Wedding Blog

(Spoken by the officiant)

Welcome Everyone!

John and Katie 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. John and Katie 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.

John and Katie, today we gather to witness and celebrate your wedding. You have chosen to make this commitment here in (your site) a place that has special meaning for the two of you. (Talk about why you chose your site.)

Your wedding today is a stepping stone for the next stage in your relationship that has been growing for (number of years). We are here today to celebrate this special passage in your relationship. Through love, respect, and trust the two of you have established a deep connection that has strengthened over the years. You have confirmed your feelings for each other through difficult and wonderful experiences. Each has increased your love and friendship.

(Name of Reader) will now share a reading that speaks to the love you feel for one another.

(Reading)

John and Katie, 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, along with your vows will make the two of you partners for life.

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.

John, do you now choose Katie 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 changes of your years together?

John: I do (places ring).

Katie, do you now choose John 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 changes of your years together?

Katie: I do (places ring)

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.

Kisses and hugs

I Do adapts traditions and creates new options to help couples personalize their wedding ceremonies. by Sydney Barbara Metrick Buy The Book www.ChickenSoupCounseling.com