We are gathered here today on the seventeenth of October...

In honor of our first anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share our wedding ceremony with you all. We wrote it ourselves and absolutely loved it... : ) Enjoy, or gag from the cheesiness, or cry (mom), whatever!



OPENING
Welcome, and good evening. We are gathered here today on the seventeenth of October to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words which shall unite Drew and Brandy in marriage.



And now, I would like to ask, who gives their support and love to Drew and Brandy as they enter into marriage? (Drew and Brandy’s parents say “We do.”)
If any of you has anything to say that might change their minds… they… don’t want to hear it. :) However, they do want to hear from you that you are their village, that you will always be their family, and will support and encourage them as they discover the commitment and dedication needed to make marriage work. And that is why you are here today.



Each of you has been invited to participate in this ceremony because you have, in some way, brought about a new world in Brandy or Drew. The happy couple would especially like to thank their families for instilling in them a sense of interdependence… (each walks into the crowd and hugs their family). And they would also like to thank each other’s family for welcoming them so kindly… (each walks into the crowd and hugs the other family).



Now, Drew and Brandy, if you would please stand facing each other.

BLESSING OF THE HANDS
As you stand here, holding hands, know 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 both 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 love you and cherish you throughout 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 wracks 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 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.



Lets us Pray:
Dear Father, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship rich in caring. May Drew and Brandy see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. Amen.

In the days ahead of you, there will be times of difficulty and conflict. When you find yourselves in these situations, I ask that you reflect on this marriage advice:

Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Say “I Love you” every day.



VOWS
Drew and Brandy, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.

With this understanding, do you Drew, take Brandy to be your beloved wife? Do you promise to be a tender and faithful husband? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health for richer or poorer, for better or worse and keep yourself only unto her? If so, say I do. (Drew says, “I do.”)

Brandy do you take Drew to be your beloved husband? Do you promise to be a tender and faithful wife? Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health for richer or poorer, for better or worse and keep yourself only unto him? If so, say I do. (Brandy says, “I do.”)




RING EXCHANGE
May we have the rings please?

Rings are adornments, carefully chosen for their beauty and simplicity. They quietly sit upon our fingers, reminding us of the power of love and the pledge of the wearer to his or her partner to be faithful and true, and to nurture their love so it will last a lifetime.

Drew, will you give your ring to Brandy and repeat these words:

I give you this ring as a constant reminder of the promises we exchanged today. As you receive this ring, receive my promise of faithfulness to you. (Drew repeats)

Brandy, will you give your token to Drew and repeat these words:

I give you this ring as a constant reminder of the promises we exchanged today. As you receive this ring, receive my promise of faithfulness to you. (Brandy repeats)

May these rings be for you always your most treasured adornment, and may the love they symbolize be your most treasured possession.



CLOSING
Brandy and Drew asked me to include a passage this evening from St. Theresa, Saint of the Little Ways. St. Theresa believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. “Little ways” hold significance in any marriage - for Drew and Brandy those little ways exist in the thoughtful every day traditions that hold meaning for them, and make their life together special.

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.



ANNOUNCEMENT
Drew and Brandy, having witnessed your vows of marriage with all who are assembled here, by the authority vested in me, and more importantly the trust you and your families have given me, I announce with great joy that you are husband and wife.
Drew you may now kiss your bride.