because…
We are a family, and a family is love.
Candle ceremony
Our family
(Gerrit) Beginning our new life together does not mean that we will forget the lives we leave behind
It was that past that brought us here, without it we would not have our children
And all the happy memories of their growing into the young people that we are so very proud of…
(Gabriele) As we light these candles we extend the love w”e share for each other to encompass Grant, Sophia and Erica
And ask them to light a candle and place it in this circle as a symbol of the joining of our families.
We all had a fun night with lots of dancing and good food. I wish you a wonderful future together!
When Sarah and Jackson came to see me they had definite plans in their mind of what kind of ceremony they wanted. I was thrilled that they placed so much importance on the ceremony and they had obviously given it a lot of thought. They wanted something a bit quirky and upbeat. Sarah even told me about a website which had inspired her. Sarah was born in America, Jackson was born in Australia and they both have Irish ancestors so they wanted their Irish heritage incorporated into the ceremony as well. We spent a lot of time planning the ceremony and I really enjoyed the challenge. I realised that most of the weddings I had conducted were a more traditional style so it made me think outside the box.
They were married at Chateau Wyuna on a beautiful summer’s day. The ceremony was held near the rock pool on the stunning property and they had a large bridal party. They preferred their guests to enjoy the ceremony without being distracted by taking photos and asked me to announce this at the beginning of the ceremony. They also wanted the inclusion of the unity vase/ritual to unite the families and cultures. Sarah and Jackson and their parents all placed items of significance into the vase as the symbol of the joining of the families.
The ceremony started with the introduction of all of the wedding party.
…….It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the beautiful Chateau Wyuna: standing with me here is the stunning bride Sarah, accompanied by her beautiful bridesmaids Rachel, Elizabeth, Sonya and Stephanie; and the handsome groom Jackson, his dashing groomsmen Mat and Jeremy and the gorgeous grooms woman, Aimee. And at the bottom of the stairs we have Gemma and Tate the ring bearer.
.
First of all I would like to acknowledge that this occasion is being held on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people, and pay my respect to their elders both past and present.
Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.
You don’t have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right? You’re standing on a stage, looking fancy, holding flowers, and being stared at by pretty much everyone who has meant anything to you in the past twenty something years. So why do we do it? The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society. We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others. Why this moment?
Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share. It’s the great unifier – our one universal truth. That no matter who we are, where we’ve come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we’re doing right. That’s why you both are standing here…………
And even though this experience is so incredible, words fail us when we try and explain it. That’s just the way it is with love – it’s meant to be felt, not described. But trying to describe love is one of our favourite pastimes……..
So today, we have some words about love, coming from some of the people who love you the most. I’d like to introduce Sarah’s Aunt Denise who will read a poem, before Sarah’s father, Jeff, gives an Irish Blessing.
Denise will be reading a poem that Jackson liked in high school, and wrote the last stanza in an anniversary card to Sarah one year. They both think it’s beautiful and have grand plans to use the quote in an art piece for their home!
Thought is Surrounded by a Halo – Gwen Harwood
Show me the order of the world,
the hard-edge light of this-is-so
prior to all experience
and common to both world and thought,
no model, but the truth itself.
Language is not a perfect game,
and if it were, how could we play?
The world’s more than the sum of things
like moon, sky, centre, body, bed,
as all the singing masters know.
Picture two lovers side by side
who sleep and dream and wake to hold
the real and imagined world
body by body, word by word
in the wild halo of their thought
Jeff: I’ve been fortunate enough to give an Irish Blessing at most of my children’s weddings, and both Sarah and Jackson have Irish heritage. This blessing is one Sarah really loves
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.
……………
The Asking
Will you, Jackson and Sarah, be each other’s partners from this day forward? will you bring out the best in one another, share your happiest moments together, and love each other absolutely – for the rest of this lifetime and for whatever may come next?
Sarah and Jackson: we will
The Asking
Sarah and Jackson would now like to incorporate a ritual of the unity vase to unite the joining of the families and cultures. Jackson will begin by pouring Australian dirt into unity vase. [pours Australian dirt into unity vase]
Sarah’s parents – Laura and Jeff; and Jackson’s parents – Mary and Nick, will now place some items of significance to symbolise the joining of the families.
– Sarah’s mum will place some stones she collected from a park where her father (Sarah’s grandfather’s) ashes are scattered
(Laura places stones)
– Sarah’s dad will place some dried impatiens – his mother’s favourite flower
(Jeff places dried impatiens)
-Jacksons mother will be placing some seashells from the Gold Coast where she grew up
(Mary places seashells)
-Jacksons father will place a prayer book he was given by his father, which symbolizes the role music and the church played in his education and formative years.
(Nick places prayer book)
The Vows
You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter.
You’re about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. There’s a simple premise to each of these promises: you’re vowing to be there. You’re teaming up and saying to each other “every experience I am going to have, I want you to be a part of”
Jackson and Sarah:
…………Personal vows: (read from card)
Ring exchange
You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. People often say wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But these rings did have a beginning. The metals were formed a long time ago deep within the earth, the meteorite long before that.
Eventually a series of lucky events caused the meteorite to fall from space, and the metals to rise to the surface, where someone collected them. Metal was then liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees – moulded, cooled, and painstakingly polished, something beautiful was made from raw elements.
Love too comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one another.
Jackson, please place the ring on Sarah’s finger and, holding it there, please say:
Sarah,
Let this ring be a symbol of our love,
May it represent our today, our tomorrows,
Our future and our past.
Sarah, please place the ring on Jackson’s finger and, holding it there, please say:
Jackson.
Let this ring be a symbol of our love,
May it represent our today, our tomorrows,
Our future and our past.
…………
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me the greatest pleasure to present to you – the newlyweds, Jackson and Sarah!
