Hands Ceremony

Please face each other and hold hands …
so you may feel the gift that you are to one another…

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 tenderly hold your children.
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.

For A Winecup Ceremony

Clergy: I offer you this cup, filled with wine as you first act of nurturing and caring for each other as husband and wife. Throughout the generations of humanity, wine has come to symbolize inspiration and joy- a sharing in the one love that unites us and that gives us both hope and peace. Wine is an expression of the process of life, it can be both bitter and sweet, and in its experience, we taste more of life than if it were only of one consistency or flavor. Wine, then, is the liquid of love, the flow and the taste of life we give to one another.

Groom (he receives the cup from the minister…)
_____________, take this cup that I offer you, it is the wine of my heart, it is rich, deep with flavor, and will soothe your thirst for a lifelong companion…

Bride: ( receives the cup from the groom…)

_____________________, In giving and receiving, I offer you this cup as the flow of life and love that connects us, and the quenches any loneliness, now and forever.

For a Candle Lighting Ceremony ( One Candle)

Clergy: Light has always represented life, spirit, and hope. This candle symbolizes the light that can be shared by two people who love. In lighting this wedding or unity candle, ______________and__________________ , express the merging of two lives as one, the connection of two hearts and souls into a shared future.

Groom: In lighting this light with you, I give myself to you… for me, this light signifies a friendship that has caught fire…

Bride: In lighting this light with you, I give myself to you… for me,
this light signifies a friendship that has caught fire…

The Lighting of The Unity Candle (using 3 Candles)

Sand Ceremony (short version)

Today, this relationship is further symbolized through the act of pouring from two containers of sand… One represents ________( Bride)
All that you are, and all that you will ever be…
The second container, represents ____________( Groom) all that you are and all that you will ever be…
As these two containers of sand are poured into the new third container, the is created a dynamic and gracious blending of the two individuals, and their life stories, who now become a new combined creation, never to be separated into their old selves, be together, intertwined and interlaced as your marriage shall ever be…

Sand Ceremony (including parents)

Earlier, when the mother s came in, they brought with them two distinct colored containers of sand… These containers symbolize the family that the bride and groom have come from, and will always value… It represents their heritage, the legacy of parental caring, and all the formative lessons about life and love that they shared…
Now, in being married, ________ and _______, will mix their lives , their past, their family traditions, and all that they were, into a new container- this vessel will mark the beginning of a new family. This family will represent all the good of the past, and all the potentials and blessings they will share throughout the married lives together…

Grits Ceremony: ( Adapted from the more common Sand Ceremony)

When this ceremony began, you might have seen the mothers carrying three containers… In a special homage to a South, and with a more organic twist !), the two colored containers have white and yellow grits in them… These two colors symbolize the heritage and legacy of their respective families, their individuality, and their roots of family and branches of their belonging… The third, that was empty, will be used now, as Charissa and Dave, will take some of their family and individual grits and pour them into the new vessel- the one that they will swirl and it will blend their past and their personalities to freely form the basis and a new pattern of life that will grow and will create a new family, from this day onward…

Saptapadi (Hindu)

Clergy: Now that you have proclaimed before God and loved ones your intentions, and have given each other a ring as a symbol of your commitment, I ask you now to write these promises in the earth, and to encircle them upon your hearts, that you might always be reminded of the words spoken here tonight. …

As the Moon circles the Earth to give us the months and tides of life, and the light of the night, as the Sun circles the solar system to give to those months the seasons of light, and the daily life for our souls, so do these two people now encircle one another linking hands and touching hearts…

Knowing that as the times, the circumstances, and the seasons of our lives together will change, what remains constant is their heartfelt love for each other.

Sample Lasso Rituals

The Lasso ceremony
Prayer- please pick one of the two prayers listed but definitely speak the first paragraph. You can mix and match because we like elements of both:
The Lasso Ceremony, ________ ( relatives or friends) will loop the figure eight.

The Bride and Groom kneel before the minister.

Minister: _________ and _________ have chosen to incorporate the Lasso ritual into their wedding ceremony today. The Lasso is a wedding ritual in which the couple are bound together with a ceremonial rosary. Lassoing is a declaration of intent, where the bride and groom clearly state that they are marrying of their own free will.

_________ and _________ since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed eternal and sacred bonds. As you enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real the ideals that to you, give meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage.

With full awareness, know that within this Lasso you are not only declaring your intent to be bound together before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to God.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.

_________ and _________, I ask you to hold hands and look into each others eyes.

Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?

Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?

Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?

Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?

Bride & Groom: We will.

Minister drapes the Lasso in the form of an “8″ around the shoulders of the Bride and Groom.

Minister: _________ and _________ , as you are bound together now, so too your lives and spirits are joined in a union of everlasting love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

Minister offers a prayer, removes the Lasso before the Bride and Groom rise, then presents the Lasso to the Groom who will later give it to the Bride. (The Bride will carry her bouquet as they walk together down the aisle).
• • •

The Lasso Prayer #1

Bless the marriage of _________ and _________, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together. We know not what lies ahead for the road has many turns and bends. We are grateful to you for helping them to make the best of whatever comes their way.

We are thankful that they can continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met and for helping them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves.

Thank you for helping them to respect each other’s likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.

Thank you for helping them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Thank you for helping them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good.

Thank you for helping them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives.

But most of all, dear God, thank you for helping them to keep lit the flame of love’ that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children’s children forever and ever.

And so it is.
• • •

The Lasso Prayer #2

Father in heaven, You ordained marriage for your children, and You gave us love. We present to You _________ and _________, who come this day to be married. May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment.

We thank you for giving them the strength and courage to keep the covenant they have made.

Thank you for helping them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives.

When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity;

When mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength;

When there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness;

When suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love.

And so it is.

Closing Prayer and Declaration of Marriage

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· Prelude (music on ipod – Classical music as guests are being seated and as bridesmaids enter)

Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s (3:04)
Pachelbel – Canon in D (4:34)
Handel – Water Music Suite (3:28)
Bach – Orchestral Suite (3:49)

-Grandmother of Bride (Eadie Leach) escorted by Mike Fekete
-Grandmother of Groom (Helen Hartman) escorted by Billy Judy
-Sharron Frahm escorted by Elijah Denton – Stay up front
-Mother of the Bride (Cindy Trumpler) escorted by Mike Fekete up front
-Mother of the Groom (Sandy Judy) escorted by Billy Judy – up front

· Processional (Music from above still playing)
Walk down the aisle in this order:
-Caleb Barnwell (passes rings off to Billy Judy and then sits with Jason Barnwell once he gets to the front of the aisle)
-Sarah Denton then Sherri Barnwell followed by Michele Terroni

· Bridal Processional (Music – “Marry Me” by Train)
Fred Trumpler (father) & Megan Thomas

Rev. Lanzillotta: “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Dad – “Her mother and I do” (Dad kisses bride and takes a seat)

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· Opening Words & Ceremony – Rev. Lanzillotta

“Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love which Megan and Jayson have for each other, and to acknowledge their decision to commit their lives to each other.
Megan and Jayson would like to thank everyone for making the trip to join them here in Charleston, South Carolina in this joyous celebration of their love and commitment and the commencement of their new life together.
They would also like to remember those who are not able to be with us today and honor their memory with the flowers surrounding the palms:
Ted Leach, Margaret Trumpler, Raymond Trumpler, Earl Hartman, Elva Mae Freeman, and Ben Judy

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between the parties. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life.
Marriage is also a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention since no earthly happiness exceeds that of a reciprocal satisfaction in the conjugal state. Marriage should be a lifelong consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, and it needs to be backed with the grace, and the human will that ensures that those bonds of caring and respect last a lifetime…

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Matrimony, then symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet this closeness should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow.”

· Reading – “The Art of Marriage” by Wilfred Peterson and will be read by Sarah Denton

Rev. Lanzillotta: “Sarah Denton will now offer a poem that is entitled,
“The Art of Marriage”.

“The Art of Marriage by Wilfred Peterson
The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon. It should continue through all the years.

Marriage is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.

Marriage is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have wings of an angel.
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It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

Marriage is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

In short, Marriage is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.”

· Blessing of the Hands
Rev. Lanzillotta: “Megan, please face Jayson, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. 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 comfort you in your accomplishments.

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Jayson, please hold Megan’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through the difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.”

· Statement of Intention (Rev. Lanzillotta)

· Exchange of Vows
Rev. Lanzillotta: “Now Jayson and Megan will exchange their vows.”

Rev. Lanzillotta: “Jayson, please repeat after me. I, Jayson take you Megan as my wife. I pledge myself to you, to always treat you with love, honor, and respect. I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives.

Megan, please repeat after me. I, Megan, take you Jayson as my husband. I pledge myself to you, to always treat you with love, honor, and respect. I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives.

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· The Blessing and Exchange of the Rings

Rev. Lanzillotta: The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman Times. The Romans believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart. In addition, the circle has long been a symbol of spirit and the power of God. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness.
To signify their loyalty and love, Megan and Jayson have chosen these rings. (Turn to best man to get rings)

Rev. Lanzillotta: Jayson, repeat after me – “Megan, with this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you today, tomorrow, and always.” (Jayson repeats these words and puts the band on Megan’s finger)
Rev. Lanzillotta: Megan, repeat after me – “Jayson, with this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you today, tomorrow, and always.” (Megan repeats these words and puts the band on Jayson’s finger)
·

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Pronouncement
Rev. Lanzillotta: “May the meaning of these moments be fulfilled in the years to come in the lives of Megan and Jayson, may their unity of spirit grow deeper and stronger in the chances and changes of the life they will share.
May they be strength and comfort to one another and the cause of much mutual happiness. Loving each other, may they reach out to love others in their circle and to serve humankind, and the earth upon which we dwell.”
Now, in the glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce that you are husband and wife… You may kiss!

· Irish Wedding Blessing

Rev. Lanzillotta: “May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet, trials to keep you strong, success to make you eager, friends to give you comfort, wealth to meet your needs, enthusiasm to look for tomorrow, and a growing love to make each day better than the day before…”
· First Introduction:
Rev. Lanzillotta: “And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jayson Judy.
Congratulations!
· Recessional (I Pod – “In My Life” – The Beatles)

“The Art of Marriage by Wilfred Peterson
The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon. It should continue through all the years.
Marriage is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.
Marriage is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

Marriage is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

In short, Marriage is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner

The Wedding Service
For
Ralph Petrek & Susan Lemley
The Wild Dunes Resort
May 22, 2010

Prelude:
Opening Words and The Ceremony:
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Good Evening, and welcome to all the family and friends of Susan and Ralph who have come together from great distances to be with us here tonight…
Welcome to this celebration of love and romance! We meet here in the evening light and springtime warmth of this garden setting to witness a special event- a time when two souls will be joined as one- Now, in the company of our family, friends, in the presence of God, and in the loving regard and the memory and timeless graces of those souls who cannot be with us.
The precious yet challenging union of husband and wife is a unity of heart, of mind, and body, intended, at its best, to serve their mutual inspiration and to foster a lasting sense of joy. It is a togetherness that gives support and comfort to one another in prosperity and adversity, a togetherness and a sense of mutual security that can face all the various situations and circumstances of human life.
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Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into lightly, or without sufficient insight and wisdom, but it is to be established, and then upheld deliberately in an abiding respect for one another.

Acknowledgment:
Ralph and Susan thank all of you for coming here this evening to share in their union. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and family, defines much of who they are as individuals and what they have become as a couple. They are grateful for the enduring values that have been bestowed and examples that have been given to them from those who have loved and nurtured them along life’s way.

We would also like to reflect for a moment on the memory of their parents who cannot be with us here today; Elizabeth Scholten and Frank & Raphaella Petrek. Special memorial flowers in their honor have been placed on what would have been their chairs.

Words of Intention- Words To The Couple for a Marriage
Ralph & Susan — many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of the rest of your life together. This public declaration and ceremony that publicly declares your love is neither a private end, nor a social beginning, but rather a holding place that offers each of us a momentary pause to reflect on the celebration of a heartfelt commitment
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that has already occurred. It is a blessing upon the love, spirit, and commitment that already exists in your hearts, souls, and minds.
Marriage symbolizes the giving of a gift to one another. It is a gift of oneself as a companion for life; someone who will listen and not judge; someone who will offer support and unconditional love. It is the gift of someone who will share your dreams and disappointments, your achievements and defeats. Marriage is a growing together – it is the task of making a strong, secure couple out of the best that each person can be. Marriage combines the unifying forces and independent wills of two people who choose to live together, and then together, reach further into the future than either could attain separately.

A Pastoral Prayer and a Wedding Blessing
O God, as Susan and Ralph begin their new journey together, please help them to be strong as they do not know what lies ahead for the road has many turns and bends. We are grateful to you for helping them make the best of whatever comes their way. We are thankful that they can continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met and for helping them realize that nothing or no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people, including themselves. Thank you for helping them to respect each others’ likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.

We Thank you God, who is our source of human life and the example of a holy and selfless love, for helping them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you for helping them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good. But most of all, dear God, thank you for helping them to keep lit the flame of love that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and grandchildren forever and ever. Amen.

Statement of Intent- Rev. Peter-
(Please turn and face one another and hold hands/flowers)
Susan & Ralph, you have made a very serious and important decision in choosing to marry each other today. You are entering into a sacred covenant as life partners.
As in tending the flowers in a garden, the quality of your marriage will reflect the effort you put into nurturing this relationship. You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, and tender relationship.
Ralph, do you understand and accept this responsibility and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage? Yes, I Do.

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Susan, do you understand and accept this responsibility and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage? Yes, I Do.

Marriage Vows:
Ralph: I, Ralph, choose you, Susan, to be my wife.
From this day forward, I promise to love you, to honor you,
to respect you, and to support you, as long as we both shall live.

Susan: I, Susan, choose you, Ralph, to be my husband.
From this day forward, I promise to love you, to honor you,
to respect you, and to support you, as long as we both shall live.

Presentation and Blessing of Rings [Rev. Peter]
Cue: Bring the rings up

These rings are circles, and circles are symbolic of the sun, the earth, and the universe. These arms that embrace, these wedding rings you give and receive this day reflect the circle of shared love into which you enter as partners in life. May you always be blessed, and may you abide in peace and love.

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Ring Exchange:
Ralph: Susan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow.
May it encircle your finger always, as my love will your heart.

Susan: Ralph, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow.
May it encircle your finger always, as my love will your heart.

A Love Poem Of Togetherness ( from the Apache wedding ceremony)

Read by Susan & Ralph’s friend Pamela Kurschner

Now you will feel no rain, for each shall be shelter to the other.
Now you shall feel no cold, for each shall be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each shall be a companion to the other
Now there are two bodies, but there is only one life between you.
Go, now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness, and may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Final Blessing [Rev. Peter]

Susan and Ralph, on behalf of your loved ones who are here with you today, I would like to mention some of the things that we wish for you.
First, we wish for you a love that is rich, deep, and powerful enough to inspire others and to support you both in bringing forth the best that is within you. May you lavishly love one another and love being loved by one another today, tomorrow, and always.
Second, we wish for you the kind of home that is a sanctuary for you both, a place of peace, freedom, vitality, growth, and humor. And in this home, we hope that you are blessed with a healthy and happy family.
Finally, we wish that at the end of your lives, you will be able to look back and smile upon the life that you have shared together, pleased, satisfied, and fulfilled beyond your wildest dreams.
And now, by virtue of the authority vested in me, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Susan and Ralph, you may now kiss as husband and wife for the first time. Congratulations!

First Introduction:
And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Petrek.
Congratulations! Live with joy, and go in peace! So Be It!

The Wedding Ceremony
For
Presley Rosier and Brian Howlett
The Wild Dunes Resort
October 23, 2009

Processional- Mother of Bride escorted by Evan Rosier;
Sister of Groom to carry sand ceremony vases
Flower girls- Morgan and Lauren Rosier
Maid of Honor- Hannah Rosier
Music for the Processional: Can you Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John
Bridal processional: Farther of the Bride- Kelly Fultz
Music – The Wedding Song (There is Love) the O’Neill Brothers
Dad kisses bride and takes a seat

Opening Words & Ceremony: The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.
In marriage, two persons turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a going-forth, a bold step into the future; it is risking what we are, for the sake of what we yet can become.
Only in giving of oneself and sharing with another can the mysterious process of growth take place. Only in loyalty and devotion bestowed upon another, can that which is eternal in life emerge and be known.
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Two among us, who have stood apart, come now, in our presence, to declare their love and to be united in marriage.
Love is a living thing, waiting within each one of us for an awakening touch. In this ceremony, we will celebrate love come to life for Presley and Brian. We rejoice in its presence among us.
Presley and Brian thank you all for coming here today to share this celebration with them. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and as members of their families, defined much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you has unselfishly given of yourselves. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together
With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for lasting marriage. The love and friendship which has surrounded them has led them to this turning point – the ceremony of marriage, from which they will begin to create their united future.

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Readings: The Art of Marriage by Wilferd A. Peterson
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things…
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once each day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right partner…
It is being the right partner.

Statement of Intention:
“Brian, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to share your life with her and do you offer to love, honor , and care for her throughout the journey of your lives together? “I Will ”

Presley, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to share your life with him, and do you offer to love, honor , and care for him throughout the journey of your lives together? ” I Will ”
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Family Pledge/Statement of Inclusion for Presley’s Children:

” Your mother and Brian want me to express that you four children are very important to them. They feel they have chosen the best partners to spend their life with and together they feel they can care for you and support you through all your years together. Tonight starts the beginning of a new family, not just for your Mom and Brian, but for you as well. Are you willing to say that belonging to this new family is a good thing? Can you pledge to Brian and your Mom your cooperation, respect, support, patience, and love? ” WE WILL”

Blessing of the Hands:
Presley, please face Brian, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from you eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

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Brian, please hold Presley’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through the difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill you dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

The Wedding Vows:
I, Brian take you, Presley, as my wife. I pledge myself to you, to always treat you with love, honor, and respect. I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives.

I, Presley, take you, Brian, as my husband. I pledge myself to you, to always treat you with love, honor, and respect.
I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives.

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The Blessing and Exchange of Rings:

The circle has long been a symbol of spirit and the power of God. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness.
Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence and partnership of another human being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: That we are individuals and yet we belong to one another; we are not alone.
“Presley, with this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you today, tomorrow, and always. ”

Brian, with this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you today, tomorrow, and always. ”

Sand Ceremony:
Today, Presley and Brian have chosen to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. Similar to the unity candle, it indicates the joining of their lives, their hearts and their souls.
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As you stand near to the ocean tides, may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves that pour near your feet, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea.
You have pledged yourselves on this day, your love will be as dependable as the tide; as these waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth and sustain life, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls and your constant devotion nourish and sustain you until the end of time. .
This beautiful union is further symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand, one representing you Presley, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you have to offer. The other shall represent you Brian, in all that you were, all that you are, and all that you have to offer.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However when these two are blended together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination…

Music- You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

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Pronouncement:
May the meaning of these moments be fulfilled in the years to come in the lives of Presley and Brian, may their unity of spirit grow deeper and stronger in the chances and changes of the life they will share.
May they be strength and comfort to one another and the cause of much mutual happiness. Loving each other, may they reach out to love others in their circle and to serve humankind, and the earth upon which we dwell.

Now, in the glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce that you are husband and wife… You may kiss!

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Benediction (The Irish Wedding Blessing)

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon the fields.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.

May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle in your eye.

And when eternity beckons, at the end of a life heaped high with love, May the good Lord embrace you with the arms that have nurtured you the whole length of your joy-filled days.

First Introduction:
And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Howlett….
Congratulations! Live with joy, and go in peace! So Be It!

The Wedding Ceremony
For
David Pitman and Charissa Ragot
The Wild Dunes Resort
October 3, 2009 5:30 PM

Processional: Song: “In My Life” by The Beatles
(Mothers bring in the 3 containers… Dave escorts his mother…)
Bridal Processional: Sing: “I Will” by The Beatles

Greeting / Call to Worship
Dearly beloved family and friends… welcome! We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the marriage of Dave and Charissa. In this ceremony, Dave and Charissa confirm their love, trust and dedication before their family and friends.
Having decided to enter into a life of commitment, Dave and Charissa have invited you to share in the happiness that they feel in the knowledge that they have found together, a deep enduring love.
On this day, Dave and Charissa will declare the love and happiness that they have found in one another. In this ceremony we will celebrate their love and in this decision in which it has led – for it touches each of us here today.

Giving Away of Bride
Who gives this woman to be married to this man? “Her mother and I do” (Chris gives Charissa’s hand to Dave ad steps back and sits in pew.)
Then… Please Be seated!
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Acknowledgment:
On this beautiful October evening, Dave and Charissa want to take a moment to thank the family and friends that have traveled from far and wide to celebrate their union. They are especially grateful to their parents
Gary and Pam Pitman and Chris and Susan Ragot & Barbara Yamasato
for bestowing the love and values that have helped shape their lives, and nurtured them along life’s way.
We would also like to reflect for a moment on the memory of those grandparents who cannot be with us here today: Pierre Ragot, Bob Pitman, and Norman and Laverne Roseth – Doris Pitman is still with us but unable to be with us today. Special memorial flowers in their honor have been placed on the chairs.

In gathering for the sacred event of marriage, there has to be a clear conscience and the full public intention to witness this marriage without false claim or ethical reservations…
In the Christian tradition, there is a public question, and the opportunity for anyone who has “just cause” to speak against your intention to marry…. Does anyone, have such a just cause why this couple should not be married? If so, speak now, or forever hold your peace!

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Word to the Couple
Dave and Charissa, as you ready yourselves to make the promises to each other, let us hope that the sustaining values and insightful ideas expressed in the service will continue to assist you in making this day a beginning of a relationship that will grow, deepen, develop and mature with each passing year – for it will be your love for one another that will make the latter days warmer and more wonderful than the first.

Selected Readings:
1) The Art of a Good Marriage by Wilfred Arlan Peterson
Read by Krista Miller (step-sister of the bride)

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.

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It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

2nd Reading – Selections from The Epistle to the Corthinians Chapter 13 Read by Kim Bost (Step-sister of the bride)

“If I speak with the eloquence of men and angels but have not love, I become no more than a blaring brass or a crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future, and hold in my mind all of human knowledge, and if I have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing . . .
This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience – it looks for a way to be constructive. It is not possessive; it is neither anxious to impose nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance.
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It is glad when truth prevails. Love knows no limits to its endurance, no end to its trust, no dashing of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.”

The Statement of Intention
(please turn, face one another, and hold hands…)

Dave, do you take Charissa to be your wedded wife, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for her a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day? Will you shun all others and keep yourself to her alone as long as you both shall live? I WILL

Charissa, do you take Dave to be your wedded husband, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for him a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day?
Will you shun all others and keep yourself to her alone as long as you both shall live? I WILL

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The Wedding Vows:

From this day forward, I choose you, Charissa, to be my beloved soul mate, to live with you and laugh with you, to stand by your side and sleep in your arms, to be joy to your heart and food to your soul; to bring out the best in you always; to be the best I can be, just for you; to celebrate with you in good times; to struggle with you in the bad; to care for you with my entire being; to share with you everything that I have; as we treat each other with tenderness, compassion and love now and forever.

From this day forward, I choose you, David, to be my beloved soul mate, to live with you and laugh with you, to stand by your side and sleep in your arms, to be joy to your heart and food to your soul; to bring out the best in you always; to be the best I can be, just for you; to celebrate with you in good times; to struggle with you in the bad; to care for you with my entire being; to share with you everything that I have; as we treat each other with tenderness, compassion and love now and forever.

Blessing and Exchange of the Rings

Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love? THESE RINGS.
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The circle is the symbol of the sun, the Earth and the universe, of wholeness, perfection and peace . . .May these rings be forever a sign of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and has
no end. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

(taking the rings, and then repeating as you place the ring on one another’s left hand…
” With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”

Grits Ceremony:
When this ceremony began, you might have seen the mothers carrying three containers… In a special homage to a South, and with a more organic twist !), the two colored containers have white and yellow grits in them… These two colors symbolize the heritage and legacy of their respective families, their individuality, and their roots of family and branches of their belonging… The third, that was empty, will be used now, as Charissa and Dave, will take some of their family and individual grits and pour them into the new vessel- the one that they will swirl and it will blend their past and their personalities to freely form the basis and a new pattern of life that will grow and will create a new family, from this day onward…

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The Pronouncement/Declaration of Marriage

Now that Charissa and Dave have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged, I now pronounce them husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. +

Closing Prayer/Blessing of the Marriage (The Book of Numbers, Chapter 6)

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and may the Lord give you peace.

The Kiss: Dave, you may now kiss your Bride.

Presentation of the Couple: ( Charissa gets her flowers…)
Minister: It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. Dave and Charissa Pitman.

Congratulations!
Recessional

1) The Art of a Good Marriage by Wilfred Arlan Peterson
Read by Krista Miller (stepsister of the bride)

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

2nd Reading – Selections from The Epistle to the Corthinians Chapter 13 Read by Kim Bost (Stepsister of the bride)

“If I speak with the eloquence of men and angels but have not love, I become no more than a blaring brass or a crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future, and hold in my mind all of human knowledge, and if I have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing . . .

This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience – it looks for a way to be constructive. It is not possessive; it is neither anxious to impose nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. It is glad when truth prevails. Love knows no limits to its endurance, no end to its trust, no dashing of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.”

The Wedding Ceremony of
Robert F. Steele, Jr. and Pamela A. Morris
Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
May 9, 2009 – 5:30 PM

OPENING WORDS:

Welcome… Today we have come together to be with Pam and Bob as they begin their married lives. It is through sharing in such a journey that we, too, can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, honor, and respect another human being.

Marriage is risking who we are for what we can become. Marriage is when two people who turn toward each other and join hands and hearts in search of a greater fulfillment than either could achieve alone. Marriage symbolizes the giving of a gift of special security to one another. It is a gift of oneself as a companion for life – someone you can trust; someone who can listen and not judge; someone who can support and respect you. Marriage is growing together – it is the task of making a strong and secure couple out of the best that each person can be.

Pam and Bob wish to thank all of you for coming here today to share in this special celebration with them and to lovingly acknowledge those special people who could not be with us here today. The history you bring together for them, as friends and as members of their family, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people; two individuals who are willing to share their lives together. Thank you!

WORDS TO COUPLE:

How special it is when two people are able to stumble into each other, in the midst of life’s confusion, and to fall so completely in love. To hold each other, to be there for each other, through good times and hard times, and face life head on – together. On this day, your marriage, you stand apart from all other people. You stand within the charmed circle of your love, and this is as it should be. Together with God, let your love serve as a source of common energy as a form in which you can find the strength to live your lives with courage.

Now as you make your promises to each other, may this day be the beginning of a relationship that will grow, and mature, with each passing year – for it will be your love that will make the latter days warmer, and more wonderful than the first.

FIRST READING (Tierre and Antoinette Golsby): I Corinthians 13

The Way of Love
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

SECOND READING (Tyson and Tar Bogart):
I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you; not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out;
I love you for putting your hand onto my heaped-up heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out into the light, all the beautiful belongings;
That no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple;
Out of the works of my every day, not a reproach, but a song….
I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good,
And more than any fate could have done to make me happy,
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION:

Pam, will you have this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

I WILL [Pam]

Bob, will you have this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live:

I WILL [Bob]

THE VOWS:
I, Pam, take you Bob, to be my husband and my partner in life
I promise to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you
I will laugh with you and comfort you
I will believe in you, even when you doubt yourself
I will stand with you through good times and bad times
I promise to provide for your needs as best I can
As I have given you my hand today,
I give you my heart to keep

I, Bob, take you Pam, to be my wife and my partner in life
I promise to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you
I will laugh with you and comfort you
I will believe in you, even when you doubt yourself
I will stand with you through good times and bad times
Provide for you and keep you from harm
As I have given you my hand today,
I give you my heart to keep

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

Q) What do you offer as a symbol of your love?
A) These rings.

Bob: “With this ring I pledge my life and love to you.”
Pam: “With this ring I pledge my life and love to you.”

A circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth, and the Universe; of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings forever be a symbol of the unbroken circle of your love…. Love that is freely given and which has no beginning and no end. Love that is freely given has no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the gift of love you have given each other here today.

BLESSING & PRONOUNCEMENT:

May these two people, now married, keep this covenant and become a blessing and a comfort to each other. May they share in each other’s joys, be consolers in each other’s sorrows, and helpers to each other throughout all the vicissitudes of life. May they encourage each other to accomplish whatsoever they seek to achieve. May they, trusting in each other, also learn to trust life and not to be afraid. May they not only accept and give affection between them, but together have affection and consideration for others.

We who are present, and those absent thinking of these two people share in the inspiration of this time and it will not be forgotten. May Pam and Bob love each other forever!

Now in recognition of your desire to link your lives in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce that you are husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!

Ladies and Gentlemen…. It is my privilege to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steele, Jr.

Congratulations…. Go in peace!!

The Wedding Service
for Krissy Wiley and Trae Jones
The Wild Dunes Resort
April 18th, 2009
Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Prelude:
Mother; Bridemaids; Bride and father…
Q: “Who give gives this woman to be married to this man? Her Mother and I do”

Greeting/Opening: Welcome everyone.
Today we come together to witness a precious union between two people. It is through such a union we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, honor, and respect another human being. Krissy and Trae wish to thank you all for coming here today to share this special celebration with them. You all have traveled from Canada to West Virginia, as south as Florida and as close as here in SC, and we are so happy you all made a journey to be here.
The history you bring together for them, as their friends and as members of their families, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you have unselfishly given yourselves. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together.

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With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for a lasting marriage. The love and friendship, which has surrounded them, has led them to this turning point… the ceremony of marriage, from which they will begin to create a united future together. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person as one’s friend, companion, and lover. It is seeing one another realistically, yet valuing the differences as much as the similarities.
In marriage two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a going forth, a bold step into a united future. It is risking what we are, for what we will become. Only by the giving of oneself and in the sharing with another can the mysterious awe-inspiring process of personal growth ever take place. Only in loyalty and devotion that is freely bestowed upon one another can that which is eternal in all of life emerge and be known.
Selected Readings:
1) The Velveteen Rabbit read by Krissy’s Mother

2) “A Gift from the Sea” Anne Morrow Lindbergh Michelle

Lord’s Prayer / Remembrances:
In keeping with the traditions of Easter, and everlasting love and life, I now invite you to say the Lord’s Prayer with me, keeping in mind this couple, those who have died, and the future we hold together…
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Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done;
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Keep us from temptation, and deliver us from evil. AMEN
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Moment of silence
The Lasso Ceremony
The Bride and Groom will sit or kneel before the minister… While Aunt Lyn symbolically loops the rope around them…

Minister: Krissy and Trae have chosen to incorporate the Lasso ritual into their wedding ceremony today. The Lasso is a wedding ritual in which the couple are bound together with a ceremonial rosary. Lassoing is a declaration of intent, where the bride and groom clearly state that they are marrying of their own free will.

Krissy and Trae since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed eternal and sacred bonds. As you enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real the ideals that to you, give meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage.

With full awareness, know that within this Lasso you are not only declaring your intent to be bound together before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to God.
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The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.

Statement of Intention & Wedding Vows: flowers…
Kristine and Jimmy, I ask you to hold hands and look into each others eyes. …
Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor? Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union? Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other? I Do
Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor? Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union? Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other? I Do

Personal Expressions:

Exchange of Rings: Brandon
What do you offer as a sign of your love and loyalty? “These Rings”
The ring is an ancient symbol of such vows as the circle is considered the most perfect of all forms in nature. It is a symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe; of
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wholeness and perfection and peace.
The rings you give and receive this day, like the unbroken circle, are a symbol of the unending love. and commitment to each other for as long as you both shall live.
Trae Repeats after Minister: With this ring, I thee wed. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always… That you are surrounded by my enduring love.
Kristine Repeats after Minister: With this ring, I thee wed. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always.. That you are surrounded by my enduring love.

Aunt Lyn… Uncle Johnny … drapes the Lasso in the form of an “8″ around the shoulders of the Bride and Groom.
The Lasso Prayer #1
Bless the marriage of Kristine and Trae, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together. We know not what lies ahead for the road has many turns and bends. We are grateful to you for helping them to make the best of whatever comes their way.
We are thankful that they can continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met, and for helping them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect, and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves.

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Thank you for helping them to respect each other’s likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.
Thank you for helping them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you for helping them to realize that no matter what happens to them, they can hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good.
But most of all, dear God, thank you for helping them to keep lit the flame of love’ that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children’s children forever and ever. And so it is. AMEN

The Sand Ceremony
Today, Krissy and Trae have chosen to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. Similar to the unity candle, it indicates the joining of their lives, their hearts and their souls. As you stand near to the ocean tides, may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves that pour near your feet, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. You have pledged yourselves on this day, your love will be as dependable as the tide; as these waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth and sustain life, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls and your constant devotion nourish and sustain you until the end of time.
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This beautiful union is further symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand, one representing you Krissy, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you have to offer. The other shell representing you, Trae, in all that you were, all that you are, and all that you have to offer. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However when these two are blended together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.

Pronouncement and Declaration of Marriage:
Trae and Krissy, you have come here today before all of us, and before God, and have expressed your desire to become husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, exchanging rings, being symbolically tied and blended together, and throughout have made promises of faith and devotion, we who are your family and friends acknowledge this union…
Therefore, As your public witness and by the authority entrusted to me, by God and the State, I gladly pronounce that you are husband and wife! You may kiss the bride! Congratulations! Go in peace, live with Joy!
May I now introduce ….Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie and Kristine Jones!

THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF JASON WADE AND KRISTY
THE WILD DUNES RESORT,
ISLE OF PALMS, SOUTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 22, 2007
THE REVEREND PETER EDWARD LANZILLOTTA Ph.D.

Opening Words:
Jason and Kristy, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of the rest of your life. Your dreams are something you’ve never compromised, and has never been more true than now.
In spirit and in truth, only you can truly marry yourselves. By mutual commitment to love each other, to work toward creating an atmosphere of care and consideration and respect, by a willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, soon every day will become a new discovery of love, of life and your future….. Let the desire to love and uphold peace rule in your hearts….
Kristy and Jason, one of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s spiritual growth; growth in values, character and in service to one another and to our world. As a vital part of this commitment is the willingness to forgive; to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person who’s love grows.
The excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is having someone to explore it with. When you look into each other’s eyes, may you see not only your love for each other, but all your hopes and dreams of tomorrow, and may you find something to treasure in every moment you are together.

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Statement of Intention

Kristy and Jason,, please turn and face each other and join your hands…

The hands offered by each of you is an extension of yourselves; it links your mutual love. Cherish its touch, for you have touched another’s heart and another’s life. Be sensitive to its pulse. Seek always to understand its flow and respect its rhythm.

Q: Jason and Kristy, Will you take one another as husband and wife? Will you love and respect one another? Will you trust one another always? Will you stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience and love? “We Will”

The Wedding Vows
(Please turn and face one another and hold hands….
“I Kristy, Take you Jason to be my husband, my constant friend, and my true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God, my sacred promise to stay by your side, as your wife, in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, through good times and bad.”
This is my vow to you”
“I, Jason, Take you Kristy, to be my wife, my constant friend, and my true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God, my sacred promise to stay by your side, as your husband, in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, through good times and bad.
This is my vow to you”
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“What do you offer as a sign of your love and trust?”
“These rings.”
THE RING BLESSING AND THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS
The circle is the exchange of the sun, the earth and the universe, of wholeness, perfection and peace… May these rings forever be a sign of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Kristy please repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed and pledge my faithful love.”
Jason, please repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”

PRONOUNCEMENT AND BLESSING
In the glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce you Husband and Wife.
May these two people, now married, keep this covenant that they have made. May they be a blessing and a comfort to each other, Sharers of each other’s joys, consolers in each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all the vicissitudes of life.
May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they, trusting in each other, trust life and not be afraid . Yet may they not only accept and give affection between themselves, but together have affection and consideration for others.
May Jason and Kristy love one another forever.

The Wedding Service
For
And Smith and Jim Ramser
Wild Dunes, Isle of Palms
October 12, 2007
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Opening Words/Invocation

Beloved Creator, Essence of Love, and Source of Hope, Open our hearts, and fill us with Your Presence. You graciously give to us the longing for love and the capability of loving, and we give you thanks for And and Jim, for their beautiful hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here today.
Elevate us to an awareness of the Sacred and the Eternal, as we celebrate this miraculous moment in their lives. Be with them on this joyous occasion, of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we might all be inspired by the blessings and vows being shared today. Amen

Welcome:
Good evening. It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage. That is why we are all here today, to witness and celebrate And and Jim’s commitment to their union. On behalf of them, I welcome you all.

Foundation
Marriage is a supreme sharing, perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the joyful uniting of a man and a woman whose care and affection and understanding have flowered into a deep and abiding love. Those who take its sacred vows have their lives blended together into one, as the waters of two rivers are joined when they come together to form an even greater one.

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A true spiritual marriage is an act of metamorphosis, a profound mystery of creation and rebirth, as two become one. It is not a giving up or loss of oneself, but rather a giving over of oneself to something greater- a transformation of self in which each one can say, “I am no longer only I but also we.” It is a process in which each can be challenged to discover new possibilities in themselves and each other.
In such a marriage, the wedding ceremony is the gateway into this mystery. For the lives the two of you have lived up until this moment are, in some sense, now truly completed and over. Together you now live within the creation of something wholly new and transcendent, something which has never existed before your miraculous marriage an expression that is at once public and private, precious, sacred, and truly unique to the two of you. In this act, you open yourselves to a fuller experience and expression of the great, vast miracle of love.

No ceremony can create your marriage. Only you can do that through love, patience, dedication, perseverance through talking and listening and trying to understand through helping and supporting and believing in each other through learning to forgive, learning to respect and appreciate your differences, and learning to make the important things matter and to let go of the rest.
What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you have made to begin a new life today as husband and wife.

The Questions
And and Jim, If you are ready to step into the holy circle of matrimony, assuming all its rights, obligations and abundant joys, please so indicate by joining hands.
Do you, And take this man, Jim as your husband, to love him and to honor him, to nurture, serve and support him, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by his side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so, answer now, “I do.” (Bride answers, “I do”)
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Do you, Jim take this woman, And as your wife, to love her and to honor her, to nurture, serve and support her, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by her side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so answer now, “I do.” (Groom answers, “I do”)

Ring Ceremony
And so we come And and Jim, to the presentation of rings by which you symbolize and bind your love.
The circle has long been a symbol of spirit and the power of God. The sky and the earth are round. The wind in its greatest power whirls. The sun and moon, both round, come forth and go down again in a circle. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: We are individuals and yet we belong; we are not alone. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the glorious union that you are now creating.
God, bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy
Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love.
And, place the ring on Jim’s finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow and always.”
Jim, place the ring on Andi’s finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow and always.”
Wear these rings as the enclosing bond of reverence and trust. Fulfill the circle of love that now makes you one.
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Vows
Please join hands, look into each other’s eyes, and repeat after me:

I, Jim, take thee, And, for my lawful wedded wife, 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.
I, And, take thee, Jim, for my lawful wedded husband, 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.

Minister’s Blessing
And and Jim, you now have the opportunity for expressing through your union and partnership, God’s glory, love and healing. How could this be? Through devotion and service to each other. Through patience, kindness, total acceptance of each other, tempered by the willingness to change. You will be tempted, as time goes by, to take for granted the love which today seems so precious and dear, to speak to and treat each other in ways that do not reflect the highest good in both of you. Resist it. Promise to always see the goodness in your partner, even when it’s especially difficult. God will provide you the way, if you are willing. He is the key to your success as a married couple. Call on Him devotedly and consistently to guide your thinking and bless your home. May this marriage be to you a heavenly sanctuary. God bless you.

Pronouncement
Andi and Jim, in the presence of God, your family and friends today, you have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives. It is my legal right as a minister and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.

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Benediction (The Irish Wedding Blessing)

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon the fields.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.
And when eternity beckons,
at the end of a life heaped high with love,

May the good Lord embrace you
with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.

Conclusion:
And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ramser.

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Prelude/Gathering – Band – Song TBD
Seating of the Mothers – Band – Song TBD
Processional – Band – Song TBD

Opening Words & the Ceremony: The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.
Good evening and welcome to all family and friends of Amber and Tim. We meet just before sunset in the light and warmth of this harbor to witness a special event; a time when two souls will be joined as one in the presence of God and in the company of family and friends.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
A: (Amber’s Father) Her mother and I do.
Father kisses Amber’s cheek and takes seat.

Welcome & Words of the Ceremony: The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta
Amber and Tim would like to thank you all for being here this evening. The history you bring together for them, as friends and members of their families, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. You have helped them arrive here today as a happy, healthy, and loving couple, willing and ready to share their lives together.

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This is an exciting year for Amber and Tim! Amber’s parents, Clark and Sue, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in June. Tim’s parents, Arthur and Lisa, also celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in February. Amber and Tim would like to thank their parents for providing them with the affection, encouragement, support, and understanding that molded them into the couple they have become. >From you, they learned how to love, and for this they are forever grateful.
Amber and Tim, it was four years ago this weekend, that you went on your first date. The years following that first dinner have been full of excitement and surprise as you discovered the role you will play in each others’ lives. Now you are here as a public affirmation before God, family, and friends, of the love already present and guiding in your relationship. This affirmation is neither an end, nor a beginning, but rather a momentary pause to celebrate what has already occurred.

The “Spirit of the Low Country” is more than just a convenient venue for your wedding and reception. She is a symbol of your love for adventure, travel, and search for knowledge; a symbol of your passage through a portal that will lead you to many places, including ones you can’t possible imagine. Wherever it takes you, there will be surprises, for this is the mark of a truly loving relationship: that it will take you where you had not meant to go.

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Christian Reading: Epistle from the Colossians
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Amen.

Readings – On Your Wedding Day – Read by Amanda Ewing

Today is a day you will always remember
The greatest in anyone’s life
You’ll start off the day just two people in love
And end it as Husband and Wife.
It’s a brand new beginning, the start of a journey
With moments to cherish and treasure
And although there’ll be times when you both disagree
These will surely be outweighed by pleasure.

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You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past
When the secrets of marriage were spoken
But you know that the answers lie hidden inside
Where the bond of true love lies unbroken.
So live happy forever as lovers and friends
It’s the dawn of a new life for you
As you stand there together with love in you eyes
From the moment you whisper ‘I do’.
And with luck, all you hopes and you dreams can be real.
May success find its way to your hearts
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys
But today is the day it all starts.

Statement of Intention –( please turn, face one another, and hold hands…)

Tim and Amber, will you take on another as husband and wife? Will you love and respect one another? Will you trust one another always? Will you stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience, and love? A: We will.

Marriage Vows -
Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God, family, and friends.
Amber passes bouquet to Maid of Honor.
Tim and Amber face each other and join hands.

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Now please repeat after me:
(With Tim repeating)
I, Tim, take you, Amber, to be my wife. | I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, | in sickness and in health. | I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

(With Amber repeating)
I, Amber, take you, Tim, to be my husband. | I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, | in sickness and in health. | I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Exchange of Rings -
What do you offer as your pledge of love and loyalty? These rings.

Lord, bless and consecrate Tim and Amber in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love.

Tim takes ring from Best Man.
Repeat after me, “With this ring, I join my life with yours”.
Tim places ring on Amber’s finger (while repeating).

Amber takes ring from Maid of Honor.
Repeat after me, “With this ring, I join my life with yours”.
Amber places ring on Tim’s finger (while repeating).

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Blessing of the Hands –
Amber, please face Tim, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from you eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Tim, please hold Amber’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through the difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill you dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

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Final Blessing – Traditional Irish Blessing – Read by Allison Sharpe

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

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Pronouncement –

Having pledged your faith and love to each other, and having sealed your solemn marital vows by giving and receiving the rings, acting in the authority vested in me by the State of South Carolina, and looking to heaven for divine affirmation, I pronounce you husband and wife.

Tim you may kiss your bride! Tim kisses Amber.

I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tim Strunck!

Recessional –

Band – Song TBD

The Wedding Ceremony of Amy Elizabeth Hollander and Travis Davis White
September 8, 2007
Aboard the Schooner Pride at Charleston Harbor

INTRODUCTION
Welcome everyone! Today we come together to witness the most special and sacred union between two people. In marriage, two persons turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve without the other. Love is a living thing. It exists in all of us, waiting for an awakening recognition. Amy and Travis have chosen to be married here today, in the Earths natural light with the Earths rhythmic natural surroundings. They have chosen to give themselves to one another in the presence of family, mother nature, and God. …

Scriptural Reading
Before we continue with the vows, I would like to take a moment to read a passage that Amy and Travis chose as an expression of what love means to them. St. Paul said it best when he describes the qualities of love, and the gifts of love in these words:
” Love is patient. Love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, not conceited, nor rude; never selfish, nor quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over other ones sins, but only delights in the truth. There is nothing that love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope or its endurance… a few words there are three things that will last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these things is love.”

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Homily: The Qualities of Relationship:
There are three qualities of relationship that serve a marriage well; they will ensure attentiveness, respect, and increase the caring of each partner, so that this new marriage will stay resilient, dynamic, and strong.
The first equality we recommend is listening… To listen to one another because how your partner feels and thinks is very important. Listen with your ears and your heart to what she or he has to say… Listen carefully and attentively before speaking… Do not simply try to defend your actions or your point of view without knowing first how your partner thinks and feels. Do not debate or defend, or discourage listening to one another.
The second quality is speaking- telling your truth to your partner allows you to be heard as an individual, and allows the person to know what is in your heart and what is on your mind. Speak respectfully to one another- never in harsh or defensive terms, and certainly speak in ways that are truthful, sincere, and kind.
The third quality that will protect and preserve your relationship is the willingness to share equally the joys and responsibilities of marriage. It is a soulful and practical partnership. Sometimes we divide the chores and responsibilities based on personal strengths, and sometimes it falls to whomever has the time to do them… Regardless, it is important to maintain an equality, a mutual importance to the tasks, and to affirm the value of each other’s contribution to the household and to married life. To share fully and openly all the aspects of life is another way a marriage can be defined. In sharing- which means giving and receiving- the essence of a loving, equal partnership for life can be realized.

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WEDDING VOWS (please turn, face each other, and hold hands)
Amy do you promise to stand by Travis as a honest and faithful wife to face your journey together down life’ path with strength, patience and faith in God? (Yes, I promise)

Travis do you promise to stand by Amy as a honest and faithful husband to face your journey together down life’s path with strength, patience & faith in God? (Yes, I promise)

THE RING PRAYER
A circle is the symbol of the Sun, and the Earth, and the Universe, of wholeness and of perfection and peace. May these rings be forever the symbol of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end. Love that is freely given has no giver and no receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.

RING VOWS/EXCHANGE (bride and groom pick up their rings)

TRAVIS-” With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my eternal love to you.”

AMY-” With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my eternal love to you.”

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CLOSING PRAYER AND REFLECTION:
Out of this tangled world, O God, two souls have found each other, and now will live together according to the design of their hearts. Holy One, on whose loom we live and weave together our world, help them to fashion a marriage of sincerity and joy. Make them strong and tensile for life’s obstacles; make them flexible and strong in their gifts and talents; make them supple and tender to one another’s feelings… Together, may this new couple come to realize the unifying pattern of their lives… Make that design provide a shelter for one another, and may they weave together a home that will be welcoming, warm, and wholesome. AMEN

Travis and Amy also would like us to remember this day, a special man who remains close to their hearts… As a last and loving, memorable thought, they feel that Dennis Richard White would be a proud man today. Travis and Amy realize that although he is not here in body, he is absolutely here in spirit. And that he is sailing and he is celebrating along with the rest us. Dennis is smiling as much as the sun shines today for his third son’ wedding.

PRONOUNCEMENT
Amy and Travis have chosen to walk the road of life together. Hand in hand, together. In that grasp, they know that they are solid, and that they can be lifted in spirit and in love by each other. May their marriage be blessed with long and happy days. Now, by the power invested in me; witnessed by friends, family and in the sight of God; I am happy to call you husband and wife!
You may kiss the bride! Congratulations… Now sail off in celebration, in happiness, and go in peace!

Wedding Service for
Amy Kracker and Christopher Selzer
Middleton Place
June 16th, 2007 6:00 PM

Prelude: Outlaw Josie Wales, Amazing Grace, I Will, Love Song

Processional: Syncopated Wedding March

Greetings/Opening Words: Rev. Peter Lanzillotta

Welcome everyone. We are gathered here to celebrate the marriage of Amy and Chris. The couple would like to thank you all for coming to share this celebration with them. The history of love and support you bring together for Amy and Chris defines much of who they are as individuals and what they can become as a couple. Through your friendships, they have known the laughter, trust, and respect that will provide the foundation for their marriage.

Words to the Couple:
Amy and Chris, this ceremony alone will not unite you in marriage. Only you can do that through a mutual desire to love one another and by creating an atmosphere of consideration and respect. To love is to hold one another’s best interests at heart. When two people truly love one another, each wishes that the other is able to become everything that he or she desires to be or achieve.
Through marriage, two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is risking what you are for what you can become with the support and inspiration of another. Marriage is sharing your lives at every level, so that your lives become one life together. In the strength of this togetherness, comes the freedom to maintain your individuality.
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Only by being true to yourselves, and expressing your individuality, can you give freely and completely to the one you love. The strength of marriage lies in the ability to love one another, while continuing to grow as individuals.
The excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is having someone with whom to explore it. Throughout your journey, remember to always share the love, friendship, and laughter that have brought you here together tonight.

Poem: Now Amy’s sister Tracy would like to read a poem she has written for Amy and Chris.
Tracy’s Poem: “The Charles Bridge”

Standing together, hand in hand, You pledge to share life’s journey.
Those years ahead will be filled With laughter and tears,
Courage and fears.

A very wise person once said That your partner through these times
Must first be your best friend. Only through this bond Will you know true love.

Friendship brought you together And it will continue forever.
You found the person who understands Your hopes and dreams
And even your jokes.

Together, you will go many places, Finding unexpected adventures,
Sharing excitement and wonder. Travel the world And expand your hearts.

Through your friendship and adventures, You will each grow as your own person,
And build your strength as a couple, Supporting your love And happiness.

You are both strong individuals but, In each other, you have found something
That you would not be on your own, A person made better By the other.

You will challenge each other to grow But still face challenges together.
You will find happiness where you make it. Remember through it all
That love will triumph.
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Song: Angel
Vows: (Please turn and face one another and hold hands…)

Amy: Chris, I love you. You are my best friend.
Tonight, I choose you to be my husband. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

Celebration of Marriage
Of
Allyson Lauren Cook and Christopher William Oehne
September 20, 2008
Cypress Hall at Wannamaker Park
The Reverend Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Processional

The Questions
Who gives this woman to be the bride of this man? “We do” (Steve and Melinda)

Invocation
Beloved Creator, Essence of Love, and Source of Hope. Open our hearts and fill us with Your Presence. You graciously give to us the longing for love and the capability of loving, and we give you thanks for Ally and Chris, for their beautiful hearts and willing spirits and for the example of love that they embody here today. Elevate us to an awareness of the Sacred and the Eternal, as we celebrate this miraculous moment in their lives. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we might all be inspired by the blessings shared today. Amen.
Welcoming
Good evening. It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage. That is why we are all here today, to witness and celebrate Ally and Chris’s commitment to their union. On behave of them, I welcome you all.
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Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you. For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make our bride and groom who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank you for all of that. All of you are the threads of which are woven in the tapestry of their lives.
Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells. It is the fabric that they wrap around themselves and take comfort in when the world seems cold, and on days like today when everything is right in their world, that tapestry is proudly spread out and displayed for everyone to see, with all the glorious colors and textures that your diversity adds. You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call “Family” and “Friends” and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today.

Foundation
Marriage is a gift from God, a miracle. It is obvious that you already know some of the great blessings marriage has to offer. It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive it in return. It is about trust, friendship and having a partner to share all life has to offer. It is a commitment to participate in a process of mutual evolution, understanding and forgiveness. It is indeed a sacred union to be treated with reverence.

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Marriage is not a place to hide from the world. It is a safe place to grow and become wiser. It is a place to evolve into better people, so that you can go out in the world and make a difference by spreading the joy and wisdom that you have found with each other. Together in this marriage, you shall contribute more fully, for you both shall be more full.
Ally, Chris is a gift to you from God, but he is not a gift for you alone. It is God’s will that in your love, this man might find within himself a greater sense of who he is meant to be. You are asked to see the good in this man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be. In this way, God’s purpose shall be accomplished in this relationship. May this man find the kingdom of heaven through the love you share.
So it is with you also Chris, that although Ally is God’s gift to you, she is not a gift intended for you alone. You are asked by God to so love this woman, that in your love she might find herself as God has created her, so beautiful and strong and brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the presence of a woman who shines so. May she relax in your arms as she has never relaxed before. May she know, from now on, that there is one on whose love she can depend on forever. May you both create, with God, a piece of heaven on earth.

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Parental Honoring
Ally and Chris want to acknowledge their parents on this occasion, Steve and Melinda, and Bill and Christine. They offer their profound gratitude to their parents for all the love and care they showed in raising them. The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today, and they thank you, from the bottom of their hearts, for guiding them to this celebration of love here today. Without you, this day would not be possible.

Statement of Intention ( please turn, face one another…)
Allyson and Christopher, if you are ready to step into the holy circle of matrimony, assuming all its rights, obligations and abundant joys, please so indicate by joining hands.
Do you, Allyson take this man, Christopher as your husband, to love him and to honor him, to nurture, serve and support him, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by his side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so, answer now, I do. … Ally: “I do.”

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Do you, Christopher take this woman, Allyson as your wife, to love her and to honor her, to nurture, serve and support her, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by her side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so answer now, I do. … Chris: “I do.”

Ring Ceremony/Vows
So we come Allyson and Christopher, to the presentation of rings by which you symbolize and bind your love.
The circle has long been a symbol of spirit and the power of God. The sky and the earth are round. The wind in its greatest power whirls. The sun and moon, both round, come forth and go down again in a circle. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: We are individuals and yet we belong, and we are not alone. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the glorious union that you are now creating.
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“God, bless these rings. Fill them with your Holy Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love.”

Ally, place the ring on Chris’s finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow and always.”
Chris, place the ring on Ally’s finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow, and always.”
Wear these rings as the enclosing bond of reverence and trust. Fulfill the circle of love that now makes you one.

The Rose Ceremony
(Rev. Peter gives bride and groom a rose) Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings, which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman, the title of “husband” and “wife.” For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.
In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing, it meant the words “I love you.” So it is appropriate that for your first gift, as husband and wife, that gift would be a single rose. Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife (couples exchange roses).
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In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose, and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different from yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received on of the most valuable and precious gifts of life, one I hope you will always remember, the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
Ally and Chris, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future, that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage, and a recommitment that this will be a marriage based upon love.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words, It is easiest to hurt those who we most love, but also easiest to be hurt by those who we love most. It might be difficult sometimes to be able to express the words “I am sorry” or “I forgive you” or “I need you” or “I am hurting.” If this should happen, if you simply cannot find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected, for that rose then says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
That rose says the words, “I still love you.” The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.

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Ally and Chris, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.

Pronouncement
Allyson and Christopher, in the presence of God, your family and friends today, you have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives. It is my legal right as a minister and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride

Benediction
May God’s blessings rest upon you, may God’s peace abide with you, and may God’s presence illuminate your heats, now and forevermore. Amen.

Conclusion
Now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher William Oehne!!!

Recessional

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard
These things I give to you today, and for the rest of our lives.

Chris: Amy, I love you. You are my best friend.
Tonight, I choose you to be my wife. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard
These things I give to you today, and for the rest of our lives.

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Exchange of Rings: (Minister asks for the rings…)
These rings are an outward symbol of the inner bond you share. May they forever remind you of your love, friendship, and faith in one another.

Amy: With this ring I thee wed and pledge my eternal love.

Chris: With this ring I thee wed and pledge my eternal love.
Pronouncement and Blessing:
As we breathe in this moment of happiness, and the wonder of nature that attends it, may we hope that Amy and Chris’s marriage will bring them lasting peace, harmony, and true heartfelt contentment.
May they be a blessing and a comfort to each other. May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve.
In recognition of your vows, with the blessings of your family and friends who are present, and by the power vested in me, I gladly pronounce, that you are husband and wife.

Congratulations, you may kiss, and go forth in love.

I am pleased to present Chris and Amy Selzer.

Recessional: Train in the Rain

Wedding Ceremony for
Anita Bersie and Alec Chabalowski
Noerenburg Memorial Gardens
May 28, 2006, 4:00 PM,
Orono, Minnesota
The Reverend Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Prelude: Selections by Wind & String
Processional: “Morning Has Broken” (acoustic guitar & flute)
Greeting: Welcome everyone… Today, we come together to witness a precious union between two people. Remember that it is through such a union we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, honor and respect another human being.
Q: Who gives this woman to be wed? “Her Mother and I do.”
Opening Words and the Ceremony: The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.
Alec and Anita thank you all for coming here today to share this celebration with them. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and as members of their families, defined much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you has unselfishly given of yourselves. You have helped them to arrive here today as a happy, healthy, and loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together.
With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for lasting marriage. The love and friendship which has surrounded them has led them to this turning point – the ceremony of marriage, from which they will begin to create their united future.

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Thanks to Parents:
At this time Alec and Anita would like to pay special thanks to their parents,
Bob, Lois, Bob and Jane. They would also like to acknowledge their grandparents here with us today, and to remember with affection those family members that have passed on. Throughout your lives, you have given them affection and encouragement to arrive here today in peace. You have provided them with your caring, support, everlasting guidance, constant strength, and openhearted understanding. From you, they have learned of love, and for this they are forever grateful.
Song: “In My Life” The Beatles (acoustic guitar & flute)
Reading: By Jordan Chabalowski, selection TBD (Ideas highlighted in book)
Words To The Couple: A Wedding Homily
Alec and Anita, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of the rest of your life. As your life together has grown and ripened, you have found that you can share many similar activities and interests- from your love of sailing to your passion for cooking. These connections, these shared common bonds will reinforce your happiness and work to ensure heartfelt communications whether you are in the kitchen or out at sea! You have lived together and you have lived apart… With career transitions and challenges that were sometimes daunting, you overcame the distance and maintained the togetherness. With patience and perseverance, your resilient caring has created deep, strong bonds between you both- bonds of caring and compassion that will continue to serve you well throughout all your years of marriage. You see, your dreams are something you have never compromised, and this has never been more true than right here, right now in deciding to be husband and wife.
In marriage, two persons turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a going-forth, a bold step into the future. It is risking what we are, for what we shall become. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet the closeness should not diminish but reinforce the individuality of each partner.
Above all, let the desire to love and uphold peace rule in your hearts…
Alec and Anita, one of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s spiritual growth; growth in values, character, and in service to one another and to our world. As a vital part of this ongoing commitment is the willingness to forgive, and to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person, whose love grows as their ego and fears diminish.
The excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is having someone to explore it together and to share it openly. Some day, in the not too distant future, your love and commitment will widen and deepen and be shared with your children.
Remember, when we love another person, we look into their eyes, and we do not see only the love for another, but we also can look at all our hopes and dreams for tomorrow, and you may find something to treasure in every moment you are together…
Statement of Intention: Alec and Anita, please turn, face one another and hold hands…
(bride passes her flowers…)
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I, Anita, take you, Alec, as my husband and lifelong partner. I pledge myself to you,
To always treat you with love, honor, and respect. I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives,
Till death do us part.

I, Alec, take you, Anita, as my wife and lifelong partner. I pledge myself to you,
To always treat you with love, honor, and respect. I promise you my absolute honesty, trust, and my complete devotion. I will cherish and care for you all the days of our lives,
Till death do us part.

Exchange of Rings:
Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love?
“THESE RINGS”
A circle is the symbol for the Sun, Earth and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever a symbol of your unbroken love. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Anita, please repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”

Alec, please repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”
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Blessing and Pronouncement:
May these two people, now married, keep this covenant that they have made. May they be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s joys, consolers in each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all the vicissitudes of life. May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they, trusting in each other, trust life, and not be afraid. Yet may they not only accept and give affection between themselves but together have affection and consideration for others.

In glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce you are now, husband and wife.

Congratulations! You may kiss the bride!

Recessional: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (acoustic guitar and flute)

(Announcements about receiving line at Park and reception to follow at the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth…)

The Wedding Ceremony
for
Joan C. Roberts and David M. Greene
Scottsdale Golf and Country Club
November 14, 1998 at 4:30 PM

Opening Words of Welcome and The Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Lighting Of The Heritage Candles/ Flower Presentation

Words To The Couple:

Welcome… Today we have come together to be with Joan and David as they begin their married lives. It is through Joan and David that we can renew our faith in the human capacity to love, honor, and respect another human being- this covenant is the essence of the bonds of matrimony.

Joan and David would first like to thank their family and friends for traveling so far to share in this happy occasion. Also, they would like to offer a special thanks to the bride’s parents for being so supportive, patient, and helpful in making this day so memorable.
The union between a husband and a wife is a unity of heart, mind and body intended by God for their mutual inspiration and joy. It is togetherness that gives support and comfort to one another and can hold them close through both prosperity and adversity- throughout all the situations and circumstances of human life.
Therefore, marriage is not intended to be entered into lightly, or without sufficient insight and wisdom… It is intended to be established and upheld consciously and deliberately. Such a promise and such a goal depends on our reverence and respect: our reverence for God and our respect for one another.

Lighting of the Heritage Candles (Bride’s Mother and Groom’s Father)

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Words To The Couple:
Joan and David, I believe that it was no accident that your two souls have been drawn together for this lifelong sacred journey– that heartfelt pathway which is a living opportunity that marriage can become. Marriage has within it, a special grace that can only be found in being with a loved one. This involves living each day thereafter as the joint extension of your minds, the ripening of your souls, and the deepening of your heart’s affections. Joan and David, marriage is the companionship based on an abiding trust, and it grows from your understanding of spirituality. May this companionship always serve to uplift and bless you.

The excitement of your future lives is nurtured by the mystery it holds; and its beauty is fed by having someone to explore with and discover it answers. When you look into each other’s eyes , you not only see the love you have for one another, but you can also see all your hopes and dreams of tomorrow and may find something you can treasure in every moment you are together.

Selected Readings from the Holy Bible:
A Reading for the Epistle to the Corinthians 1:13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and the angels, if I am without love, then I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. I might have the gift of prophecy and know every hidden truth; I may have the faith strong enough to move mountains; but if I do not have love, I am nothing.
Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited nor rude; never selfish, nor quick to take offense.
There is nothing that love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance. Love will never come to an end.

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A Reading from the Gospel according to St. John… 14: 33-35

After Jesus informed his apostles that he would be with them only a short while longer, he said,
” You, I know will look for me, and for my appearing among you, yet where I am going, you cannot come. So, [ to keep me alive among you] I will give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
This the Word of the Lord…. Thanks Be to Christ… AMEN

Statement of Intention and the Wedding Vows:
Please turn and face one another and hold hands….
Q: Do you both take this step into holy matrimony of your own free will?
A: “We Do.”
DAVID: Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to share your life with her, and do you offer to love, honor, and care for her, throughout your journey of your lives tougher? ” I WILL”
JOAN: Will you have this man as your wedded husband, to share your life with him, and do you offer to love, honor and care for him throughout the journey of your lives together? ” I WILL”
” I, Joan Catherine, pledge to you, David Michael, the rest of my life as your wife, your lover and your friend. To laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow; to grow with you in love. I offer you my love and myself.
” I, David Michael, pledge to you, Joan Catherine, the rest of my life as your husband, your lover and your friend. To laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow; to grow with you in love. I offer you my love and myself.

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The Exchange and Blessing of the Rings:
( Bride and Groom exchange rings… and say… ” With this ring, I thee wed…”
Priest blesses rings, hands and hearts….

The Lighting Of The Unity Candle:
Earlier in the service, the parents of Joan and David lit candles that signify the tradition, heritage, and generations of the family that are being united at this wedding ceremony. Each marriage represents a blending and a unifying of families, and the light of these two candles represents the gifts and graces that these two families can now give and share with each other, and offer to the new generation to come. Now Joan and David will light the candle of unity in marriage. This act symbolizes the spirit and the future of a new family that they begin here tonight.
As a unity candle, it represents the strength that each has received from their own families and the promise of light and love and compassion and caring they now bring and share with one another.

The Pronouncement and the Benediction:
As we stand here at the dusk of this beautiful day, we embrace the dawn of a new day in the lives of Joan and David. Joan and David, may the love of God, your family and your friends be with you always.
Joan and David, , by the power vested in me by the grace of the Lord, and the State of Arizona, I hereby gladly pronounce you to be husband and wife.

Congratulations, You may kiss the bride! Go in Peace…..

The Wedding Service
For
Aryn Tristine Browne and Joseph Hathaway Morse
July 10, 2004
42 Sleepy Hollow Road
Essex, Vermont

Prelude
Processional

Opening words and the ceremony: The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

What greater joy is there for two human souls, than to feel they are joined together to strengthen one another in all their labors? Joined, but not constrained or confined; willing to minister to one another in all sorrow, sharing in all gladness, and desiring to be with one another, in the creation of countless, unspoken, intimate memories.

On this day of your marriage, you stand apart from all other human beings. You stand within the charmed circle of your love, and this is as it should be. But love is not meant to be a possession of two people alone. Rather, it should serve as a source of common energy, in which you find strength to live your lives with courage. From this day onward, you must come closer together than ever before. You must love one another in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. But at the same time, your love should give you strength to continue your unique destinies, to make your special contribution to the world.
This celebration is but an outward sign of an inward union of heart, mind and spirit. This is a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between a man and a woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.
Music?
Words To The Couple:
It is our hope that your marriage will give you the strength and commitment to face all of life’s adversities. But equally important, let us hope that it will enhance your sensitivity to all that is wondrous and beautiful. Your home should be a place to share the joys of life. Your home should also be a place where the pain and tragedies of life can be overcome. We hope that you will find a deep sense of security; security which comes as each of you learns to understand, to accept, and to forgive the other person, and any differences and distances you might have between them, and then, as each of you learns to understand, to accept, and to forgive yourself, a true marriage can exist.
The German metaphysical poet, Rainer Marie Rilke has offered us many words in support of loving relationships. He has said that love is two solitudes protecting each other, and that we are to live in the questions of our lives with courage and with patience. He also stated this about the truth of relationships:
“Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest
human beings, infinite distances continue to exist, a wonderful side
by side can grow up,
If they succeed in loving the distance between them,
which then makes possible for each to see the other
as whole against the sky.”

As the Western Scriptures remind us, love is the most perfect gift; it is the sustaining grace and the strength behind all deep and meaningful relationships. We remember these words that describe love:
“Love is patient. Love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude, never selfish, nor quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over others’ sins, but only delights in truth. There is nothing that love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, or its endurance. In a word, there are three things that will last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these things is love.” I Cor. 13
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Ben – Reading*

(We’re not 100% sure about the wording of the first sentence that follows, but we might just keep it as is:)

You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in all the world whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and to share love. ……

Music?

Wedding Vows (please turn, face one another, and hold hands…)

Joe, do you take Aryn to be your wedded wife; to live together in marriage, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and respect always? “I DO”

Aryn, do you take Joe to be your wedded husband; to live together in marriage, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and respect always? “I DO”

Exchanging Rings
Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love and care for one another?
May these rings be forever a sign of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken today.
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“Aryn, I offer you this ring as a sign of my enduring love, absolute honesty, and complete devotion.”

“Joe, I offer you this ring as a sign of my enduring love, absolute honesty, and complete devotion.”

Concluding Words and Pronouncement

Blessing Of The Apaches:
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, may happiness be with you and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Aryn and Joe have chosen to be married here today, in God’s natural light and surroundings. As we breathe in the moment of happiness, and the wonder of lasting peace, harmony, and true heartfelt contentment.

Now, in the glad recognition of two souls who have found each other, who are in love, and who have pledged their loyalty and affection to one another by the exchanging of rings, by the power invested in me by the state of Vermont, by the blessings and good wishes of all these witnesses, and by the eternal Spirit that lives in, with and among us all, I gladly pronounce that you are now husband and wife!

Joe, you may kiss your bride! Congratulations, and go in peace! So BE IT!

The Wedding Service
for
Lori Knackstedt and Marek
The Hobcaw Creek Club
June 15, 2008
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Processional:

Welcome, Everyone!
Today we come together to celebrate the marriage of Lori and Marek. …
What greater joy is there, for two human souls, than to feel they are joined together to strengthen one another in all their labors, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness? To be one with each other in the creation of those unspoken memories.
Marek and Lori are thrilled that all of you have come from near and far to share this joyful day with them. They would like to thank every one of you for being here with them as they embark on this new stage of their lives. The history you bring together for them, as their friends and family, defines so much of who they are as individuals and will help guide them as a couple. They would especially like to thank their parents, Mary & Tom, Valeria & Peter, who have demonstrated how to live together in love and respect. Between the two sets of parents, there are 68 years of marriage. HUGS.

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Marek and Lori also want to acknowledge the family and friends that couldn’t be here. We know they would have loved to share in this celebration and that their thoughts are with us.

Marek and Lori, today we gather to witness and celebrate your marriage. You have chosen to make this commitment here along the Hobcaw Creek, outdoors under the blue sky, next to the running water and green marsh. You share a love for nature, and the times you have spent at the waters’ edge, next to lakes and oceans, for those experiences have given you peace and a sense of connectedness with all life.
You have learned that falling in love with another person, and getting to know them, is a little like the exploration of a wild and lovely place, and that loving another person can deepen your sense of connectedness to all life. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, let us look around, and appreciate the wonders of nature, and the wonder that includes for each of us the renewal of love for one another.
We will now hear two readings that speak to the love that Lori & Marek feel for one another. Both readings are poems by the Sufi poet, Rumi. They will be read in English by Kim Michner and in then in Slovak by the sister of the groom, Ivana Schwendtova.

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READING #1

The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you,
not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.

READING #2 Entering the Shell

Love is alive, and someone borne along by it is more alive than lions roaring or men in their fierce courage.
Bandits ambush others on the road. They get wealth, but they stay in one place. Lovers keep moving, never the same, not for a second!
What makes others grieve, they enjoy!

When they look angry, don’t believe their faces. It’s spring lightning,
a joke before the rain. They chew thorns thoughtfully along with pasture grass.
Gazelle and lioness, having dinner.
Love is invisible except here, in us.
Sometimes I praise love; sometimes love praises me.
Love, a little shell somewhere on the ocean floor, opens its mouth.
You and I and we, those imaginary beings,
enter that shell as a single sip of sea water.

Song/Music: Rebecca Brown will now sing “The Power of Two”
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Words To The Couple:
Marek and Lori, as you know, a good marriage requires the willingness to accept each other’s strong and weak points with understanding and to encourage the other to grow. You both realize that happiness in marriage is not a given.
The poem Art of Marriage by Wilfred A. Peterson says:
“The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; it is having a mutual sense of values and common goals.
It is standing together facing the world. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.”

These are wonderful guidelines, and following them will make the two of you partners for life. …

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Marek & Lori have adapted vows originally written by Frau Ava in the year 1160. They will now say these vows to each other.
VOWS:
Q: May I have the rings?
The commitment ring is a symbol of wholeness, perfection and peace. May your lives together be in harmony with the symbolism of the ring: an outward expression of an inward unity as you are now joined in an unbroken circle.
Marek, do you now choose Lori to be your wife, to share your life openly with her, to speak honestly and lovingly to her, to accept her fully as she is and delight in who she is becoming, to forgive her when she disappoints you, to bring out the best in her always, to respect her uniqueness and individuality, encourage her fulfillment, and compassionately support her through all the challenges of your years together?
Marek: I Do (places ring).

Lori, do you now choose Marek to be your husband, to share your life openly with him, to speak honestly and lovingly to him, to accept him fully as he is and delight in who he is becoming, to forgive him when he disappoints you, to bring out the best in him always, to respect his uniqueness and individuality, encourage his fulfillment, and compassionately support him through all the challenges of your years together?
Lori: I Do (places ring)
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You have chosen each other and have promised each other your devotion today. May happiness be your companion. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years to come. May your days together be good and long upon the earth.

You are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!

The Wedding Service for
Douglas Andrew Petroff and Jan Christie Schmidgall
Pinnacle Peak Patio Restaurant Scottsdale, Arizona
June 7, 1997 at 7:30 PM

Opening Words and the Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Doug and Jan have invited you to be here with them this evening, to join them in the celebration of their marriage.
More than just a ceremony, this is among the more momentous occasions that define one’s life. Tonight, Doug and Jan are surrounded by you, their family and friends, who are gathered to witness your marriage.
They have come here, and in our presence will declare their love for each other and will be united in marriage. In this ceremony, we will celebrate the love that exists between them, for it touches each one of us here tonight.
To all the family and friends of Doug and Jan, and to all who has so far shared your lives with them, and to all who have traveled so far to be here today so that they might share in the joy and happiness of this occasion, I say, welcome…
Words To The Couple:
Let us pause for a moment, to give thanks for all the rich experiences that life has brought to both Jan and Doug. We are grateful for the values that have been given to them and that have flowed by example into them from loved ones who have nurtured them all along life’s way. We want to especially acknowledge the gifts of love and caring of their two fathers, Rocky Myers and Chris Petroff, who would be pleased, and that we believe are watching over us tonight.

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Song:

Jan and Doug, marriage is not entered into lightly. It is when two persons turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. A good marriage is built upon a relationship of love. Essentially, to love is to have another’s best interests in one’s heart always and foremost. It is to live in the life of that person, feeling his or her joys and sorrows as if they were your own.
From this day forward, you must unite, you must love, trust, and support one another. But, at the same time, your love should give you strength to stand apart, to seek out your own unique destinies, and to make your own special contribution to our world.
In your married life, you should remember the words of St. Paul, who taught that while talent and knowledge are wonderful gifts, love is the one thing required of us in life.
He taught that:
“Love is patient. Love is kind, and envies no one.
Love is never boastful nor conceited nor rude.
It is never selfish, nor quick to take offense.
Love keeps no score of wrongs; it does not gloat
over another’s sins, but delights itself only in
the truth. There is nothing that love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, its hope, or its endurance. In a word, there are three things that
will last forever: faith, hope and love, but the
greatest of these is love.” (I Cor. 13 NEB)
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Statement of Intention / The Wedding Vows Doug and Jan, please turn, face one another, and hold hands…

The hands offered by each of you are extensions of yourselves, they link your mutual love. Cherish this touch, for through your hands, you touch another’s heart, and another’s life.
Be sensitive to its pulse. Seek always to understand its flow, and respect its rhythms.

Doug, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to share your life with her, and do you pledge that you will love, honor, and care for her throughout your lives?

“I WILL”

Jan, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to

share your life with him, and do you pledge that you will

love, honor, and care for him throughout your lives?

“I WILL”

“I Jan, take you, Doug, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

“I Doug, take you, Jan, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

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The Exchange of Rings/Ring Blessing
Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love?
A: “THESE RINGS”
The circle is the symbol of wholeness and perfection. May these rings be forever symbols of the unbroken circle of your love. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here tonight.

Minister offers the rings to bride and groom…

Doug: “Jan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love… With this ring, I thee wed…”

Jan: “Doug, I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love… With this ring, I thee wed…”

Statement of Inclusion for Blended Families:

Now I would like to talk with and
Your mother and Doug want me to express that you are both very important to them. They feel that they have chosen the very best partners they could have found, and together feel that they can care for you and support you through all your new years together.
Tonight starts the beginning of a new family. Are you willing to say that belonging to this new family is a good thing? Can you pledge to Doug and to your mother your cooperation, respect, support and patience?
“WE WILL”

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Wedding Prayer/Pronouncement

Let us offer a prayer that blesses this occasion:

” Holy, Loving, and Compassionate One, Jan and Doug have chosen each other and have promised each other their love and devotion. They have symbolized this by the exchanging of rings.
May all that life brings to them strengthen the bond they have declared here this night. May all their loved one, those who are present, and those unable to be here, continue to rejoice in the love that has united them. May they be a comfort and a joy, counsel and strength to each other. May the home they build shed its peace on them and all who shelter with them.
AMEN

Jan and Doug have chosen to be married here, tonight, in God’s natural light and surroundings. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, let us pause and look around and appreciate the wonders of nature and of God, that surely includes for all of us, a renewal of love for each other.

Doug and Jan, I now gladly pronounce that you are husband and wife.

Congratulations…
You may kiss the bride… and go in peace….

The Wedding Service for
Jamie Kirsch and Ryan Sens

Paxton, Massachusetts
June 26, 2004

Opening Words and The Wedding Service: The Reverend Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Good evening to all the family and friends of Jaime and Ryan who have gathered here today. Welcome… welcome to this celebration of love and romance. We meet here today in the light and warmth of this garden setting to witness a special event- a time when two souls will be joined as one— in the company of family, friends, in the presence of God, and in the loving regard and graces of those souls who cannot be with us.
Marriage is a relational bridge between the past and the future. Crossing that interpersonal bridge requires opening up to receive what lies ahead. Marriage is a going forth, a transformation from what you are to what you will become. Jaime and Ryan were each venturing down a path of individuality, without any thought to finding a lasting connection. But then the gracious intervention of entities and energies greater than any human being has allowed them to find one another. Now, they have come to this day, to declare publicly what they have already decided in their hearts, for from this time onward, they will travel the same path of life together. Their decision to follow this common road has already had a profound effect on them, and on all those who closely surround them. This wedding is a public affirmation of the commitment that Jaime and Ryan have already made to each other.

Memorial Candles are lit by Jaime and Ryan

Jaime and Ryan ask that you all take a moment of silence as they light the memorial candles in loving memory of their grandparents Roberta and Irving Kirsch & Betty and Edward Sens.

Reading #1 – - Lenee Sens
What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories.

Reading #2- – Megan Rasimick
I love you, not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you;
Not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out;
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can’t help dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern but a temple;
Out of the works of my every day not a reproach but a song
I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good,
And more than any fate could have done to make me happy,
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.

Words to the Couple
One of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is your willingness to support each other’s spiritual growth- growth in values, in character, and in service to one another, your family and our world. As a vital part of this commitment to caring is the willingness to forgive, and to accept that each of you is an unfinished, ever-changing person whose ability to love grows only as ones ego and fears diminish. Jaime and Ryan, you are about to enter into a union which is most sacred and most serious. It will bind you together for life in a relationship so close and so intimate that it will profoundly affect your whole future. Know that your composite experiences are turning you into the highest form of yourselves, and that you are becoming the best and the most that you both can be.
I ask that you consider my words carefully and take them in to each day of your lives; to remember that you are promising to love for the long and ambiguous future, and to listen, to talk, and to grow. . .To listen, because what the other person has to say matters deeply. . .To talk, because your willingness to express and share yourself and to offer all the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of who you are and how you feel toward one another is necessary… And to grow, to grow in dignity, self worth, mutual respect, and in the qualities of patience and kindness. To grow that kind of love- that is your supreme goal. Marriage involves the kind of growth in love that can sustain itself and confirm itself each new day.

Unity Candle
By lighting this candle together Jaime and Ryan create a symbol of the faith- it is a physical representation of that greater spirit that has brought them together and that will continue to influence and guide their lives. May the light of this candle and all that it represents, stay lit in their hearts forever.

Jaime and Ryan’s Vows memorized

Ryan’s Vows

I Ryan take you Jaime to be my wife. I will love, honor and cherish you for eternity. I pledge to be there for you through the good times and the hard, through sickness and health. I vow to do my best to make you laugh, and to provide for you whatever you need. I promise to be caring, honest, helpful and compassionate throughout all of our life. I promise to show you each day how my love grows more and more.

Jaime’s Vows

I, Jaime, take thee, Ryan, as my one and only true love. Today, we join our love together, forever, and may this bond never be broken. As your wife, I promise from this day forward and for the eternity that I will stand by your side, that I will be faithful and honest to you, that I will support and respect you, and that I will share all your hopes, dreams and goals with you. May the good times make us laugh and the bad times only make us stronger. And, may the memories we make together never be forgotten. Ryan, I promise to love you unconditionally, from this day forth, and forever.

Ring Ceremony
Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round like the sun, like the eye, like the arms that embrace; Circles, for love that is given comes back around again and again. Therefore, may these symbols always remind you that your love, like the sun illuminates; that your love, like the eye must see clearly, and that your love, like arms that embrace, is a grace upon yourselves and this world.

Pronouncement and Presentation of the Couple

The Wedding Service
for
Ira Wilcox Allen and Alissa Leanne Manross
Early on Easter Morning, April 12, 1998
(Somewhere above Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona)

Opening Address:
We have gathered here this Sunday, at the beginning of a new day, and at the beginning of a time when two lives will become one; we have gathered together, up in the natural wonder of wind and air, to celebrate the marriage of Ira Allen and Alissa Manross.
In this ceremony, Ira & Lisa will confirm their love publicly, one and for all, to the people they know and love.
Because these two hearts have decided to enter into a lifelong bliss; Ira & Lisa have invited you up to the heavens to share and to celebrate this special occasion together.

Words To The Couple:

Ira & Lisa, today you are surrounded by your family in the open sky of love. Your marriage ceremony brings together true aspiration and dreams. Marriage is a promise you make before God, and with each other. It is a promise to be honest, kind, considerate and understanding. It is a promise to share one life together and in that sharing, soar like the birds in formation. When two people truly love one another, each provides room and space, trust and opportunity for the other to become everything that he or she desires to be. Essentially, to love is to hold one another’s heart firmly, yet tenderly in the palm of your hand, and delicately care for it as if your own life depended on it.
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Marriage is the sharing of two lives as one. In the strength of this togetherness, comes the freedom to maintain your individuality. only by being true to yourselves and expressing your individuality, can you give yourself completely to the one you love.

The Marriage Vows:

(Please turn and face one another and hold hands)
Ira, are you ready to be united with Lisa in a marriage that is based on love, trust, and commitment?

“I AM”
“Lisa, I commit myself to you; through all the joys and sorrows, all the triumphs and hardships, and all the experience
of our lives together. I pledge myself to only you. This is a commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope of a lasting peace, and to be filled with joy eternally.”

Lisa, are you ready to be united with Ira in a marriage that is based on love, trust, and commitment?

“I AM”
“Ira, I commit myself to you; through all the joys and sorrows, all the triumphs and hardships, and all the experience
of our lives together. I pledge my heart and soul to you only, in a commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope.
I trust you entirely. I give myself to you on this morning, from now to eternity.”

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The Ring Prayer:

Love is eternal, like the circle of a ring… The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the earth, and the universe. Love is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace. May these rings be forever a symbol of your unbroken love.
” With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”
Closing Prayer:

Out of this tangled world, two souls have found each other, and their mutual love has drawn them together , and now, in being married, their destinies shall be woven of one design.
As they increase in their mutual understanding, may their joy stand victorious in the richness of their affections. May they complete the unfinished patterns of their true selves.
Let the days and years of their togetherness deepen the joy of their choice here today, and make it abidingly true.

Pronouncement:

You have entered into the solemn covenant of marriage before our Creator and in front of your family here today. In the recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in a mutual love, by the power entrusted to me, I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU TO BE HUSBAND AND WIFE!
Congratulations! Ira, you may kiss your bride!

Optional Ending ?!? (Closing joke for the fearful and feeble aboard…)
To make this occasion even more memorable, we will now all prepare to bungee jump off the side of the balloon!!!

The Wedding Service for
Melissa Anderson and Frank Larance
Beaver Creek
June 27th, 1998 at 4:00 PM
Sedona, Arizona

Opening Words and Ceremony
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Today, Melissa and Frank are committing to share life’s sojourn together as wife and husband – not as one, but as two individuals who now have chosen to walk, heart to heart,
hand in hand. The essence of this marriage commitment is the joining of hands and hearts in search of greater fulfillment than either could achieve alone.
Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet the closeness should not diminish but reinforce the individuality of each partner. This ability to love one another, while growing as individuals – therein lies the true strength of a marriage. Each of you must seek out your own unique destinies and make your personal contributions to our world.
Love is a precious thing, waiting with in each one of us for its time to come alive. What greater joy is there for two human souls than to awaken this gift of love? Every aspect of your life becomes clear, brought into focus by a single emotion – love. This sensation, this joy, at least once in life, everyone should feel.
A lasting marriage has within it, a lasting love-one that welcomes change, and finds that it can adjust, and grow. A truly good marriage is based not on finding the right partner but being the right partner.

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Words to the Couple

Melissa and Frank, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know, in your hearts, you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of a new path. There are two paths for each of you to follow: each person’s path that is theirs alone to follow and then the new path for you to follow together. Embrace these separate paths. Walk along your path together hand in hand, but frequently take the journey with in. Find and open up new doors to your own spirituality.
One of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s spiritual growth: growth in values, character, and in service to one another and our world. As a vital part of this commitment is the ability to understand, to accept, and forgive the other person and as each of you learns to understand, to accept, and forgive your selves, as well. Each of you are unfinished, growing person’s whose love grows and flourishes as your ego and fears diminish. To achieve this, work toward creating an atmosphere of care and consideration, soon everyday will become a new discovery along your journey in life.

Selected Readings:
(Mark Bono has been asked by the couple to read from the Chinese wisdom text, The Tao Teh Ching.) #54

What is well planted cannot be uprooted. What is well embraced cannot slip away…
Cultivate virtue in your own person, And it becomes a genuine part of you.
Cultivate it in the family, And it will abide.
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Cultivate it in the community, And it will live and grow…
Cultivate it in the world and it will become a universal.
Hence, a person must be judged as person; A family as family; A community as community… The world as world.
How do I know about the world?
By what is within me.

1923-Poem from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran:
On Marriage
“Then Almitra spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, master? And he answered by saying:
You were born together and you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be space in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each others cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone; Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping, For only the hand of life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near togetherness: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, so that they might be sturdy and strong- And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow so that each can grow into the fullness of life.”

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Introduction To The Vows:

Melissa and Frank have chosen to symbolize their union with a double ring ceremony including vows. In a moment each will place a wedding ring on their partner’s left fourth finger and after reciting their marriage vows, the receiving partner will move the ring on / the rest of the way. This is done to demonstrate that on one can wed you but yourself. It can be said out here among us but until and unless it is done inside, from our soul it does not have genuine meaning.

As Melissa and Frank exchange rings and vows they would like for you to form a circle around them with your hands connected.

(Pause until circle is complete.)

Ring or Circle Prayer: The circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth, and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace. It is also the circle of life. May these rings be forever a sign of the life, full of unending love, that you have decided to share hand in hand together.

The Wedding Vows:

Frank: Please put the ring on Melissa’s finger, but only half way, thereby placing your offer of marriage in her hands.
Melissa look into Frank’s eyes, hold one another’s hands, while you state your vows of marriage.

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(Vows) Melissa
You challenge my soul to rise and grow. You inspire me to move forward along this journey with out forgetting the lessons learned. You are my teacher, as well as my student. You are a gift to my spirit. These are the reasons why I, Melissa Ann Anderson, promise to you, Frank Gregory Larance, to share this dance through life’s journey with you, to appreciate and nourish your soul, and to respect you not only as a husband but as an individual within this marriage.
The water and land abide in their separateness even though they flow and shape their personal forms, working together to produce a beautiful creek… I will, my love, like the creek, join you in a flowing marriage that will respect our individuality, that will continue exploring all that this life’s sojourn has to offer, the turbulence and the tranquillity, the never-ending, ever-changing grace or separateness that joins in togetherness, and I know that I will enjoy the beauty of the journey with you into eternity.

To bride: Melissa now place the ring to its rightful place upon your finger in demonstration that only you can truly wed yourself to Frank and say to him now:
“I Wed Thee.”

To bride: Melissa, put the ring on Frank’s finger, but only half way, thereby placing your offer of marriage in his hands.
To groom: Frank look into Melissa’s eyes, holding hands, and now saying your vows of marriage.

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(Vows) Frank
As we start this new chapter in our lives, I look forward with anticipation to the adventure. Your passion for life tickles my soul, and challenges my spirit.
Our relationship is one that is based on sharing. The water and land share while at the same time maintaining their individuality. Through a mutual agreement of give and take we both shall grow and flow down and around new directions together.
I promise to be both your best friend and an advocate for exploring new currents, and learning about each new rock, rapid, and rhythm. For it is through the challenging of the mind and spirit that we learn and develop. I promise never to take you for granted, and to pay attention to your needs, desires, and dreams for our shared eternity. It is through this perpetual balance act that we will dance over the rocks, and down through the stream of life together.

To groom: Frank, now place the ring to its rightful place upon your finger in demonstration that only you can truly wed yourself to Melissa and say to her now:
“I Wed Thee.”

Pronouncement
As two people who have joyfully chosen one another, and by your mutual affection that links your hearts in devotion,
I now gladly pronounce that you are husband and wife -
and may your river of dreams, and the flow of your love continue your whole life long!
You may kiss! Congratulations – Go live in peace.
Recessional

1923-Poem from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran:
On Friendship
“And a youth said, Speak to us on Friendship.
And he answered, saying:
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you with hold the “ay”.
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with the joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as a mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let their be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable caught it.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know your flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

The vows you are about to exchange are a promise to one another of eternal love, appreciation, and respect. For it is not the mere words which you will speak today that will keep your marriage healthy, but it is the inner sense of love and commitment that each of you feels in your soul.

1923-Poem from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran:
On Friendship
“And a youth said, Speak to us on Friendship.
And he answered, saying:
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you with hold the “ay”.
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with the joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as a mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let their be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable caught it.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know your flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

The Wedding Service for
Christine Marie Silvis and Richard Lee Kaulback
Litchfield By the Sea
October 27, 2007

Opening Words:
Today, we are gathered here to be with Christine and Rick as they join their lives in marriage. In marriage, two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a constant commitment of body, mind, and spirit, of loyalty and love, whose dedication and devotion allows love to unfold and strengthen, blossoming more beautifully through each year of their days together.
May Christine and Rick have the faith in one another and the confidence in themselves to nurture the life they have chosen to live as husband and wife.

Words of Appreciation and Affirmation
Christine and Rick wanted me to thank all of you for coming here today, and for your willingness to share in their celebration. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and as members of their families, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple.
You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together.
They are grateful for the values that have been bestowed on them from those who have loved and nurtured them along life’ way. Let us in the midst of hope for this couple’ future, also lovingly acknowledge and recall the memory of those who could not be present, but whose spirit and example remains with us.
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On Marriage
Marriage is a commitment to take the joy deep, deeper than happiness, deep into the discovery of who you most truly are. It is a commitment to a shared spiritual journey, to a life of becoming– in which, joy can comprehend despair; running through rivers of pain and flowing into joy again.
Thus, marriage is more than a commitment, it is a covenant. In this covenant, the two people say ” I love you, trust you, I will be here for you when you are in pain, and when I am in pain, I will not leave. Marriage is a covenant intended not to provide a haven or an escape from pain, anger or sorrow. Life itself, cannot offer such a haven. Instead, marriage is intended to provide each partner with a sanctuary – a place safe enough to risk loving, to risk living and sharing from the deep center of oneself. This kind of covenant is worth everything.

Words to the Couple
Christine and Rick, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know that you belong. Your journey has brought you here, the beginning of the rest of your life. Your dreams are something you have never compromised, and that has never been more true than here and now. Only you can truly marry yourselves. By a mutual commitment to love each other, to work toward creating an atmosphere of care, consideration and respect, by the willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, soon every day will become a new discovery of love, life and your future.

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Let the desire to hold and uphold peace rule in your hearts. Christine and Rick, one of the greatest blessings you can give one another is the willingness to support each other’ spiritual growth, growth in values, character, and in service to one another and to the world. As a vital part of this commitment is the willingness to forgive, to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person whose love grows as their ego and fears diminish.
The excitement of the future lies in the mystery that it holds, and it beauty lies in having someone to explore that beauty with. When you look into each other’ eyes, may you see not only your love for each other, but all your hope and dreams of tomorrow, and may you find something to treasure in every moment you are together.

Unity Heart of Glass -Sand Ceremony
Will the mothers please come forward, carrying and then distributing the sand to symbolize the merging of two families, their lives, and their traditions.
Now, Christine and Rick, it is your turn to affirm and carry on this connection, this blending of families, as you start a new family of your own. By combining the sand from your families into one glass, you symbolize that there is now a blending of the best of the old with the promise of the new… Now there is a new family being created, a new married life to celebrate and a lifetime to share.

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The Wedding Vows ( please turn, face one another, and hold hands…)

The hands you offer to one another are extensions of yourselves, they link your mutual love. Cherish its touch, for you have touched another heart and another’ life. Be sensitive to it’ pulse. Seek always to understand it flow and respect its rhythms.
Christine and Rick: Will you take one another as husband and wife? Will you love and respect one another? Will you trust one another, always? Will you stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience and love? WE WILL

Christine: I, Christine, take you, Rick, to be my wedded husband; to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow; to grow with you in love, serving one another and our world in hope and in strength, so long as we both shall live.

Rick: I, Rick, take you, Christine, to be my wedded wife; to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow; to grow with you in love, serving one another and our world in hope and in strength, so long as we both shall live.

The Exchange of Rings
The Ring Blessing:
Love is eternal, like the circle of a ring. The circle is the symbol for the Sun, the Earth, and the Universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be a forever symbol of your unbroken love.
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Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.
Pronouncement:
May the meaning of these moments be fulfilled in the years to come in the lives of Christine and Rick, may their unity of spirit grow deeper and stronger in the chances and changes of the life they will share. May they be strength and comfort to one another and the cause of much mutual happiness. Loving each other, may they reach out to love others in their circle and to serve humankind, and the earth upon which we dwell.
In the glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce that you are now husband and wife… You may kiss!

Community Blessing Stones
As the family and friends of Rick and Christine, you are now invited to participate in a shared ritual that connects each and everyone of us to the ripples of life and love… The idea of this is that the ripples that are made represent everyone’ paths crossing and by tossing in a stone with your blessings, you can bring love and good wishes not only for the couple, and by tossing the stones together, you will remember your rippling effects on one another, and will be willing to offer a blessing to anyone that they comes in contact with you over the coming year… Proceed to the waters edge… Ask people to stop, look at their stone, whisper a blessing for R&C, for yourselves, and all you might meet…. Toss it In! Celebration!

THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF THERESA EBERHARD AND RICHARD ASCH
LIGHTHOUSE, CASTLE HILL INN, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
AUGUST 31, 2002
THE REVEREND PETER EDWARD LANZILLOTTA Ph.D.

Opening Words: Theresa and Richard, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of the rest of your life. Your dreams are something you’ve never compromised, and has never been more true than now.
In spirit and in truth, only you can truly marry yourselves. By mutual commitment to love each other, to work toward creating an atmosphere of care and consideration and respect, by a willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, soon every day will become a new discovery of love, of life and your future….. Let the desire to love and uphold peace rule in your hearts….
Theresa and Richard, one of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s spiritual growth; growth in values, character and in service to one another and to our world. As a vital part of this commitment is the willingness to forgive; to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person who’s love grows.

The excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is having someone to explore it with. When you look into each other’s eyes, may you see not only your love for each other, but all your hopes and dreams of tomorrow, and may you find something to treasure in every moment you are together.

Statement of Intention

Theresa and Richard, please turn and face each other and join your right hands…

The hand offered by each of you is an extension of yourself; it links your mutual love. Cherish its touch, for you have touched another’s heart and another’s life. Be sensitive to its pulse. Seek always to understand its flow and respect its rhythm.

Q: Theresa and Richard, Will you take one another as husband and wife? Will you love and respect one another? Will you trust one another always? Will you stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience and love? “We Will”

The Wedding Vows
(Please turn and face one another and hold hands…. Minister asks the bride and groom to please repeat their vows)

“I Terry, Take you Richard to be my husband, my constant friend, and my true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God, my sacred promise to stay by your side, as your wife, in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, through good times and bad.”
This is my vow to you”

“I, Richard, Take you Terry, to be my wife, my constant friend, and my true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God, my sacred promise to stay by your side, as your husband, in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, through good times and bad.
This is my vow”

“What do you offer as a sign of your love and trust?”
“These rings.”

THE RING BLESSING AND THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS

The circle is the exchange of the sun, the earth and the universe, of wholeness, perfection and peace…
May these rings forever be a sign of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and has no end.
Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Terry please repeat after me:
“With this ring, I thee wed and pledge my faithful love.”

Richard please repeat after me,
“With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”

PRONOUNCEMENT AND BLESSING
In the glad recognition of your desire to unite your hearts in mutual love and affection, I most happily pronounce you Husband and Wife.

May these two people, now married, keep this covenant that they have made. May they be a blessing and a comfort to each other, Sharers of each other’s joys, consolers in each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all the vicissitudes of life.
May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they, trusting in each other, trust life and not be afraid . Yet may they not only accept and give affection between themselves, but together have affection and consideration for others.
May Terry and Richard love one another forever.

The Wedding Ceremony of Michael Astor and Shanna Annoni
May 27, 2006 4:30 in the afternoon
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis

Greetings and The Ceremony: The Reverend Peter E Lanzillotta, Ph.D.
Welcome everyone…. Today we come together to witness a precious union between two people. It is through such a union that we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love and respect another human being. Marriage is a going forth, it is a bold step into a united future. It is a transformation from what we are to what we can become. Only in giving of oneself and through the sharing of oneself with another, can the mysterious process of growth ever take place. In this wedding ceremony, we have gathered to celebrate the love that is between them, for it touches each one of us today. Shanna and Mike wish to thank all of you for coming here today to share this celebration with them.
The history that you bring together for them as their family and friends defines much of who they are as individuals and also who they can become as a couple. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people who are ready to share their lives together. With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for a lasting marriage. The love and friendship which has surrounded them has led them to this turning point in their lives; the ceremony of marriage, from which they will begin to create their united future.
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Before we continue with the vows and there est of the ceremony, I’d like to take a moment to read a passage that Michael and Shanna chose as an expression of what they feel it is to love another person and to join together in marriage.
>From the poet Kahil Gibran’s “The Prophet”
“Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like a moving sea between the shores of your souls. And stand together, and yet not too near together. For even the pillars of the temple must stand apart; and the oak tree and the cypress will not grow in each other’s shadow. Remember that love gives nothing but from itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love. And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course.”

Now, I’d like to ask Lubie Astor, the mother of the groom, to come forward to read a selection that she has chosen from the Orthodox Church’s Right of Betrothal.
……
Thank you, Lubie.
Introduction to the Vows:
Shanna and Mike, many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of your lives together.

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A couple realizes the state of marriage only through a mutual commitment to love one another, to work toward creating a mutual atmosphere of caring, consideration, respect, and love. You achieve the goals of marriage by your shared willingness to face your futures together. These vows you are about to exchange will serve as your public declaration of the love you feel and have already pledged to one another. For it is not the words that you speak here today that will bond you together as one, but the inner sense of love and commitment to those words that you have already spoken within your souls.
It is at these special times and in our most gracious moments, that each of us can reflect on how love and expressing love has comforted and inspired us. Whether thinking about a loved one … Be it a parent, a spouse, or your children, we recognize gratefully that there is no greater motive in the world- no greater comfort, no greater inspiration that loving and being loved….
Statement of intention:
Shanna and Mike, please turn to face each other and join your hands together…. The hand offered by each of you is an extension of yourselves; it links you together as one, bound by your love. Cherish its touch, for you have touched another’s heart and another’s soul. Be sensitive to its pulse. Seek always to understand its flow and respect its rhythm.
Shanna and Michael, will you take one another as husband and wife? Do you promise to live your lives together with love and respect for one another? Will you stand by each other as honest and faithful people to face your journey together down life’s path with strength and patience and faith in God? YES, WE PROMISE.
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Ring Statement:
What do you give to each other as a symbol of your love and of your promise?
“THESE RINGS” (Minister receives the rings from friends and family….)

Ring Prayer:
A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe; of wholeness and perfection and peace. May these rings be forever the symbol of the unbroken circle of your love. A circle has no beginning and no end. As does Love, when given freely, has no beginning and no end. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today and of the everlasting circle of love.

Words from Bride / Groom
With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love to you forever.
With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love to you forever

Words from A Marriage Blessing:
We thank You, O God, for the love You have implanted in our hearts.
May it always inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feelings, and concerned for each other’s needs and wishes.
Help us to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase our faith and trust in You and may Your prudence guide our life and love. Bless this marriage, O God, with peace and happiness, and make our Love fruitful for Your glory and our joy both here and in eternity.

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May these two people keep this covenant that they have made. May they be a blessing and a comfort to one another; sharing in each other’s joys and consoling in each other’s sorrows; Helpers to each other in all the areas of their lives. May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they always trust in each other, trust in GOD, and live their lives in joy, faith, and loving peace. AMEN

Pronouncement:
Now, with the blessings of all their family and friends gathered here today, under the authority vested in me by the state of Minnesota,
I gladly pronounce that you are husband and wife.
Michael, You may kiss your bride!

Ladies and gentlemen; I gladly present to you,
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Shanna Astor

Congratulations! Go, In Peace!

The Wedding Service
For
Paracel Lee and Catherine Honse
Como Park Conservatory St. Paul, Minnesota
June 12, 2005

Good Afternoon, and Welcome!
This afternoon, we have gathered here to share in one of the most special occasions that any two people can have or experience: Their wedding service. For Paracel and Cate, this time shared before their family and friends is truly a turning point: For it marks both an ending and a new beginning.
Q: Will the parents of Paracel and Cate please step forward?
As Cate and Paracel now join their lives in marriage, they also bring to you a new relationship, creating new bonds of trust, and new ties of caring and affection. Will you give them your blessing? Will you give them your love and support? If you do, please express your consent by saying “WE WILL”
Friends, the Bride and groom have invited you here because you are important people in their lives… Your love and support for each of them , and for their relationship is valuable. Will you now, give and express your love, blessing and support to them?

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Will you do everything possible to help them to preserve and honor their marriage? If so, then please give me you consent by saying together, “WE WILL”

Pastoral Message:
In marriage, two people turn to one another in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is that constant commitment of one’s whole self; it is a commitment of mind, body, and spirit; of loyalty and love. It is through such dedication, that a lasting devotion allows love to grow and strengthen. It is our common wish, and it is our shared prayer, that Paracel and Cate will have such faith in one another, and the confidence in themselves to nurture consistently the new life they have chosen- as husband and wife.
Today, Paracel and Cate have stopped thinking of themselves as only individuals, and instead, have begun to think of themselves as something larger, something greater. But this day is not just for them, nor is just about them.
Each of you, Cate and Paracel’s family and friends, are a vital and important part of their lives. Cate and Paracel want to recall and acknowledge this reality, and they wish to thank each of you wholeheartedly for all that you have given them over the years. They are deeply honored that you are here, and for how much you care about them, and for their happiness. Thank You!
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In particular, Cate and Paracel especially wish to thank each of their parents for the tremendous example they have set for a solid, strong, and lifelong marriage. They know it hasn’t always been easy- they realize that a good marriage requires work and a lasting commitment from both partners. It requires compromise without surrender; it needs a dedication that doesn’t waver and it requires love that gives a more unconditional support. In short, it is placing the good of the relationship above all else. It is holding on to one another through adversity, enduring during those difficult times that has made appreciation and gratitude for the good times so sincere and heartfelt.
You have taught us that a good marriage is a structure that has its solid foundation resting on an enduring love. For to love someone is essentially defined as this: To hold one another’s well being as first and foremost in your mind and heart. It is to live a life together, feeling one another’s joys and sorrows as if their were your own. When two people truly love, then each wishes that the other will become everything that he or she desires to be….
Reading: An Irish Blessing – Steven
The Wedding Vows & The Exchange of Rings:
(The minister now asks Paracel and Cate to face one another, and hold hands)

Paracel: I, Paracel, take you, Cate, to be my wife.
To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.
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Catherine: I, Cate, take you, Paracel, to be my husband.
To have and to hold, for this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.
Q; May I have the rings?
The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the earth, and sacred space ;
Of wholeness, unity and infinity. May these rings forever be the unbroken symbol of your love and fidelity. Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love has no giver or receiver, for each is the giver, and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today…

Paracel: (taking Cate’s left hand… And repeats after me…
“Cate, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion.
Cate: (taking Paracel’s left hand, and repeating after me…)
Paracel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion.”
Cate and Paracel, because you have chosen to share your lives with each other, and having promised each other your love
and devotion, and having symbolized this by the exchange of rings, Now, I am very happy to pronounce you to be husband and wife!

Paracel, you may kiss your bride!
Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce, for the first time,
Mr. And Mrs. Le … Congratulations! Go In peace!
Reading: An Irish Blessing – Steven
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back,
May the suns shine warmly upon your face; May the rains fall softly on your fields, May you see your children’s children…
May you be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back…
May the warm rays of the sun fall upon your home, May the hand of a friend always be near,
May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the sky above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

A Marriage Prayer for You is This:
That you will always remember the qualities that first attracted you to each other when you first met, and how you felt as your feelings of attraction turned into respect, admiration, and finally into love. That you will work hard to turn your feelings of love into acts of love so that nothing and no one can divide you. That you will always have kind and loving hearts that are quick to ask for forgiveness when you are wrong, as well as to forgive when your partner is wrong. That your love might grow to hear all things, believe all things, and hope for all things, and endure all things. I pray that you place your marriage in God’s hands, and that your love increases and overflows beyond anything you have yet imagined. AMEN

The Wedding Ceremony of
Scott Carpenter and Jennifer Berry
The Wigwam Resort Litchfield Park, Arizona
July 5, 1997 at 6:30 PM

Opening Words and the Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Tonight we have come together to be with Scott and Jennifer as they join their lives in holy matrimony. We have come to celebrate with them the making of a very special commitment. The essence of this commitment is to bring another into one’s life as a friend, a companion, and a lover.
The commitment of marriage sometimes demands going beyond the boundaries of the self alone; it means giving up personal desires for the needs of the other, or for the good of the relationship, but maintaining a balance so that neither feels overpowered or absorbed by the other.
Marriage is a transformation from the individual to the family. It symbolizes the giving of oneself as a companion for life- someone you can trust, someone who can listen and not judge; someone who can support and respect you. Marriage is the gift of giving yourself to share dreams and disappointments, achievements and defeats. It is a growing together — the task of making a strong and secure couple of the best that each person can be. This union between Scott and Jennifer is a bold step into the future, and in giving of oneself and sharing with each other, the love between these two will grow.

Words To The Couple:
This ceremony alone will not unite you in marriage. You must do that, by your mutual desire to love each other.
This tradition is a public celebration of the deep bond of love and devotion that exists within your hearts. A good marriage is built upon a relationship of love and respect. Essentially, to love is to hold one another’s best interest, first and foremost in your hearts; to recognize one another’s interests, desires, and needs, are no less important than one’s own. It is to live life together, feeling each other’s joys as if they were your own. When two people truly love one another, each wishes that the other is able to become everything he or she desires to be. love has a length, depth, and sincerity that is unmatched by any other emotion. It cannot be measured by time or circumstances.
Now, as you make your promises to each other, may this day be the beginning of a relationship that will grow and mature with each passing year- for it will be your love that will make the latter days warmer and more wonderful than the first. Real understanding of each other’s feelings will develop fully by sharing successes, failures, and years of intimacy.
You have found that special person who is your life partner. Your relationship will have to withstand many tests, trials, and challenges, and will provide you both with a life filled with precious memories. The experiences you share become the bond that keeps love and respect strong in the relationship. Tonight is a statement of your undying hope and timeless love.

Lighting of the Family Unity Candle

Marriage Vows

” Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
(Father stands, and says) “I Do”

Scott and Jennifer, please turn, face one another and hold hands. The hands you offer are extensions of yourselves. They link your mutual love. Cherish their touch, for you touch another’s heart and life as well.
The vows you are about to exchange serve as a verbal and public recognition of the love you have pledged to each other. it is only the words you speak today that will bond you together as one, but also the inner sense of love and commitment that those words help both of you feel within your souls.
Please repeat after me…

” I, Scott, take you, Jennifer, to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, whether near or far away. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you as long as we both shall live.”

” I, Jennifer, take you, Scott, to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, whether near or far away. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you as long as we both shall live.”

The Exchange of Rings/Ring Prayer

The rings, please…
The circle is the symbol for the Sun, the Earth, and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace. may these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here tonight., and forever serve as a sign of your love, faith, and commitment.

Bride and groom exchange rings… and repeat…
“With this ring, I thee wed.”

Prayer of Blessing/Presentation:

Let us pray…
Dear Lord, bless the union of these two hearts and lives in the sacred bond of marriage. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
To the Groom: Congratulations! You may kiss your bride!
To the families: “I would now like to present Lieutenant and Mrs. Scott Carpenter.”

The Wedding Service for
Ton Silver and Jeffrey Olsen
Stillington Hall, Gloucester, Mass.
July 2, 1994 4:00 p.m.

Prelude: from the soundtrack of the movie, “Cinema Paradiso”

Processional: The Oboe Suite from the movie, “The Mission”

Opening Words/Wedding Service The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta

Welcome everyone… Today, we come together to witness a precious union between two people. Remember, it is through such a union we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, honor and respect another human being.
Ton and Jeff thank all of you for coming here today to share this celebration with them. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and as members of their families, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you has unselfishly given of yourselves. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together.
With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for a lasting marriage. From this turning point and centering ceremony of marriage, they will begin to create Their united future. May the importance of being married inspire Ton and Jeff with new energy and invigorate them throughout their lives.
Also, it is their hope that today’s celebration will initiate a renewed commitment from all of you, to pursue love more, in your daily lives, and in all your caring relationships.

Words Of Appreciation and Affirmation

At this time, Jeff and Ton would like to acknowledge their parents, Val and Jack, Elaine and Toni’s grandmother Santa Rosa…. You have given them the affection and encouragement to arrive here today in peace, ready to follow in your loving examples. You have provided them with your caring support, everlasting guidance, constant strength, and open hearted understanding. From you, they have learned of love, and for this they are forever grateful.

Statement of Affirmation
I now ask your parents, this question:
” Do you celebrate this day with them, and do you willing approve, and give your blessing to their union?
“YES” or “Yes We Do”

Words To The Couple

Ton and Jeff, the spiritual capacity to grow closer together is before you today. Honesty must precede all your endeavors, while embracing all the complexity of two human spirits. Let the independence that brought each of you here and that will soon bring you together remain an essential part in your marriage. In creating that faithfulness and fortitude that preserves your marriage, you will learn many powerful things. It will make the good times will be easy and more joyous, and will allow the tough times to weave themselves in your hearts.
These lessons will add depth, and breadth to your feelings for one another. These experiences will color your lives, and the texture it will create, increases the value of your choice to be married. Together you will design a world of life and love.

On this day, you multiply life by the power of two. You will profess your love to each other before God, family and friends. It is a day when fairy tales and reality unite.

I ask that you understand that the declaration of wedding vows is to be a goal and an ideal; promised words and deeds that become a strong, reliable cornerstone from which you will begin to build a life together.

Delivering love from its polite and romantic abstractions and by dedication, empowering your devotion throughout daily living, is what marriage is all about. Therefore, let the daily attitude with which you approach your life, create the magic and the realism you have for each other.

Of the many ways each of you could choose to define yourselves, remember that your actions of love, to and for one another will best define those qualities that are most successful in marriage. In loving, we touch the feelings and the values that are both the most human, and the most holy.

Readings: Jeff’s reading for Ton; read by Jack Olden
Toni’s reading for Jeff; read by Elaine Journey

The Wedding Vows (to be repeated by Ton and Jeff)

Minister: (flowers) Jeff, Ton, will you please hold hands, and repeat your vows after me…

“I, Jeff, take you Ton as my wife, to honor and respect throughout the entire range of my life.
I take you as my friend, to cherish and care for,
as my companion, to entrust and inspire, and as my lover to discover and desire.
I promise to share my life and my dreams openly,
and speak the truth to you in love. My resolve comes from everything I know to be me.
I love you, Ton, and vow to do just that.”

” I, Ton, take you, Jeff, as my husband; to honor and respect throughout the entire range of my life.
I take you as my friend, to cherish and care for;
as my companion, to entrust and inspire, and as my lover to discover and desire.
I promise to share my life and my dreams openly,
and speak the truth to you in love. My resolve comes from everything I know to be me.
I love you, Jeff, and vow to do just that.”

Exchange of Rings

Minister: Do you, Ton and Jeff, recognize these vows as yours? Do you carry a solemn oath in your hearts to uphold them? Do you pledge these vows before God, family and friends, and do you willingly recognize each another as husband and wife?

What tokens do you offer as symbols of your eternal love?…
“THESE RINGS”

Bride and Groom: ” Jeff, wear this ring as a symbol of my love. Let it personify and strengthen your belief
and your trust in this union”

” Ton, wear this ring as a symbol of my love.
Let it personify and strengthen your belief and trust in this union.

Closing Blessing/Prouncement

” Out of this tangled world, O God, we ask that you strengthen Ton and Jeff in their passion, perservance and peace toward each other. Let the mysteries of life provide them with an awareness of You and of their own spirituality. From this moment on, let love rule the hearts and minds of both Ton and Jeff, and may it serve to deepen their understanding and compassion for each other.
Believing that this is your free choice and shared desire, by the power of God, and in the witness of your family, friends, through the laws of the state of Massachusetts,
I most happily pronounce that you are husband and wife!

Congratulations…

“YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!!!

Go in peace…

The Wedding Service for
Lisa Wolford and Ash Millar
Papago Park Ramada #9
April 16, 1997 5:00 PM

Opening Words and the Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Welcome, everyone! Today, we come together to witness a precious union between two people. It is through such a union that we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, honor, and respect another person.

Words To The Couple:

Lisa and Ash, the spiritual capacity to grow closer together is before you today. Honesty must precede all your endeavors, while embracing all the complexity of two human souls. Let the independence that brought each of you here and that will soon bring you together, remain an essential part of your marriage. In creating that faithfulness, and that fortitude that preserves and protects your marriage, you will learn many powerful things. These lessons will add depth and breath and height to your feelings for one another.
These experiences will fill the canvass of your lives, and give it both color and texture, which increases the value and the dimensions that are possible in your choice to be married. Together, you will design a world of life and love.
On this day, you will multiply your life by two. You will profess your love to each other before God, family and friends. I ask you to understand that this declaration of wedding vows serves you best as a goal and as an ideal; promised words and deeds that become a strong, reliable and trustworthy cornerstone that builds and supports your life together.

Delivering love from its polite and romantic abstractions, you empower a true sense of devotion and dedication throughout your days and years of living together , and it is that quality of caring that marriage is truly all about. Therefore, let your daily attitude, with which you approach your life, create the magic and the realism you have for each other.
Of the many ways each of you could choose to define yourselves, remember that your actions to and for one another will best define those qualities that are most successful in marriage. In loving, we touch the feelings and the values that are both the most human and the most holy.

The Wedding Vows:
Ash and Lisa, will please turn and face one another and hold hands…
and please repeat your wedding vows after me…

LISA: I , Lisa, take you, Ash, to be my wedded husband: to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and respect always. I promise you my absolute honesty, and complete devotion.

ASH: I, Ash, take you, Lisa, to be my wedded wife: to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and respect always. I promise you my absolute honesty, and complete devotion.

The Blessing and Exchange of Rings:

The Ring Prayer:

A circle is the symbol for the Sun, Earth and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever a symbol of your unbroken love. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Please take these rings, and repeat after me…

“WITH THIS RING, I THEE WED, AND PLEDGE MY ETERNAL LOVE”

PRONOUNCEMENT:

Lisa and Ash have chosen to be married here today, in God’s natural light and surroundings. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, and the wonder of nature that attends it, may we hope that Ash and Lisa’s marriage will bring them lasting peace, harmony, and true heartfelt contentment.
Now, in the recognition our your vows, and by the power invested in me, I gladly pronounce, that you are husband and wife.

Congratulations! You May Kiss The Bride!!!

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Prelude
Processional
First Candle Lightings Of Family Unity (mothers)

Opening Words and The Wedding Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Welcome everyone. Today we come together in this beautiful setting to witness the precious union of two people in holy matrimony. It is through such a covenant that we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, to honor, and to respect another human being.
In marriage, two people turn to one another in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a journey, and a transformation for a couple; it will require going from who they are now, to what they can become.
Marriage is one of the most important and a sacred commitment that two people can make during their lives. It is the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman- a flexible and intimate bonding; a closeness that seeks to maintain the individuality of each partner. For in a marriage of trust and growth, both individuals will need to remain free to seek out their own special gifts and make their personal contributions to our world, and as a part of the connection that strengthens them, share these experiences with one another, supporting and extending each others best interests and efforts.
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Words Of Appreciation To The Parents:

Meg and Chris thank all of you for attending and for sharing in this celebration of their marriage today. They particularly want to acknowledge their parents and thank them for their unconditional love and support throughout the years; to express to them the deep gratitude for the values and principles that have been bestowed on them. Each of you have been instrumental in helping them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people, and they will always be grateful to you for giving them a foundation and for the good example you have provided for them in throughout their lives.

Words To The Couple:

Meg and Chris, together you will create your own special world of life and love. Today you will profess your love for each other before God, family and friends. I ask that you consider the following words carefully, and that you remember them each day of your lives:
Your responsibilities in marriage are to listen, to talk, and to grow …
To listen comes first, because what the other person has to say matters deeply; To talk, because in expressing yourself, you also share yourself, and offer who you are and how you feel towards one another; To grow, because growing together will help you to achieve your dreams and support your mutual goals as husband and wife.

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Scriptural Readings:
The Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 13

Be ambitious for the higher gifts… And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them… If I have the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing.
If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but am without love, than I am nothing at all.
Love is always patient and kind; it is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.
Love does not come to an end.

The Gospel According to St. John Chapter 15

Jesus said to his disciples:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
I have told you this, so that my own joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment: Love one another, as I have loved you.” This is the Gospel of the Lord.

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Over the centuries and throughout many civilizations, it has been a mother’s special role to carry on their family’s identity and traditions.
As the keepers of their family’s flame, Mrs. Coppersmith and Mrs. Treon will now light the side candles representing the traditions, values and identity of each family….

The Statement of Intention:

Chris, before you exchange wedding vows with Me, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act of tours is your free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Chris, choose to be married to Me, and is this an act of your own free will?
IT IS.”

Me, before you exchange wedding vows with Chris, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act is you free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Me, choose to be married to Chris, and is this an act of your own free will?
“IT IS.”

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The Wedding Vows:
(Please turn and face one another and hold hands…)

“I, Chris, take you Me, as my wife; to love and respect, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, through the good times and bad times. I promise you my complete devotion, to share my life and my dreams openly, and to speak the truth to you always.”
Do you Chris, pledge these vows before God, family and friends, and do you willingly recognize Meg as your wife?

“I DO”

“I, Me, take you Chris, as my husband; to love and respect, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, through the good times and bad times. I promise you my complete devotion, to share my life and my dreams openly, and to speak the truth to you always.”
Do you Me, pledge these vows before God, family and friends, and do you willingly recognize Chris as your husband?
“I DO”

The Exchange of Rings/ Pastoral Blessing:

Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love and commitment? “THESE RINGS.” (Clergy receives both rings from best man…)

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The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth, and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace.
May these rings serve as a reminder of your unbroken and complete circle of love, for love freely given has no beginning and has no end. May these wedding rings also remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Chris, please take Meg’s left hand and repeat after me…

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love for you. Please accept this ring along with my commitment to always be at your side, and to share with you my thoughts, my love, and my life.
Chris slides the ring half way up Meg’s finger…

Me, please repeat these words after me…

“I accept this ring, and I will wear it proudly for all the days of my life. it will serve as a constant reminder of the life we have entered into today, and the future we will share together, from this day forward.”

Me, please take Chris’s left hand and repeat after me…

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love for you. Please accept this ring along with my commitment to always be at your side, and to share with you my thoughts, my love, and my life.”
Meg slides the ring half way up Chris’s finger…

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Chris, please repeat these words after me…

“I accept this ring, and I will wear it proudly for all the days of my life. it will serve as a constant reminder of the life we have entered into today, and the future we will share together, from this day forward.”

Blessing over the two hands and rings: Lord, bless and consecrate this couple and their love …
“In Nomine Patri, Fili, and the Spirtus Sancti” ;

The Unity Candle Of Marriage:

Over the centuries, light has always represented life, spirit, and hope. and throughout many civilizations, it has been a mother’s special role to carry on their family’s identity and traditions.
Previously, as the keepers of their family’s flame, Camille Coppersmith and Maryellen Treon will now light the side candles representing the traditions, values and identity of each family….
These candles symbolize the light that can be shared by two people who are in love. In lighting this Unity candle, Meg and Chris express the fusion of their two lives as one and the connection of their two hearts and souls into a united future. (Music)

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Pronouncement:
Meg and Chris have chosen to be married here today in God’s natural surroundings. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, and the awe of the beauty that attends it, may we join together in a silent prayer for their marriage- that it will bring to them a lasting peace, harmony, and heartfelt contentment.
Meg and Chris, you have chosen one another and promised your love and devotion by the exchange of rings. Now, in the recognition of your shared desire to unite your lives together in the witness of God, family, and friends, I happily pronounce that you are husband and wife…
Chris, you may kiss your bride…
Closing Words:

By a mutual commitment to love each other, to work toward creating an atmosphere of caring, consideration and respect; by your willingness to face together all the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, you can make your wedded life come alive. May this be the beginning of a relationship that will mature and strengthen with each passing year.
The wedding is not over, it has just begun…(Butterflies to be released…
Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Coppersmith…
Congratulations, go in peace….

An Inclusive Table Grace

Good and gracious God, the one reality , known by many names, yet present to us all,
We have gathered here and we pause to offer thanks for the start of another loving family in the marriage of Chris and Meg.
We, their family and friends have gathered her to celebrate, to remember, and to acknowledge the gifts of life and love that span and connect the generations.
We ask that Your graces be with this couple as they begin their lives in a special relationship to you, for you are the with them, and your covenant with them is their strength and their guide.
May the prayers and intentions of this marriage remain noble and blessed, and may it serve as a lasting inspiration for all of us. AMEN

The Wedding Service
for
Paulita Gundersen and Patrick Maradei
The Wrigley Mansion Phoenix, Arizona
December 28, 1997 10:30 AM

Opening Words, Welcome, and The Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

This morning, we have gathered here to share in one of the most memorable occasions that any two people can have, their wedding service. For Paulita and Patrick, this time shared with family and friends and before God, is a turning point: it marks both an ending and a new beginning.
In marriage , two people turn to one another in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a constant commitment of one’s whole self;
a commitment of body, mind, and spirit, of loyalty and love. It is from such dedication, that a lasting devotion allows their love to unfold and strengthen, blossoming more beautifully through each year of their days together. May Paulita and Patrick have the faith in one another and the confidence in themselves to nurture the new life that they have chosen- as husband and wife.
Today, Paulita and Patrick have stopped thinking of themselves as only individuals, and instead, have started to think of themselves as part of something greater. But this day is not simply about them, or just for them. Each of you, their cherished family and friends, are a vital part of their love and concern. Patrick and Paulita acknowledge and salute each and everyone of you who are here for all that you have given of yourselves over the years. They are deeply honored that you are here, and that you care in the way that you do. Thank You.

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Words To The Couple: A Marriage Homily
This ceremony alone will not unite you in marriage. Only you can do that by sustaining a mutual commitment to love each other and to work toward creating an atmosphere of consideration and respect. This ceremony is the public declaration of the deep bond of love and commitment that exists within your hearts.
A good marriage is built on such a relationship of love. For to love someone is essentially this: to hold one another’s best interests first and foremost in your hearts. It is to live life together, feeling each other’s sorrows and joys as if they were your own. When two people truly love one another, each wishes that the other can become everything that he or she desires to be.
Marriage is a sharing of your lives. As a result of that sharing, a true intimacy is created, and yours becomes one life-together. Within the strength of this togetherness, there is a freedom to maintain your individuality. Only by being true to yourselves, and expressing your individuality can each of you give of yourselves fully to the one whom you love.
We live in times that are beset with difficult problems, and because of this reality, you will need to act as an active support for one another; but remember, that marriage cannot be used as an escape from the world or its responsibilities, but it acts as a source of mutual strength for greater service to our world. Together, in marriage, you shall contribute to our world more fully. In turn, the lessons of love and life, wisdom and caring will bless and enrich you beyond what you thought was possible if you lived alone.

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Patrick and Paulita, I believe that it is no accident that your two souls have been drawn together for this sacred journey through life. Your souls will move toward the loving opportunity that marriage alone can become.
Marriage has within it, a special grace that can only be found in the company of a loved one, and it is sustained each day thereafter by a joint extension of your minds, the ripening of your souls, and the deepening of your heart’s affections. Paulita and Patrick, marriage is a companionship of respect, of a deep and abiding trust, and of a growing spirituality that will be asked of you from this day forward. May this companionship always serve to uplift and bless you.
To summarize the goals and intention of a true marriage, listen to these recommendations:
A good marriage must be created, for in marriage, the little things ARE the big things…
It means that you are never too old to hold hands
It is remembering to say ” I Love You” at least 1X a day
It is never going to sleep angry with one another. It is the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is a sharing of mutual values and holding of common objectives.
It is standing together to face the world. It is forming a circle of love that welcomes and gathers in the whole family and your true friends.
It is speaking words of appreciation and to express or demonstrate gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is giving one another an atmosphere where each other can change and grow.
It is the common search for the good and the beautiful in life and in one another.

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Words for Each Other- The Marriage Vows

I love Patrick’s sense of humor which never ceases to bring me
laughter and joy. His kind understanding and comfort for my most
difficult times , and most of all, the way he makes me feel loved at
all times. The pleasure of my life is in being with him.

I fell in love with Paulita the moment I saw her. Our years together
have been the greatest of my life. Her kindness and the love and
support she gives me is why I’m a very lucky and happy man.
The pleasure of my life is in being with her.

Exchange of Rings/Blessing ( minister receives rings…)

A circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe; of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever the symbol of the unbroken circle of your love.
Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver, for each is the giver, and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

“With this ring, I thee wed”

“With This ring I thee wed”

Patrick and Paulita, because you have chosen each other, and have promised each other your love and devotion, and have symbolized the same by the exchanging of rings, I now take you hands, bless you, and acknowledge to the world, that you are now husband and wife.

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Now you will feel no rain
for each of you shall be a shelter to the other

Now you will feel no cold
For each shall be warmth to the other

Now there is no loneliness
For each shall be companion for the other

Now you are two bodies
But there is only one life for you

Go now to your dwelling place
to enter into your days of togetherness

And may your days be good, and long upon the earth.

Pastoral Prayer/Closing Words:

Let us pray… Heavenly Father, send your blessings upon Patrick and Paulita, and bless the life that they will build. Keep them close, in mind and in heart. May their days together bring them all of life’s joys. May they grow together, helping each other to become all that each can be. May their marriage promote both security and serenity. And may the spirit of Your life, truth, and love be always theirs.
Holy One, look graciously upon them; strengthen them sufficently so that they might keep their vows and the covenant between them. May they love, honor, and cherish each other always. May the home they build be a haven of patience, a shelter of faithfulness, through Christ Jesus, our Lord. AMEN

Family and friends… I now gladly present to you,
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Maradei…. Congratulations!
YMKTB! Go in Peace….

The Marriage Ceremony for
Ellery Walde and Gerald Schauer
April 25th, 2008
The Unitarian Church in Charleston
The Rev. Fr. Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Prelude:

Processional

Parental Statement: Q: Who gives this woman to be married to this man? “Her Mother and I do”

Invocation:
+ In The Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit… Amen

Opening Words:
Blessings and Greetings… We are gathering here today to witness the marriage of Ellery and Gerry; we are here to celebrate their love, and to remember and affirm that this love can live within us all.
In marriage, two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either person could achieve alone. Marriage is a going forth; it is a bold step into a united future; marriage is risking who you are for what we can become.
Only by such giving can the mysterious process of personal growth ever take place. Only in loyalty and with a devotion that is freely bestowed on one another can that which is holy and eternal in all of life, emerge, become known, and then shared.
Two people, two who have previously stood apart, now come before us choosing to have one life together. Now, in your presence, and before God, they will declare their love. In this ceremony, we shall celebrate the love that has blossomed for Ellery and Gerry. We, too, can rejoice in that love, for it touches each of us who are here today.
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Acknowledgement: their parents, and those who have gone on before Ellery and Gerry are thrilled to have you all here today witnessing this special event in their lives. They would like to offer a special expression of gratitude to their parents and for the love and gjuidance they have shown them throughout their lives. Additionally, they would also like to lovingly acknowledge those friends and family who have gone before us but who remain in our hearts, and in faith, are here in spirit:
Donald John Schauer Sr., Dr. Peter Hastings, Dr. Jack M. Weiss, Colonel and Mrs. Robert Washburn, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lightfoot, Mr. Tello Vasquez

Scriptural Readings: Apocrapha Tobit 7 Ashley M. Walde
Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven!
Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her love, and she is your beloved. She is yours today and ever after. And tonight, son, may the Lord of heaven prosper you both. May he grant you mercy and peace.”
“Take her according to the Law; According to the decree written in the Book of Moses, that she is your wife. Take her and bring her back safely to your father. And may the God of heaven grant both of you peace and prosperity.”

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Epistle: Colossians Chapter 3 Quincy L. Walde
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Gospel: Matthew 5
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Prayer or Meditation Music – Gift of Love

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Statement of Intention(flowers… Please face one another, and hold hands…)
To Gerry: Will you promise to love and cherish this woman, now and forever; to give your solemn pledge to stay by her side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through good times and bad.
Will you promise to love her without reservation, to honor and respect her, to provide for her needs as best you can, to protect her from harm, and to comfort her in times of distress. Will you commit with her to a lifetime of continued love, respect, trust and friendship? “I Will”

To Ellery: Will you promise to love and cherish this man, now and forever; to give your solemn pledge to stay by his side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through good times and bad.
Will you promise to love him without reservation, to honor and respect him, to provide for his needs as best you can, to protect him from harm, and to comfort him in times of distress. Will you commit with him to a lifetime of continued love, respect, trust and friendship? “I Will”

Marriage Vows

“I, Ellery, take you Gerry to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, til death do us part.”

“I, Gerry, take you Ellery to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, til death do us part.”
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Blessing and Exchanging of Rings:

These rings are an outward symbol of the inner bond you now share. May they forever serve as a unending sign of your love, faith and committment.
May the blessing of marriage give you an abiding sense of security and serenity, placing the good of the relationship above the individual, for in God’s eyes, you are now of one life, one destiny,
to celebrate, affirm, and share… +

Bride and Groom exchange rings repeating this phrase:
“With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love.”

Pronouncement:
In as much as Ellery and gerry have come before us today, and professed their love and caring, loyaty and devotion to one another in the sight of friends, family and God, I now convey upon them the priviledges of marriage. Be the priviledge entrusted to me by the Holy Spirit, and by the State of Southj Carolina, I not pronounce that you are husband and wife…
YMKB… Congraulations… Go in peace…
Recessional Sonata in D

Scriptural Readings: Apocrapha Tobit 7 Ashley M. Walde
Your marriage to her has been decided in heaven!
Take your kinswoman; from now on, you are her love, and she is your beloved. She is yours today and ever after.
And tonight, son, may the Lord of heaven prosper you both! May he grant you mercy and peace.”
“Take her according to the Law; According to the decree written in the Book of Moses, that she is your wife. Take her, and bring her back safely to your father. And may the God of heaven grant both of you peace and prosperity.”

Epistle: Colossians Chapter 3 Quincy L. Walde
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… Bearing with one another and forgiving one another… If one has a grievance against another, as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also forgive.
And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called, in one body.
And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, and as in all wisdom, teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

The Wedding Service
For
Meggan Slack and Christopher Lynch
September 12, 2004 1:00 PM
Pequot Chapel, New London, CT

Prelude
Processional
First Candle Lighting of Family Unity (All Parents)

Opening Words and The Wedding Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Words of Appreciation and Affirmation:

Meggan and Christopher wanted me to thank all of you for coming here today, to share in their celebration. The history you bring for this couple, as their friends and family members, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you has unselfishly given of yourselves. You have helped them arrive here today as happy, healthy and loving people; people willing and ready to share their lives together. They are grateful for the values that have been bestowed and the examples that have been given to them from those who have loved and nurtured them all along life’s way.
Let us, in the midst of hope for this couple’s future, also lovingly acknowledge the memory of those who could not be present, but whose spirit and effects remain with us. Their lives and the values they have instilled will always be cherished. Meggan and Christopher believe and know that they would be pleased and are watching over all of us today.

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Words To the Couple:

Selected Readings:
The Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 13
(Read by Meggan’s Brothers Jeffrey and Gregory Slack)

Be ambitious for the higher gifts… And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them… If I have the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophesy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but am without love, than I am nothing at all.
Love is always patient and kind; it is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.
Love does not come to an end.

Poem (Read by Meggan’s Sister-in-laws Elizabeth Brizzolara & Holly Slack)

The Gospel According to St. John, Chapter 15 (Read by Fr. Peter)

Jesus said to his disciples:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
I have told you this, so that my own joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment: Love one another, as I have loved you.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.

The Statement of Intention:
Christopher, before you exchange wedding vows with Meggan, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act of your is your free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Christopher, choose to be married to Meggan, and is this an act of your own free will?
“It is.”

Meggan, before you exchange wedding vows with Christopher, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act of your is your free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Meggan, choose to be married to Christopher, and is this an act of your own free will?
“It is.”

(Please turn and face on another and hold hands…)

“I Christopher, take you Meggan, as my wife; to love and respect, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, through the good times and bad times. I promise you my complete devotion, to share my life and my dreams openly, and to speak the truth to you always.”
Do you Christopher, pledge these vows before God, family and friends, and do you willingly recognize Meggan as your Wife?
“I DO”

“I Meggan, take you Christopher, as my husband; to love and respect, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, through the good times and bad times. I promise you my complete devotion, to share my life and my dreams openly, and to speak the truth to you always.”
Do you Meggan, pledge these vows before God, family and friends, and do you willingly recognize Christopher as your Husband?
“I DO”

The Exchange of Rings/Pastoral Blessing:
Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love and commitment?
“These Rings” (Fr. Peter Receives both rings from best man…)

The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth, and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace. May these rings serve as a reminder of your unbroken and complete circle of love, for love freely given has no beginning and has no end. May these wedding rings also remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Christopher, please take Meggan’s left hand and repeat after me…
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love for you. Please accept this ring along with my commitment to always be at your side, and to share with you’re my thoughts, my love, and my life”
Christopher slides the ring half way up Meggan’s finger…

Meggan, please repeat these words after me…
“I accept this ring, and I will wear it proudly for all the days of my life. It will serve as a constant reminder of the life we have entered into today, and the future we will share together, from this day forward.”

Meggan, please take Christopher’s left hand and repeat after me…

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love for you. Please accept this ring along with my commitment to always be at your side, and to share with you’re my thoughts, my love, and my life”
Meggan slides the ring half way up Christopher’s finger…

Christopher, please repeat these words after me…

“I accept this ring, and I will wear it proudly for all the days of my life. It will serve as a constant reminder of the life we have entered into today, and the future we will share together, from this day forward.”

Blessing over the two hands and rings:
Lord, bless and consecrate this couple and their love…
“In Nomine Patri, Filli, and the Spirtus Sancti”

The Lighting of the Unity Candle:
Earlier in the service, the parents of Christopher and Meggan lit candles that signify the tradition, heritage, and generations of the family that are being united at this wedding ceremony. Each marriage represents a blending and unifying of families, and the light of these two candles represents the gifts and graces that these two families can now give and share with each other, and offer to the new generation to come. Now Meggan and Christopher will light the candle of unity in marriage. This act symbolizes the spirit and the future of a new family that they begin here tonight.
As a unity candle, it represents the strength that each has received from their own families and the promise of light and love and compassion and caring they now bring and share with one another.

Pronouncement:

Meggan and Christopher have chosen to be married here today. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, and the awe of the beauty that attends it, may we join together in a silent prayer for their marriage – that it will bring to them a lasting peace, harmony and heartfelt contentment.
Meggan and Christopher, you have chosen one another and promised your love and devotion by the exchange of rings. Now, in the recognition of your shared desire to unite your lives together in the witness of God, family, and friends, I happily pronounce that you are husband and wife…
Christopher, you may kiss your bride…

Closing Words:

By a mutual commitment to love each other, to work toward creating an atmosphere of caring, consideration and respect; by your willingness to face together all the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, you can make your wedded life come alive. May this be the beginning of a relationship that will mature and strengthen with each passing year.
The wedding is not over, it has just begun…
Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lynch…
Congratulations, go in peace…

The Service of Holy Matrimony for
Katherine Frances Dean and Christopher Wayne Dusse’
The Westchase Golf Club
October 28, 2000 3:00 PM
Prelude:
Processional: Watermark – ENYA Canon in ‘D’ — Pachelbel

Opening Words and the Ceremony:
The Reverend Father Peter Edward Lanzillotta, OSB, Ph.D.
+ (In the Name of…) Welcome, to all the friends of the Spirit, the holy and universal presence that in us and with us and that blesses each of us who are gathered here this afternoon….…
Today, Katherine and Christopher come before their families and friends to acknowledge and publicly declare the beginning of their lives together. Through marriage, this very special and precious union, Katherine and Christopher will commit to sharing the triumphs and challenges they will face together for the rest of their lives.
They wish to thank all of you for coming here today – the history all of you bring together for them, as friends and members of their families, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can and will become as a couple. You have helped them to arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people; two individuals who are willing and ready to share their lives together. For that love and encouragement all along life’s way, they say “thank you” with all their hearts.

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Thanks to Parents
A parent’s love is like no other… It represents years of unselfish caring, guidance, discipline and maybe more than anything else, giving them a lasting example of what it means to be a loving couple. Because of this example, they have set for both Katherine and Christopher, they would like to offer them a special token of their love and gratitude….
Selected Reading #1 : “The Greatest Thing”
The Epistle to the Corinthians I:13
“Love is patient. Love is kind, and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited or rude, never selfish, nor quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs – does not gloat of other’s sins, but delights only in the truth. There is nothing that love cannot face: There is no limit to its faith, hope or endurance.
In a word, there are three things that will last forever: faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love.”

Selected Reading #2: Make Not a Bond of Love- Kahlil Gibran
The Christian and mystical poet, Kahlil Gibran used these words to describe the essence of marriage and relationships when he said:
“Love one another, but make not a bond of love; rather let it be like a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Give your hearts, but not into one another’s keeping, for only the land of the living can hold your hearts. Laugh, Sing, and Dance together, but also let each other be alone, just as the strings of a violin or a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

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Be together, but not too close together, for the pillars of a temple stand apart so that they can hold up, and the oak and the cypress do not grow in each other’s shadows.

“Remain in My Love”
+ Reading From the Gospel according to St. John 15: 9-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father has loved me so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Words to the Couple:
Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman. Yet the closeness from this union should not diminish, but strengthen the individuality of each partner. For it is our uniqueness and our individual identity that transcends our short existence here and therefore must be preserved.
The commitment of marriage sometimes demands going beyond the boundaries of the self alone; it means giving up one’s personal desires for the needs of the other or for the good of the relationship. Yet there is the necessity of always maintaining a delicate but resilient balance, so that neither partner feels overpowered or absorbed by the other. Out of respect or both the value of their union and the value of their separateness, a mature and healthy love is born and will always thrive.

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The Wedding Vows/Statement of Intention:
Katherine and Christopher, please turn, face one another and hold hands. Recognize that the hand offered by each of you is an extension of yourself, which now links your mutual love.
Cherish its touch, for you have touched each other’s hearts and lives. Be sensitive to its pulse, as it is your hearts beating together.

Q: Katherine and Christopher will you take one another as husband and wife? Will you love, cherish and respect one another? Will you trust one another always? Will you stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience and love?
“We Will.”
Please now repeat these words after me:

Katherine — “From this day forward, I, Katherine, take you, Christopher Wayne, to be my lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

Christopher — “From this day forward, I, Christopher, take you, Katherine Frances, to be my lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

What do you offer as a sign of your love and fidelity?
“These Rings”

5 The Ring Prayer/Exchange of Rings:

The ring is a symbol for unity, wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever the symbol of the unbroken circle of your love.
Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and receiver.
May these rings remind you always of the gifts of love and the vows you have exchanged here today.
We ask that a special blessing be placed upon these rings so that this couple will be ever conscious of the love they are capable of holding and nurturing in each other.
Priest blesses the rings with holy oil ….

Bride and Groom alternate saying…
“With This Ring, I Thee Wed”

Blessing and Presentation of the rings….. +

Pastoral Charge to the Couple:
The excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is in having someone with whom to explore and discover it. When you look into each other’s eyes, may you not only see the love you have for one another, but all your hopes and dreams of tomorrow, and may you find something to treasure in every moment you are together.
Only you two can truly marry yourselves. And you can achieve this by your mutual commitment to love each other and to work toward creating an atmosphere of caring, consideration and respect – and by your willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life…
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Katherine and Christopher, one of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s growth – growth in values, character, and in services to one another and to our world. A vital part of this commitment is the willingness to forgive and to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person whose love grows as their ego and fears diminish.
Pronouncement:
May Katherine and Christopher, now married, keep this covenant with God and with one another which they have made. May they be a blessing and a comfort to each other; share each other’s joys, counsel each other through times of sorrow, and help each other in all aspects of their lives. May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. Yet may they not only accept and give affection between themselves, but together have affection and consideration for others.
In recognition of your desire to unite your hearts and lives in mutual love and affection, and by the power and authority that is vested in me, I gladly pronounce that you are now husband and wife.

Congratulations! You may kiss the bride.

Ladies and Gentleman, it is my privilege to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wayne Dusse’.

Benediction: Go in Peace…

Recessional….

Lorson – Ramos Wedding Ceremony
Saybrook Point Inn
Saybrook, Connecticut
Sunday, September 21, 2003

Musical Prelude: The Sanders Trio Musical ensemble
Processional: Sanders Trio
Opening Words by Fr. Peter
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of God, and of these much-loved family members and friends, to join together Eduardo and Jennifer in holy matrimony, and to celebrate with them their union. To marry the person you have your heart set upon is a joy unparalleled in human life. These two are truly blessed.
As his servant, I am merely His representative in this ceremony. God is the true Priest who will unite you as husband and wife. And as your true Priest, He will be with you as you greet the joys and challenges that each day of your new life together will bring. So, I encourage you to take full advantage of His loving and guiding presence.

Giving Away of the Bride
Fr. Peter: Who gives Jennifer to be united with Eduardo?

Dad: Her mother and I (places Jenny’s hand in Fr. Peter’s).

Fr. Peter: Mr. and Mrs. Lorson, Mrs. Ramos, are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding Jennifer and Eduardo with your support and concern?
Mom and Dad and Mrs. Ramos: We do.

Fr. Peter: Please be seated.

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Opening Prayer by Fr. Peter
Lord, we come to you as your children, as one, and ask that your Holy Spirit be felt by all those present today. We worship You, Lord, and ask that You bless this service. This we all pray in the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Readings:
Reading 1: A reading from the Apostle Paul, the first Letter to the Corinthians
(1 Corinthians 13:4-10)
Reader TBD
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
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Reading 2 “You Were Born Together” by Kahlil Gibran
Reader TBD
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. …

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Love one another but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one
another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone, even as
the strings of the lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the land of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together, for the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

Reading 3 “Con Ella” by Pablo Neruda
Reader: Ricardo Ramos Tremolada
Como es duro este tiempo, espérame: vamos a vivirlo con ganas.
Dame tu pequeñita mano: vamos a subir y sufrir, vamos a sentir y saltar.
Somos de nuevo la pareja que vivió en lugares hirsutos, en nidos ásperos de roca.
Como es largo este tiempo, espérame con una cesta, con tu pala, con tus zapatos y tu ropa. Ahora no necisitamos no sólo para los claveles, no sólo para buscar miel:
necisitamos nuestras manos para lavar y hacer el fuego, y que se atreva el tiempo duro
a desafiar el infinito de cuatro manos y cuatro ojos.

Reading 4 “With Her” by Pablo Neruda
Reader: Cristiaan Lorson

This time is difficult. Wait for me. We will live it out vividly. Give me your small hand:
we will rise and suffer, we will feel, we will rejoice. We are once more the pair who lived in bristling places, in harsh nests in the rock.
This time is difficult. Wait for me with a basket, with a shovel, with your shoes and your clothes.
Now we need each other, not only for the carnations’ sake, not only to look for honey-
we need our hands to wash with, to make fire. So let our difficult time stand up to infinity with four hands and four eyes.
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Gospel Reading: Fr. Peter + This is a reading from The Gospel According to St. John (15:12 –16)
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Fr. Peter: This is the word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.

Statement of Intent:
Fr. Peter: Jennifer, is your true desire and intent to be united each to the other, at this time and in this company, as partners in life and love? As Eduardo’s wife, will you cherish, encourage, and support him in whatever life may bring you? If so answer, “I will.”
Jenny: I will.

Fr. Peter: Eduardo, is your true desire and intent to be united each to the other, in this time and in this company, as partners in life and love? As Jennifer’s husband, will you cherish, encourage, and support her in whatever life may bring you? If so answer, “I will.”

Eduardo: I will.

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Wedding Vows
Fr. Peter: Let us pray for this man and this woman as they make their marriage vows.

Father, as Eduardo and Jennifer have chosen each other, help them and bless them, that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Vow Exchanges
Jenny: I come here today, Eduardo, to join my life to yours before this gathering. In their presence, I pledge to be true and faithful to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may test us; whatever we encounter together, I vow here that this love will be my only love, and that you will be my one true companion for life. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.

Eduardo: Today, Jenny, I join my life to yours not only as your husband,
but also as your confidant and your best friend. I pledge to you my love, respect, and fidelity. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the one true companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward.

Ring Blessing
Fr. Peter: (Fr. Peter gets the bride’s ring from the best man)

The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Eduardo and Jennifer have made to one another. Lord, please bless these rings, that Jennifer and Eduardo, who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace, and may live together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives.

Ring Exchanges
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Eduardo: With this ring, I thee wed.
Jenny: With this ring, I thee wed.
Fr. Peter: Let us pray.
Father, we pray for all married people, that they may continue to give, be able to forgive, and experience more of the joy of the Lord with each passing day. And especially for Eduardo and Jennifer, now beginning their married life together, that they may have divine assistance, the constant support of family and friends, and a long life with good health. May your fullest blessing come upon Jennifer and her husband Eduardo, from this day forward, for ever and ever, Amen.

May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new lives you will now build together, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness. May the Lord bless you both all the days of your lives and fill you with His joy. Amen.
(Fr. Peter joins their right hands together)
Those, whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. In so much as Eduardo and Jennifer have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, having given and pledged each to the other, and having exchanged rings, I now pronounce them husband and wife.

Now seal the promises that you have made to each other with a kiss.
Ladies and gentleman, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ramos Tremolada.

Now let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Closing Words / Benediction
We thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day, and ask that your blessings be bestowed upon this couple from this day forth, as they begin their new life together. Amen. +

The Service of Holy Matrimony
For
Jennifer Williams and Christopher Cadoret
March 17, 2001
Satellite Beach, Florida

Prelude
Processional

Opening Words and the Wedding Ceremony:

Welcome Everyone. Today we come together in this beautiful setting to witness the union of two people in holy matrimony. It is through such a covenant that we can discover the very essence of the human capacity to love, to honor, and to respect another human being.

In marriage, two people turn to one another in search of greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a journey, and a transformation for a couple; it will require going from who they are now, to what they can become.

Words of Appreciation to the Parents:

Christopher and Jennifer thank all of you for attending and for sharing in this celebration of their marriage today. They particularly want to acknowledge their parents and thank them for their unconditional love and support throughout the years; to express to them the deep gratitude for the values and principles that have been bestowed on them. Each of you have been instrumental in helping them arrive here today as happy, healthy and loving people, and they will always be grateful to you for giving them a foundation and for the good example you have provided for them throughout their lives.

Words to the Couple:

Christopher and Jennifer, together you will create your own special world of life and love. Today you will profess your love for each other before God, family and friends. I ask that you consider the following words carefully, and that you remember them each day of your lives:
Your responsibilities in marriage are to listen, to talk and to grow…
To listen comes first, because what the other person has to say matters deeply; To talk, because in expressing yourself, you also share yourself, and offer who you are and how you feel towards one another; To grow, because growing together will help you to achieve your dreams and support mutual goals as husband and wife.

Scriptural Readings:

read by Carrie Barczewski

Gospel reading: John 17

The Statement of Intention:

Christopher, before you exchange vows with Jennifer, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act is your free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family, and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Christopher, choose to be married to Jennifer, and is this an act of your own free will?

IT IS

Jennifer, before you exchange vows with Christopher, and enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, I want to be assured that this act is your free and willing choice. So, now, in front of God, family, and friends, I ask you this question: Do you, Jennifer, choose to be married to Christopher, and is this an act of your own free will?

IT IS

The Wedding Vows: (Please turn to face one another and hold hands…)

“I, Christopher, take you Jennifer, to be my wife from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come, and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.”

Do you Christopher, pledge these vows before God, family and friends?

I DO

“I, Jennifer, take you Christopher, to be my husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come, and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.”
Do you Jennifer, pledge these vows before God, family and friends?
I DO

The Exchange of Rings/Pastoral Blessing

What do you offer as a symbol of your love and commitment

THESE RINGS (clergy receives both rings from best man)

The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings serve as a reminder of your unbroken and complete circle of love, for love freely given has no beginning and no end. May these wedding rings also remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Christopher, please take Jennifer’s left hand and repeat after me…

“As a symbol of my love for you my commitment to you throughout our lives, I give you this ring in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Jennifer, please take Christopher’s left hand and repeat after me…

“As a symbol of my love for you my commitment to you throughout our lives, I give you this ring in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Blessing over the two hands and rings;
Lord, bless and consecrate this couple and their love
“In Nomine Patri, Fili, and the Spirtus Sancti”

Pronouncement:
Jennifer and Christopher have chosen to be married here today in God’s natural surroundings. As we breathe in this moment of happiness, and the awe of the beauty that attends it, may we join together in a silent prayer for the their marriage – that it will bring them a lasting peace, harmony, and heartfelt contentment.
Jennifer and Christopher, you have chosen one another and promised your love and devotion by the exchange of rings. Now, in the recognition of your shared desire to unite your lives together in the witness of God, family and friends, I happily pronounce that you are husband and wife…
Christopher, you may kiss your bride.

Closing Words:

The wedding is not over, it has just begun.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce for the very first time,
Mr and Mrs. Cadoret.

Congratulations, go in peace.

The Wedding Ceremony for
Amy Christine Langholdt and Charles Curtis Coughlin
The Grace Inn @ Ahwatukee, Arizona
August 23, 1997 5:00 PM

Opening Words and The Ceremony:
The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Wedding ceremony for Amy and Curtis…

Q: Who gives permission and their blessing to their daughter for this wedding service?
A: “Her Mother and I Do.”

Amy and Curtis would first like to acknowledge their parents, Dennis and Mary Kay, Ron and Cathy… You have given them the affection and the encouragement to arrive here today in peace, ready and willing to follow your loving examples. You have provided them with your caring support, everlasting guidance, constant strength, and your openhearted understanding. From you, they have learned how to love, and for this they will be forever grateful…
( Bride and groom offer flowers to their parents…)

Amy and Curtis also wanted me to thank all of you for coming here today to share in their celebration. The history you bring to this moment, as their friends and family members, defines much of who they are as individuals, and what they can become as a couple. Each of you have unselfishly given of yourselves. You have helped them to arrive here, today, as happy and healthy, loving people. Thank you.

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Words To The Couple:
Amy and Curtis, many paths have led you to this destination; to this special time and place where you will soon pledge that you belong to each other. Your travels and travails, with all of its twists and turns, have brought you to a place, and has prepared to begin a shared journey together, for the rest of your lives.
Your dreams are something you have never compromised, and the dream of having a relationship that is special, loving, and fulfilling has never been more true or real than it is today. On this day of your marriage, you stand within the charmed circle of your love, and this is as it should be.
Now, as you are ready to make your promises to one another, we all hope and wish that this day will become the beginning of a relationship that will grow and deepen, expand and mature with each passing year. For it will be your love for one another that will make the latter days warmer and more wonderful than the first.

Selected Readings: St. Paul On Love- 1 Cor. 13
Love is patient, love is kind and envies no one. Love is neither boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but only delights itself in the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Three things abide forever: Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is Love.
from 1 Cor. 13 NEB; NRSV

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The Promises of Marriage
Marriage is the promise of companionship, of having someone to share all of life’s experiences.
Marriage does not promise that there will not be any
rough times, just the assurance that there will always be someone who cares and will help you through to better times.
Marriage does not promise you eternal romance, just eternal love and commitment.
Marriage can’t prevent disappointments, disillusionment, or grief; but it can offer hope, acceptance, and comfort.
Marriage can’t protect you from making individual choices, or shelter you from the world. But it will help to reassure you that there is someone by your side who truly cares.
When the world hurts you and makes you feel vulnerable, marriage offers the promise that there will be someone waiting to listen, to console and inspire.
Marriage is the joining of two people who share the promise that only marriage can make- to share the sunshine and the shadows, and to experience a richer, more fulfilling life because of it. Bettie Meeks

The Wedding Vows (the couple follow the clergyman up on the platform …)
Amy and Curtis, please turn, face one another and hold hands… ( Bride passes her flowers to her maid of honor… )
The hands offered by the two of you are extensions of yourselves… in their touch, they link and connect your mutual love. Cherish their touch, for when you touch hands, you can touch another’s heart another’s soul as well. Be sensitive to its pulse. Seek always to understand its flow and respect its rhythms.

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Amy and Curtis, when you take one another as husband and wife, you must love and respect each other. You must trust one another always, and be worthy of the trust that another person and another heart places in you. You will need to stand by each other, and be willing to face whatever may come into your lives with strength, patience, fortitude and open to learning the lessons of faith and grace.

Bride: I, Amy, take you, Curtis, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

Groom: I, Curtis, take you, Amy, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

The Ring Prayer and The Exchange of Rings
Q: What do you offer as a symbol of your love and fidelity?
A: ” These Rings ” ( Clergy receives the rings from the best man… )

The circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. It is a sign for wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever the symbol of the unbroken circle of your love.
Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love freely given has no giver and has no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

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Bride: With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love …

Groom: With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my faithful love …

Clergy now blesses the rings… “In nomini Patri, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti… Amen”

The Lighting Of The Unity Candle
The Bride and groom step over to the candles…
Light has always symbolized life, spirit, and hope. This candle symbolizes the inner light that can be shared by two people who love. In the lighting of the unity candle, Amy and Curtis express the merging of their two families, and their two families as one. In this act, we acknowledge the connection of two hearts and the entry of two souls into a united and shared future.

A Love Poem Of Togetherness ( from the Apache wedding ceremony)
Now you will feel no rain, for each shall be shelter to the other.
Now you shall feel no cold, for each shall be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each shall be a companion to the other
Now there are two bodies, but there is only one life between you.
Go, now to your dwelling place, to enter into the days of your togetherness, and may your days be good and long upon the earth.

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The Pronouncement, Benediction, and Introduction

Amy and Curtis, because you have chosen each other and have promised each other love and devotion, and have symbolized this covenant by accepting these wedding rings, by the authority invested in me by God, the State, and in the witness of your family and friends, I gladly pronounce, that you are now, husband and wife. Congratulations!
Curtis, you may kiss your bride…

“Yaw kole Adonai barak shamar…” May the Lord Bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his peace to shine upon you. May he life up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Curtis Coughlin Congratulations, and go in peace…

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Prelude
Processional

Opening Words and the Words of the Ceremony: The Reverend Peter Edward Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Welcome…. Tonight we have come together to be with Ralph and Alexandra as they begin their married lives. It is through our participation as witnesses that Alex and Ralph help us to renew our faith in the human capacity to love, to honor and to respect another human being- for this covenant is the essence of marriage.
The union between a husband and wife is a unity of heart, mind and body that was intended by God and is for their mutual inspiration and joy. It is a genuine quality of togetherness that gives support and comfort to one another and that can uphold their bonds and hold them close to one another through both prosperity and adversity- throughout all the situations and circumstances of human life.
Therefore, marriage is not intended to be entered into lightly, or without sufficient forethought, insight and wisdom…. It is intended to be established and upheld consciously and deliberately. The promise and vows of marriage depend on our reverence and our respect: Our reverence for God and what is holy, and our respect and caring for one another.
As a special part of this service, Ralph and Alex would first like to thank their family and their friends for traveling so far so that they could share in this happy occasion. Also, they would like to offer a special thanks to Alex’s parents who have been so gracious and so supportive, patient, and helpful in their efforts so that this day will be so memorable….

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Because a wedding service connects families and hearts in a timeless way, we also ask each person here pause for a moment in prayer to remember those who we wished could be here among us. We especially recall Scott, Alex’s brother, and Ralph and Rose, Ralph’s parents. We know that if they were with us now, they would approve of the love that we see, and the dedication and devotion that is present in the start of this new family….. AMEN
Words To The Couple:
Ralph and Alex, I believe that it was no accident that your souls have been drawn together for this lifelong sacred journey- that heartfelt pathway which is a living opportunity that your marriage can become. Marriage has within it, a special grace that can only be found in being with a loved one. This involves living each day hereafter as a joint expression of your minds, the ripening of your souls, and the deepening of your heart’s affections. Alex and Ralph, marriage is the companionship that is based on an abiding mutual trust, and it grows from an understanding of spirituality. May this companionship always serve to uplift and bless you, and be an inspiration for the children who will live with you.
The excitement of your future lives is nurtured by the mystery it holds;
And its beauty is fed by having someone to explore with and discover its answers. When you look into one another’s eyes, you see not only the love you have for one another, but you also see all your hopes and dreams for tomorrow, and the promise that you will learn to treasure every moment that you are together.

Selected Readings: ” On Loving” and “The Dance of Relationships”
As Rainer Maria Rilke put it in his Letters To A Young Poet:
“For one human being to love another, that perhaps is the hardest of all our tasks; its life’s ultimate test or proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation…. Love…. Is a high inducement to the individual to ripen, to become something in themselves, to become…. A world to him or herself, for another’s sake. Human love consists of this; that two solitude’s protect and touch and greet each other.”
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“The deep knowledge of another is not something that can be achieved in
a short time. Real understanding of the other feelings can develop fully only with years of intimacy. This wonderful knowledge of another person grows of really caring for the other, sharing not only joys and successes, but also the burden of sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is a priceless thing. While marriage is the intimate sharing of two lives, it can yet enhance the differences and individuality of each partner.
A good relationship has a pattern, like a dance, and is built on some of the same rules. The partners do not need to hold on tightly, because they move confidently in the same pattern, intricate but happy and swift and free.
To touch heavily would be to arrest the pattern, and freeze the movement;
to check the endlessly changing beauty of its unfolding. There is no place here for the clinging arm, and heavy hand; only the barest touch in passing. Now, arm in arm; now face to face; now, back to back, it does not matter which, because they know they are partners moving to the same rhythm, creating a pattern together, and being invisibly nourished by it.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh from Gifts from the Sea
Family Pledge
Before we get to the marriage vows, there is a need to establish the bonds of a new family by including each adult , and both of the children
in this new relationship. Jennifer, Scott’s daughter, and Taylor and Tory, Alex’s children will also be a part of a new family. From this day forward, there will be a bond created and shared….. I ask you now, “Will you support Alex and Ralph in their new life together? Will you love, cared for and respect each other as sisters and brother? Will you love, honor and care for each other as a new family?
” WE WILL”

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The Wedding Vows (Please turn, face one another and hold hands….)
Ralph and Alex, will you take one another as husband and wife? Will you love and respect one another? Will you trust one another, always? Will stand by one another and face whatever may come with strength, patience and love?
“WE WILL”

I, Alex, from this day forward, I choose you, Ralph, as my friend,
my confidant, my lover, to be my husband…. I give myself to you, the good with the bad, to build our lives together, and to share our future, whatever it may bring. I will cherish all the seasons of life that we will share together.
I vow to laugh with you in the good times, to grieve with you in sorrow, to share with you all that is the essence of me… And to help you to bring out the best in you through my encouragement, my understanding, trust, respect and above all else, my love.

I, Ralph, from this day forward, I choose you, Alex, as my friend,
my confidant, my lover, to be my wife…. I give myself to you, the good with the bad, to build our lives together, and to share our future, whatever it may bring.
I will cherish all the seasons of life that we will share together.
I vow to laugh with you in the good times, to grieve with you in sorrow, to share with you all that is the essence of me… And to help you to bring out the best in you through my encouragement, my understanding, trust, respect and above all else, my love.

The Exchange and Blessing of The Rings:
Q: What do you offer as your pledge of love and loyalty?
“THESE RINGS”
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A circle is the symbol fro the Sun, the Earth, and the universe. It is the image of wholeness, perfection and peace. May these rings be forever a symbol of your unbroken love. Love that is freely given has no beginning and has no end. Love that is freely given has no giver and has no receiver , for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken her tonight….
Alex: ” I offer you this ring as a sign of my enduring love, knowing that love is precious and fragile, yet strong. I ask you to take this ring and wear it, so that all might know that you are touched by my love.”
Ralph: ” I offer you this ring as a sign of my enduring love, knowing that love is precious and fragile, yet strong. I ask you to take this ring and wear it, so that all might know that you are touched by my love.”

Pronouncement:
Ralph and Alex have chosen to be married this evening in this simple setting made glorious by the presence of their family and friends. ….
They feel both the beauty of their love, and the warmth and support from each of you and are thankful. …
May Ralph and Alex’s marriage bring them peace and contentment. Security and serenity, growth and grace…. May their marriage be resilient and grow ever stronger throughout their years together, and may all who love them and live with them and share in friendship and feel mutually blessed….
Now, in the glad recognition of your desire to link your lives and hearts in true affection, I pronounce that you are husband and wife….
Ralph, you may kiss your bride!
Ladies and gentlemen… Ralph and Alex Scott! Congratulations!

A toast by Jim and Dave….

The Wedding Ceremony for
Erin Marie Shekan and Edmund Read
Charlestown Landing
May 25, 2008
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.

Opening Words:

Good Evening, and welcome to all the family and friends of Erin Marie and Edmund who have come together from great distances to be with us here tonight…
Welcome to this celebration of love and romance. We meet here in the evening light and springtime warmth of this garden setting to witness a special event- a time when two souls will be joined as one- in the company of family, friends, in the presence of God, and in the loving regard and graces of those souls who cannot be with us.
The union of husband and wife is a unity of heart, of mind, and body, intended for their mutual inspiration and joy. It is a togetherness that gives support and comfort to one another in prosperity and adversity, in all situations and circumstances of human life. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into lightly, or without sufficient insight and wisdom, but it is to be established, and then upheld deliberately in an abiding respect for one another.

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Edmund and Erin thank all of you for coming here tonight to share in this union. The history you bring together for this couple, as their friends and family, defines much of who they are as individuals and what they can become as a couple.
They are grateful for the enduring values that have been bestowed and examples that have been given to them from those who have loved and nurtured them along life’s way. With and through these intimate associations of the past, they have been given a solid foundation for a lasting marriage.

Readings: #1
An excerpt from “The Master Speed” by Robert Frost
Two such as you with such a master speed
Cannot be parted, nor be swept away
From one another, once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore,
Together, wing to wing, and oar to oar.

#2
What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together? Joined, but not restrained, in order to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the creation of silent unspoken memories.
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Words to the couple:

Erin and Edmund, you have come a long way to reach this moment. You know one another well, that is why you are here among family and friends to celebrate your marriage.
Yet you still have a long way to go, and much to discover about each other, and the forces that bind you to one another, to your families and to your friends.

I repeat, the sacred bond of marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but I think you know this. A good marriage is a relationship of love. Essentially, to love is to have another’s best interests in one’s heart always and foremost. It is to live in the life of that person, feeling his or her joys and sorrows as if they were your own.

From this day forward, you must unite. You must love, trust, and support one another but at the same time, your love should give you the strength to stand apart, to seek out your unique destiny and to make your own special contribution to our world. When love is accompanied by deep intimacy, we give rise to the highest level of human experience. Yours becomes one life together.

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Marriage Vows:

Priest: “Do you take Edmund as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?” Bride: “I do”

Priest: “Do you take Erin as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?” Groom: “I do”

Ring Ceremony: May I have the rings….

May these rings be forever the symbol of your unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning, and has no end. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here.

Repeat after me:

(Edmund) Erin, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow – and with all that I am and all that I have – I honor you…

(Erin) Edmund, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow – and with all that I am and that I have – I honor you…
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Pronouncement:

Erin and Edmund have chosen to be married here in God’s natural light and surroundings. As we breath this moment of happiness, let us appreciate the wonders of nature and of God.

Erin and Edmund, may your love grow always stronger, and may life together always bring peace and contentment.

You may now kiss the bride.

May I now present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Read!

Congratulations! May you live with joy and go in peace!

The Blessing Ceremony for
Neil David Jenkins and Cynthia Ellen Tenhouse
Sullivan’s Island, SC
June 20, 2008

Opening: Solstice Poem by the Unitarian, e.e. cummings
i thank you god for most this amazing day:
for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural,
which is infinite, which is yes
i who have died, am alive again today, and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth day of life and love, (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

Neil & Cynthia — many paths have led you to this destination, this place where you know you belong. Your journey has brought you here, to the beginning of the rest of your life together.
This public declaration of your love is neither an end, nor a beginning, but rather a momentary pause celebrating what has already occurred. It is a blessing upon the love, spirit, and commitment that already exists in your hearts, souls, and minds.

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Marriage symbolizes the giving of a gift to one another.
It is a gift of oneself as a companion for life; someone who will listen and not judge; someone who will offer support and unconditional love. It is the gift of someone who will share your dreams and disappointments, your achievements and defeats. Marriage is a growing together – it is the task of making a strong, secure couple out of the best that each person can be. Marriage combines the unifying forces and independent wills of two people who choose to live together, and then together, reach further into the future than either could attain separately.

Words of Appreciation
At this time, Neil and Cynthia wish to thank all of you for being here tonight to share in this special celebration with them. The history you bring together for them defines much of who they are as individuals and what they can become as a couple. You have helped them arrive here today as happy, healthy, and loving people, willing and ready to share their lives together. From you, they have learned love, and for this they are forever grateful.
With your blessing tonight, they feel complete.
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Words to the Couple
Neil and Cynthia, the spiritual capacity to grow closer together is before you tonight. One of the greatest blessings you can give to one another is the willingness to support each other’s growth; growth in values, in character, and in service to one another and to our world. A vital part of this commitment is the willingness to forgive and to accept that each of you is an unfinished, growing person.

Cynthia and Neil, the excitement of the future lies in the mystery it holds, and its beauty is in having someone with whom to explore and discover it.
When you look into each other’s eyes, may you not only see the love that you have for one another, but also all your hopes and dreams of tomorrow … and may you find something to treasure in every moment you are together.
By the mutual commitment to love each other, and to work toward creating an atmosphere of caring, consideration, and respect, each day will become a new discovery of love, of life, and of your future.

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Let both the independence and desire to love that brought each of you here remain an essential part of your marriage. In creating that faithfulness and fortitude, that interdependence that serves and preserves your marriage, you will learn many powerful things. Let the good times be joyous, and allow the difficult times to weave their meaning into your hearts. These lessons will add depth and breadth to your feelings for one another. These experiences will color your lives and texture your life. Together you will design a world of life and love.

Selected Reading: “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran
In your life together, be reminded of the words of Lebanese Christian poet, Kahlil Gibran and the importance of finding space in your togetherness.
You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together, even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of heavens dance between you.
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Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

Exchange of Rings: (Peter invites parents Neil’s father, David Jenkins, & Cynthia’s mother, Helen Tenhouse to come up to present the rings.)
Blessing: Love is eternal, like the circle of a ring. The circle is the symbol for the Sun, the Earth, and the Universe. It has no beginning and no end. It is the image of wholeness, perfection, and peace. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver. May these rings be forever a symbol of the unbroken circle of your love.
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Lighting of the Chalice
Light represents life, spirit, and hope. This flame represents the life that has been passed to you. It symbolizes the spirit of your love for one another. It represents the bright hope of a shared tomorrow, and the spark of new beginnings. Neil and Cynthia, may the light of this chalice and all it represents, stay lit in your hearts forever.

Listen now to this prayer of togetherness:
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter to the other… Now you will feel no cold, for each shall be warmth to the other… Now there will be no loneliness, for each shall be companion to the other… Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

The Kiss- With a single kiss, you seal this bond. Congratulations! Live, love, and laugh with each other, and be at peace. Amen… So Be It!

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