Family, friends, we have come here today to celebrate love.
Jo-Ellen and Derek stand here now to pledge their everlasting love to one another, and have chosen to do so in front of you, their closest friends, and dearest of family.
Jo-Ellen and Derek met almost 6 years ago. Though the date, place, or time of their initial meeting cannot be pinpointed, it’s not so for when their friendship changed into something more. 3 years later, after life’s many losses, changes, and surprises, Derek showed up on Jo-Ellen’s doorstep (literally), as he was back in town for a fraternity Christmas party, and they have been together ever since.
And now, they face each other today to take another step forward in their relationship, and promise to one another that the love they share is unlike any other, and will stay true, forever.
Jo-Ellen and Derek have opened their hearts to one another, and in just a few moments will share their vows of marriage together. We are deeply grateful to them for opening their hearts to us as well, inviting us to witness and share in this precious moment. Their marriage is being entered into reverently, with the recognition of a true union which has been discovered. For what greater joy is there for two souls than to join together to strengthen each other in all their endeavors, to support each other through all sorrow, and to share with each other in all gladness?
Jo-Ellen, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Derek, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?
Jo-Ellen: I am.
Derek, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Jo-Ellen, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?
Derek: I am.
Will you please join your hands.
(Maid of Honor [take bouquet also] and best man hand vows to bride and groom)
Derek:
Jo-Ellen, I promise to encourage your individuality,
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
Jo-Ellen:
Derek, I promise to encourage your compassion,
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
Because through them we'll emerge stronger.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole.
I promise to share with you the joys of life,
Because with you they will be that much sweeter.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams,
Because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges,
Because through them we'll emerge stronger.
I promise to be your partner in all things,
Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole.
I promise to share with you the joys of life,
Because with you they will be that much sweeter.
Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust,
For one lifetime with you could never be enough.
This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.
Jo-Ellen: I do.
And Derek, do you take Jo-Ellen to be your wife, to love her, to cherish her, and to continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion?
Derek: I do.
May these rings be blessed as a symbol of this unity. Your two lives are being joined today in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness. May you find in one another the love for which all men and women desire. May you grow in understanding and compassion. May the home which you establish together be such a place of sanctuary that all who are here today and others through the years will find there true friends. May these rings, soon to be on your fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love that is in both your hearts.
Jo-Ellen, in placing the ring on Derek's left hand, please repeat after me: Derek, I give you this ring as a pledge of my love, and as a symbol of our unity.
Derek, in placing the ring on Jo-Ellen's left hand, please repeat after me: Jo-Ellen, I give you this ring as a pledge of my love, and as a symbol of our unity.
Jo-Ellen and Derek, you have whole-heartedly consented together to marriage before this company, pledged your faith and declared your unity by each giving and receiving a ring, and, as you are now joined together in mutual esteem and devotion. It is my greatest of pleasures to now pronounce you Husband & Wife. Derek, you may now kiss your bride!!!
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