our ceremony

what do you think? it took me about 10 mins to read All fi had to say, was its long. GRR.

Carl: Let me be the first to welcome you all to bare witness on this beautiful day, the 19th of September 2009; the day that will bring together the love and commitment between Jessica Kay Follett and Wilfred Leon Hinson III. As we begin this bonding ceremony, let me first ask, who gives this bride to this man?

Mike: I do (Mike kisses Jessica and shakes hands with Butch)

Carl: Now I will address not only the couple, but also their loved ones, family and friends alike who are here to celebrate this marriage. In Marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love and in doing so we receive from the other, the precious gift of love, respect, understanding and trust. Yet even as two people will share those gifts together, it also touches family and friends who in various ways support and contribute to this bond. All of you are in Jessica and Butch’s community, and each of you have played some part in brining them to this moment. This is why gathering together as a community is such an important part of the wedding tradition. Jessica and Butch are now being bonded as a married couple, and in this form, they become part of this community in a new way. Please watch out for and over Jessica and Butch as they go through this journey together and be there for them as they will be there for you. Today Jessica and Butch proclaim their love to the world and as their community, we rejoice with them.

Now, I speak to you Jessica and Butch. One of the basic needs in life is that of shelter to withstand the elements. Shelter is often known as home, whatever size it may be, big or small. A happy and enduring home is built upon such characteristics as honor, respect, peace, faith, companionship, and of course, love. Therefore, to give each other these things is to build a safe, stable shelter that will withstand all the elements life may throw in your direction. You bring individual strengths, wisdom and personalities; and today you commit yourselves to a life long journey together. Today, as you both stand here, expressing the gift of love and commitment; honoring each other with mutual care and companionship, our love, prayers and support are with you as you give yourselves to each other. This journey of marriage is not to be initiated with too light a heart, but is to begin thoughtfully, seriously and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens; a good marriage must be created. Please remember that love, loyalty, understanding and humor are the cornerstones of a happy and enduring life together. I encourage you both to preserve and renew this marriage, to keep it alive, to grow and change with one another, to maintain your capacity for wonder and spontaneity, and to remain flexible, warm and sensitive to each other. Now as I have spoken to your community, and then to you directly, let this be the time you shall speak to one another; not just to ones ears but directly to each others hearts.

Butch, if you will proceed with the vows you have written

Butch says vows

Carl: Now Jessica, as Butch has spoken to you, please proceed with your vows in return

Jessica says vows

Carl: Do you Butch, after hearing her words and knowing this woman’s love for you, agree to return that love infinitely, realizing her strengths and learning from them, recognizing her weaknesses and helping her overcome them, take Jessica to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Butch: I do

Carl: Do you Jessica, after hearing his words and knowing this man’s love for you, agree to return that love infinitely, realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and helping him overcome them, take Butch to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Jessica: I do

Carl: Butch, please repeat after me:

I Butch take you, Jessica
to be my wife
(still owrking on this part)

Now Butch, repeat after me

I Jessica, take you, Butch

to be my husband
(working on it)

Carl: May I please have the rings? (collects rings from Best Man) These circular bands of gold say that even in your uniqueness, you have made the commitment to be bound together. These represent your past, present and future as a never-ending commitment. Let these rings serve not as locks to keep you together by force, but as keys to unlock the secrets of your heart for each other to know and to bring you closer together today and everyday until eternity.

Butch, please take Jessica’s ring and repeat after me:

Just as this circle is without end

My love for you is eternal Just as it is made to be indestructible

My commitment to you will never fail With this ring I take you, Jessica, to be my trusted lover and friend

And to be bonded with you as my partner for life (Butch places ring on Jessica’s finger)

Carl: Jessica, please take Butch’s ring and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end

My love for you is eternal Just as it is made to be indestructible

My commitment to you will never fail With this ring I take you, Butch, to be my trusted lover and friend

And to be bonded with you as my partner for life (Jessica places ring on Butch’s finger)

Carl: Now, will you please take one moment to stop and look into one another’s eyes, take a deep breath and remember this moment forever. Let it be known that you are now one soul in this lifetime and that your bond is sacred and eternal. (Pause about 8 seconds)

May you two find happiness in this union as husband and wife. May you always remain sweethearts, helpmates, confidantes and friends. May you live faithfully together staying true to the vows that you have made here today in front of each other and your community of loved ones. May you remain compassionate and encouraging and may your lives be rich with joy and long upon the earth. Now that you have joined yourself in the bond of matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this commitment with the same love and devotion that you possess today.

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages and in accordance with the laws of the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. All that is left to do is to seal this marriage and begin this journey with a kiss! (Jessica and Butch kiss) Ladies and gentleman; I would love to be the first to introduce you to California’s most recent newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Leon Hinson

looks great!  not too long at all!

i would honestly prefer something a little longer. I only get to have this MOMENT ONCE, I want to savor it as long as i can

if you want to make it longer, add a reading or maybe the hand ceremony.  i have ours in my bio if you want to take a look at it :)

thanks hun, i prorbably wont add to it. ill keep it the way it is, but you think its ok? ill check yours out

I love it, I think it is great and thoughtful.

I think it's very nice--love the part about remaining sweethearts!

oh man! I did the SAME thing, read through with a stopwatch and it only took about 10 minutes. FH said the EXACT same thing, IT'S LONG!

I was like "seriously, thats a SHORT ceremony, how would you feel about a traditional catholic mass ceremony where we could stand around for over an hour???"

That shut him up. lol

I LOVE your twist on the vows too!!