Handfasting-by-Design             

.       
 early Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the love between {Groom} & {Bride}. With so much love here, it's not a wonder that they chose such a perfect day for us to witness and testify their wish to be joined as man and wife. Spring bloomed with tender promises, summer grew to sweet passion, fall approaches with steady faith and winter lays upon the land with a calm and serene peace.

{Groom}, is it your wish to be joined with {Bride} as your lawfully wedded wife?
(Groom answers I do/It is)

{Bride}, is it your wish to be joined with {Groom} as your lawfully wedding husband?
(Bride answers I do/It is)

Love is very much like a wild rose. It grows in the wild, unheeded by storms, weeds or neglect. However, it still has thorns, blooms and a beauty all its own. The sun kisses it each morning, the wind tucks it in each night and the moon watches over it as it sleeps. Be good to one another, cherish one another and be a guide and support to one another.

{Groom}, please take {Bride's} left hand and in placing the ring on the third finger, please repeat after me:

I, {Groom}, take you {Bride} to be my lawfully wedded wife. To love, honor and cherish for the rest of our days. May our love always bloom as it did the day we met. With this ring, I thee wed.

I, {Bride}, take you {Groom} to be my lawfully wedded husband. To love, honor and cherish for the rest of our days. May our love always bloom as it did the day we met. With this ring, I thee wed.

The Rose Ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire married life. The Rose Ceremony also conveys how to use the rose and its symbolism in difficult times in order to forgive each other.
"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. 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 than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one I hope you always remember - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.

{Groom} and {Bride}, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future - whether it be a large and elegant home - or a small and graceful one - 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 who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose than 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.
{Groom} and {Bride}, 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."

And now, it is both my honor and privilege to announce that you are husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Now introducing for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. & Mrs. __________.

CHILDREN IN THE CEREMONY
If either the bride or groom already has a child or
children from a former marriage or of their own, they
may include the children in the wedding ceremony. This
is usually done after the ring ceremony. If an
ex-spouse has custody, or if the children are grown,
the words below may be changed to fit the
circumstances; these words are applicable when the
children will be living at least part of the time with
the wedding couple:

____________ and ___________, the rings you have given
to one another are symbols of your commitment to one
another, but they are also more. For today you are
also making a commitment to the children, __________
and ___________. Today you are pledging your love to
them as well, committing to them that you will create
a family together. Let the perfect circle of the
wedding ring embrace ________ and _________, as well
as the two of you. For our children are gifts
entrusted to us. Consider these words from The
Prophet: You may give them your love but not your
thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You may
house their bodies but not their souls, for they dwell
in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not
even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them,
in their innocence, but seek not to make them like
you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with
yesterday. You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.

NORSE WEDDING                                                                                                         Opening

Groom and [other]enter down center aisle
and take traditional places

Best Man and Groomsmen enter from side to join them

Bridesmaids enter down center aisle and go to the Brides side

Maid of Honor enters down center aisle

Bride enters with her Mother and father

They escort her to the Groom

BridesFather : "Bride Has come here today out of love and
of her own free will to be your Bride." 

Brides Mom : "May your days together be many happy ones."

Groom: "I will love her and care for her, honor and respect her. I
welcome you and all who stand with you for we are all one family now."

Bride and Groom proceed to the altar and with all in place, we begin!

Welcoming of the Guests

Although this is their day,
It is also a tribute to all of you.
For knowing you & interacting with you,
Has helped to make Bride and groom
Who they needed to be to find each other.
They would like to thank you for that.
All of you are the threads of which are woven
The tapestry of their lives.
Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells.
It is the fabric they wrap around themselves,
And take comfort in, when the world seems
cold.
And on days like today, when all is right with the world,
That tapestry is proudly spread out & displayed
For everyone to see,
You all hold a place in their hearts
Reserved for those they have chosen to call "Family"
And they are grateful to all of you
For being part of their lives."
Bride and groom

"Today we are here to celebrate the union of groom and Bride. Three
months ahead of schedule I might add! But for this fact they are
truly thankful. It is all a part of the many wonderful surprises that
have been their life together. And why not sooner than later when it
comes to Gods blessings! After all there-in is the joy to be found in
life.

The change of date really has put them at such a perfect time for
them to be wed. Right after the Winter Solstice or Yule, It was a
time in which ancient peoples would be looking for the seeds that
they would need to sow for the coming growing season. They would be
deciding what sacrifices they would have to make in their lives for
all to flourish. And with the days once again beginning to get longer
they would be remembering the sacred fire and divine spark that
dances in the heart of all creation, both old and new. As you can see
very little has changed.

When groom and Bridefirst came to discuss what would be said today
to better illuminate the path they journey on, there was a bond
between then which was self evident. They already knew, each what the
other were about to say. The room then lit up as they began to
recount how they had first met. Each glancing curiously around
brides
mom Louise, each wondering how they would get to know

the other better. But with bride courage and groomingenuity it
turned out to have been only a minor detail. And from there the
romance blossomed. When I asked about their first date they told me
something I had never heard before. It seems that it has never ended.
Indeed they are still living that glorious time. For in those first
few hours and days and weeks they had already become inseparable with
their hearts beginning the process of becoming one. It is said that
the measure of a man or a woman within a relationship cannot be
weighed in years or in wealth. It is to be weighed by the tenderness
in their hearts for one another. And by the connection of those
hearts to each other. Bride and Bride are among those blessed
enough to need only to look at what they have to understand the true
meaning of this. And this is what we are truly here today to
celebrate!

Invocations

"Hail Odin! All Father! Giver of Victory!
Thou who knowest the runes of wisdom and power.
We stand before you and welcome you this day.
In the mysterious journey through Midgard we look to you As we find
solace and wisdom in your guidance.
We ask you to be with us in times of struggle,
To grant us that we may earn our place
In the halls of Valhalla..
May strength and honor be with you,
And our people always.

"Hail Freyja! All Mother! Goddess of love and fertility,
We call to you in loving devotion.
Most beautiful of the Goddesses we invoke you!
Your blessings strengthen our folk with new life.
Withhold not your gifts from us,
But continue instead it pour forth.
Assure us Freyja, of our continuing prosperity,
And bountiful harvests to come.
We await your attendance,
in willing communication and kinship.
May strength, love and honor be with you,
And our people always."
Sharing of Ale

Minister holds up chalice

HPS: "The chalice is a symbol of Divine Love, the well spring or
vessel of the heart, of rebirth, creation and limitless potentiality"

HPS hands chalice to Bride and groom
They face each other, each with both hands on the chalice

HPS: Bridedrink of groom love and let it touch your heart."  

Groom gives Bride to drink. Bride drinks, they kiss.

HPS: "groomdrink of Bridelove and let it resonate through to
your soul."

Bride gives groon to drink. Erick drinks, they kiss
And then give chalice back

HPS: "Neither of you shall ever again thirst for total love, total
acceptance, understanding or companionship.

A Reading

"This comes from a retelling of the Sagas that was written in 1909.
It is the ending to the story of Ingebjorg and Frithiof. They were
lovers who, in the true romantic style, had to overcome the crosses
of birth right and station in life, the objections and concerns of
family, and the trials of the hero's journey. It was a journey that
their love and their will to be together, would ultimately set them
forth on. In the end, with their woes healed and their obstacles
overcome, her hand was finally put into his to be his wife, and I
quote from there:

`Thus steps of sorrow
Had led them to the height of happiness
That poets love to sing.
Paths thick with thorns had blossomed into roses,
Wreaths of everlasting flowers
Had crowned the winter snows.
And midst the lights and shadows of the old Northland, Their lives
flowed on, like two united streams
That roll through quiet pastures
To the ocean of eternity.'

May groom and Bride trials also be behind them, and may their
future be as blessed as those in the myths and tales of old."
[other]Ring Ceremony

"Often marriage is viewed as the union of two persons.
Yet marriages not only unite the Bride and the Groom, they unite
families, clans, and kingdoms as well. As part of the family nature
of this marriage we recognize [other] and his importance. For
children are the most precious and sacred treasures of the world.
They are the foundation of life itself. They love with an
unconditional love that only a child can give. They press us to
continue forward when the world would rather us stand still. And they
inspire us with nothing more than a smile."

Bride: "In the placing of this ring,
I pledge to you, Christopher,
My continuing love and support."


The Wedding Rings

"May I have the rings please?"

"I hold in my hand two beautiful rings, made from one of the most
precious substances the earth has to offer. Their perfect symmetry is
a symbol of perfect love. With neither end nor beginning, they are
not only a reflection of your love for each other but of Gods love
for you as well."


The Ring Vows

HPS: "Groom, will you now place this ring on Meaghen's finger and
give voice to that which is in your heart?"

Groom "With this ring I marry you
and join my life with yours
I offer you my higher self
and all that the Gods have given me
to make me a good husband and father.
Whenever you look at this ring,
remember this is my lifelong promise to you."

HPS: Bride will you now place this ring on Erick's finger and
give voice to that which is in your heart?"

Bride: "With this ring I marry you
and join my life with yours
I offer you my higher self
and all that the Gods have given me
to make me a good wife and mother.
Whenever you look at this ring,
remember this is my lifelong promise to you."


The Handfasting Vows

HPS: "Is it your wish this day that your hands be fasted in the way
of old?"

Bride and groom "It is."

HPS: "In Norse society, men and women worked, fought, struggled,
lived and loved side by side. Marriage has always been a partnership
that in order for it to be a long and happy marriage has always
needed equal participation. With this in mind I will now ask you...

HPS: "Do you vow to ever keep open your hearts and minds, that
neither words nor the lack of them, shall ever
cause silence to dwell between you that your love cannot bridge?" 

Bride and groom: "We do."

HPS: "Do you vow to ever remember to take joy in life and in each
other, never forgetting it is the matters
of the heart that are most real?"

Bride and groom: "We do."

HPS: "Do you vow to share whatever burdens the mundane world may
present in that overcoming them together
your spirits shall grow towards a common hope,
dream and reality?"

Brideand groom "We do."

HPS: "Do you vow to ever love and cherish each other,
keeping sacred the place your hearts hold for
one another. Bride and groom "We do."

HPS: "Remember now, as thy hands are fasted, `tis not the strength of
this cord and knotwork that binds you together; they are merely
symbols for your love. All things of the material world eventually
return to the Earth, unlike the bond and the love your souls share,
which is destined to ascend to the heavens."

Bride and Groom's hands are bound

HPS: "You are now as your hearts have always known, Husband and
Wife. You may kiss the bride!"

__._,Medieval /Christian Ceremony_.___

modern passages or readings to it. It also is shorter. The core sources are the Book of Common Prayer of HRM Elizabeth I of England, extracts from the Sarum Rite and the York Rite, and various other lesser sources.

At tThis is a popularized Medieval ceremony... It is a short version of the full, original text - for which some couples then add he day and time appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the porch of the Church with their friends and neighbors; and there standing together, the Man on the right hand, and the woman on the left, with that person who shall give the Woman betwixt them, the Priest shall say:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it. For ye be well assured, that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful. At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation; then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried. If no impediment be alleged, then shall the

Priest say unto the Man: Wilt the have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

The Man shall answer: I will.

Then shall the Priest say to the Woman: Wilt the have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

The Woman shall answer: I will.

Thus ends the formal betrothal. The couple shall advance to the Altar, led by the Minister, who shall then turn to the assembled company, and say:

Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?

The person who gives the Woman shall answer, and shall place the Woman's right hand in the hand of the Minister, and then shall retire. Then shall they give their troth to each other in this manner: The Minister, receiving the Woman at her father's or friend's hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth,

GROOM' VOW: "I, ___________, take thee __________ to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.

Then shall they loose their hands; and the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right hand, shall likewise say after the Minister,

BRIDE'S VOW: I ___________ take thee___________ to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.

Then shall they again loose their hands; and the Man shall give unto the Woman a Ring, laying the same upon the Book with the accustomed duty to the Priest and Clerk. And the Priest shall bless the Ring(s) in the following manner:

Bless these Rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their children's children. Amen.

And the Priest, taking the Ring, shall deliver it to the Man, to put it on the fourth finger of the Woman's left hand. And the Man holding the ring there, and taught by the Priest, shall say,

GROOM: With this Ring I thee wed, (here placing it upon her thumb) and with my body I thee honor, (here placing it upon her index finger) and with all my worldly goods I thee endow; (here placing it upon her ring finger) In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If it be a double-ring ceremony, let the Woman do the same as the Man, giving him the ring, and repeating the same words as he. They both shall kneel down; and the Minister shall say,

Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And here shall be said the LORD'S PRAYER.

Then shall the Priest join their right hands together, and say,

Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Then shall the Minister speak unto the people. Forasmuch as N and N have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Minister shall add this blessing.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.

And here the Minister shall turn the couple to the Company, and they may kiss each the other, and then proceed from the Altar. And if it be the wish of the couple to take Communion, they may do it privately, following these ceremonies.

Renaisance Type Wedding http://www.museumreplicas.com  

Welcome

Reading

- The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him." So the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name.. The man gave names to all the cattle , all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.

So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up the place with flesh. The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said:

"This one, at last, is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

This one shall be called woman,

for out of her man this one has been taken."

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.

-Genesis 2:18-24

The Circling

- (Bride), as (Groom)’s bride, you must forevermore surround him with a protective light that illuminates your household with understanding and love from within and protects it from harm from the outside. Because God created this universe in seven days, circling your groom seven times symbolizes that the two of you are about to create your own "new world" together and that (Groom) shall always be the head of your household and the center of your universe.

Guests - Light candles for the circling

((Groom) and (Bride) face each other join hands, (Bride) bows to (Groom)).

(Bride) circles (Groom) seven times.

Presentation of the Ketubah

- (Groom), you may unveil your bride and present her with your Ketubah.

(Groom)

- Be my spouse according to the traditions of Moses and teachings of Yeshua. I take you to be mine in love and friendship. I will nourish, respect, and support you with integrity and faithfulness. We stand under the chuppah before family and friends to make a mutual covenant, becoming partners in marriage - loving and supportive companions in life. Together we will build a home, guided by a reverence for the Divine and the laws, traditions, and ethics of our people. The symbols and rituals we cherish will forge a link to our past, a bond strengthened by learning, involvement, and acts of loving kindness.

Because we are blessed to be raising children, we will give them a loving home, a safe haven, and a supportive environment in which to grow. We, as beloveds and friends, will develop our lives individually and together, responsible to and for each other. We will fill our lives with laughter and affection. We will encourage each other’s endeavors. Together, we will support each other’s intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and creative fulfillment.

We declare that just as this is a permanent joining of our two lives, so it also constitutes a joining of material substance and worth. Through marriage we assume the responsibility to support each other and our family. We promise to always act with concern and compassion for the physical, economic, and emotional needs of each other and those whose lives are intertwined with ours. Joyfully we enter into this covenant of marriage and we solemnly accept its obligations. It is valid and binding.

Acceptance of the Ketubah

- (After reading the Ketubah hands it to (Bride)’s father for approval)

Minister

- Who, as patriarch, has witnessed and accepts this Ketubah and gives this woman to be married to this man.?

(Bride’s Father)

- I do. (Hands the Ketubah to (Bride) - Kisses (Bride) on the cheek - (Bride) hands the Ketubah to (Maid of Honor).

Sheva B’rachot

(Groom) - Drinks from the cup of wine.

(Bride)- Drinks from the cup of wine.

(Bride’s maid) - Make this bride and groom into loving companions, just as you did the creatures in the Garden of Eden. Blessed art You, our God, who bestows lasting joy on groom and bride.

The Vows

((Groom) and (Bride) turn and face each other)

I, (Groom)

take thee (Bride),

To be my wedded wife,

and I do promise and covenant,

Before God and these witnesses,

To be thy loving and faithful husband,

In plenty and in want,

In joy and in sorrow,

In sickness and in health,

As long as we both shall live.

I, (Bride)

take thee (Groom),

To be my wedded husband,

And I do promise and covenant,

Before God and these witnesses,

To be thy loving and faithful wife,

In plenty and in want,

In joy and in sorrow,

In sickness and in health,

As long as we both shall live.

(Insert vows if needed)

Ring Exchange

(Best Man hands the ring to the minister- Minister hands the ring to (Groom))

(Groom), please repeat after me, while placing the ring on your bride’s hand.

"Behold thou art consecrated unto me

With this ring

According to the law of Moses and the Messiah."

(Maid of Honor hands the ring to the minister - Minister hands the ring to (Bride))

(Bride), please repeat after me , while placing the ring on your groom’s hand.

"Behold thou art consecrated unto me

With this ring

According to the law of Moses and the Messiah."

Lighting of the Unity Candle

The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining together of your two lives and families to one.

Bride and Groom light Unity Candle.

Be with you always,

Light without and light within.

And may the sun shine

Upon you and warm your heart

Until it glows

Like a great fire

So that others may feel

The warmth of your love

For one another."

Wine Blessing

(Groom)- Drinks from the cup of wine.

(Bride) - Drinks from the cup of wine.

The Pronouncement

The Lord make His face shine on you And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance on you, And give you peace.

The Breaking of the Glass

The traditional end to this wedding serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even during the most joyous of celebrations. The breaking of the glass is also symbolic of the past. Forgiveness for the past is given to the Bride and Groom through the covenant of Marriage. As the Groom smashes the glass everyone will shout Mazel Tov! Which means Good Fortune, may your lives here on out not be shattered, but full of fortune and joy.

(Groom) - Breaks the glass

Guests - Shout "Mazel Tov!"

Sentimental Ways to Honor Your Parents at Your Wedding

Walk down the aisle (the recessional) to the same song as your mother did. This is a nice tribute to your parents.

Give a rose to your mother and groom’s mother as you walk down the aisle. Talk to your florist and have them place the two roses in your bouquet (unfastened) and then pull them out when you reach the front of the church

Prior to the ceremony, place a personalized handkerchief and a rose at both mothers' seats. The handkerchief will be a wonderful keepsake and remembrance. Or, you could include a special personal note of thanks with the rose or handkerchief.

Have your mother’s bridal bouquet duplicated. Find some pictures of her wedding and give them to your florist

Instead of doing a "bouquet toss", dedicate your bouquet to your mother.

I saw this at one wedding where the bride got up and gave a little speech about someone very special in her life (without mentioning who it was) and at the end she told who it was and dedicated her bouquet to her mother. It was a total surprise to everyone especially her mother. Needless to say there was NOT a dry eye in the house

At the cake table, include framed pictures of your parent’s wedding and even your grandparents wedding too!

Incorporate a family heirloom into your ceremony. This could include a piece of jewelry, clothing or a family bible. Some brides like to copy the entire wedding gowns their mother or grandmother wore.

Copy the decorations or cake top used by your parents or grandparents at their wedding

As part of your wedding program, you can include a special poem about family. Here’s an example of a special dedication to a bride and groom’s parents…

"We would like to dedicate this ceremony to our parents. They have taught us our values, and shown us how to laugh, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. Their generosity, support, and love is unending."

Ask your Officiant to include the names of your parents or family in a special prayer. Many times family members that have recently passed away may be mentioned in a prayer, but it can also be used for anyone you want mentioned in a special way.

The Ten Commitments (Commandments) for Marriage
---adapted from D. James Kennedy

I
"Thou shalt have no other human being before your husband or your
wife."
No other human being should come before your mate - no one, neither
father nor mother, son nor daughter, brother nor sister, friend nor
acquaintance.

II
"Thou shalt put no thing before your husband or wife."
You should put no thing between each other. No house should ever come
before your spouse. Whether house, car, pleasure, money, or fame -
nothing."

III
"Thou shalt not belittle, criticize or faultfind, but rather
encourage your spouse in all ways."
Since God's Word teaches us to make no idols, it follows that we are
to honor each other's name. Honor each other and seek to put each
other first above any other person on earth.

IV
"Thou shalt remember her/his day, to keep it special."
Set time aside for the two of you so you may not grow apart but even
closer. Your spouse and your children are worthy of your time and
your undivided attention.

V
"Thou shalt give honor not only to your father and mother, but to
those who become your father-in-law and mother-in-law."
As you two become one, you marry into another family. Wise is the
husband or wife who does not take it upon himself or herslef to find
fault with those who are related to their spouse.

VI
"Thou shalt not destroy the spirit within your spouse."
Husbands, do not destroy your bride's dreams and hopes for the future
which she now places in your hands. Most of man's earthly happiness
depends upon his wife. Most asssuredly God will bless a man in this
life, yet John Wesley discovered that, regardless of a noble cause, a
woman can make a man most miserable. Wife, covenant that you will not
be such a person. Both of you must honor and build up the personhood
of the other.

VII
"Thou shalt give your passions only to each other, not to another."
You should not give away your passions to another in word, in
thought, or in deed. This person beside whom you stand on your
wedding day is to be your lover as well as your helpmate and your
best friend.

VIII
"Husband, steal not from your wife that which is her privilege to
give. Wife, receive what he gives to you with gratitude"
The spirit of gratitude can greatly can greatly bless a home. If your
minds are filled with thoughts of gratitude, and if you look on that
which you do have and not that which you do not have, you will be
blessed.

IX
"Thou shalt not bear false witness to each other."
Be honest with each other. Dishonesty and an unwillingness to talk
through differences build a silent wall which is not easily
dismantled. The real self, then, refuseds to be disclosed, and a
couple may gradually begin to drift apart.

X
"Thou shalt not seek greener pastures, whether they be those things
physical or material."
Do no engage in selfish fantasies. Be content with the one whom God
has given to you, and God will bless your lives together.

.

  10 TIPS FOR A GREEN WEDDING                    . With this ring...
A green wedding begins where any engagement does: with a ring. Don't start off on a sour note. The beautiful alternatives to "blood diamonds" (those that are mined in war zones and fund conflicts) include:

• vintage rings, whether a family heirloom or an antique find (you can even have old gold melted down and refashioned)
• lab-created diamonds (greenKarat's are set in recycled gold too)
• diamonds mined in peaceful Canada or Australia, like those from Brilliant Earth, Cred Jewellery, or Leber Jewelry's Earthwise line
• diamonds certified as "conflict-free" under the Kimberley Process, an ongoing effort to reform diamond mining in Africa (ask your jeweler the questions in Amnesty International's buyer's guide)
• one-of-a-kind wooden bands