Handfasting scripts
6/25/2024 Brian and Leigh's HandfastingWelcome! Good Morning! We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love. Leigh and Brian, in their devotion, respect and love for each other wish to unite in marriage. In doing so, they are choosing to dedicate themselves to each other’s happiness and well-being as life mates and partners. On behalf of them, I welcome you all. Each of us knows that a marriage is not created by a law or a ceremony; rather it occurs in the hearts of two people. It grows out of loving, caring, and truly sharing ourselves with another. The ceremony you are about to witness today is not magic, it will not create a relationship where one does not already exist. Rather, it is an outward celebration of the commitments that Leigh and Brian have already made to each other, both large and small, in the days since they first met. Today’s ceremony will serve as a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the vows that they’ll make to each other — to live their lives together and to love and support each other above all others. Each of you is here because in some way — whether large or small — you have been an important part of Brian and Leigh’s lives. Their parents not only brought them into the world, but worked hard to create the loving and nurturing environment that would serve as the foundation for who they would ultimately become. Thank you, all three of you, for your steadfast love, support and encouragement throughout the years. At this time, I would like to formally ask you to extend your love and support to the person they have chosen to spend the rest of their lives with. Dawna and Doug? Do you offer Brian and Leigh your blessing? Do you welcome Leigh as a member of your family? Parents: We do. Earlene? Do you offer Brian and Leigh your blessing? Do you welcome Brian as a member of your family? Mom: I do. While parents are responsible for much, it is also their wider community of family, friends and experiences that has resulted in the Brian and Leigh you see before you today. All of you here today are all honored guests because of the different roles you’ve had in helping them become the people they are. Thank you for the love, support, wisdom, laughter and tears you’ve shared. As they enter into marriage, I ask you all, Will you who are present here today, continue to surround Brian and Leigh in love and friendship, supporting them in their marriage? If you do, please say “we will.” All: WE WILL! Thank you! In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift. Marriage is the ultimate relationship between two people. It is a great and challenging adventure into the depths and heights of human caring, Affection, trust and understanding. Today as you make your vows, your lives are intermingled As the waters of two streams become one, Flowing together into a mighty river. Marriage is a journey of transformation into the profound mysteries of life and creation. In marriage, we do not give ourselves to another, but rather surrender into something greater. We surrender to love itself. Today, you step into a much fuller experience and expression of the mysteries and miracles of love. Your precious union is lovely in its innocence, Mighty in its strength, And abundant with possibilities. It belongs to you both. Over time you will continue to give it identity. We wish for you the wisdom, strength of character, and divine creativity To make this a happy marriage, A safe harbor. And a joyful journey to share. Declaration of Intent Brian, from this day onward, do you choose Leigh to be your wife, your best friend, and your only love? To live together, play together and laugh together; To work by her side and dream in her arms; To fill her heart and feed her soul; To always seek out the best in her; Always loving her with all your heart, until the end of your days? Leigh, from this day onward, do you choose Brian to be your husband, your best friend, and your only love? To live together, play together and laugh together; To work by his side and dream in his arms; To fill his heart and feed his soul; To always seek out the best in him; Always loving him with all your heart, until the end of your days? Ring Exchange You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. A ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of unity and love, representative of the greater circle of life of which we all spiritually are a part of. Having neither beginning nor end but a continuous cycle of which you are an element. For you, it begins with the gift of life and will continue through the end of time. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that you’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one another today. Brian, as you place the ring on Leigh’s finger, please repeat after me: I Brian, take you, Leigh to be my Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you, for as long as we both shall live. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you. Leigh, as you place the ring on Brian’s finger, please repeat after me: I Leigh, take you, Brian to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you, for as long as we both shall live. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you. Handfasting This may be the first time that some of you are attending a handfasting. Marriage is very much a sacred union, for it is a union of souls in which the bride and groom pledge unto one another their higher selves and all that is divine within themselves. In the Earth based traditions, it is considered the marriage of the God and Goddess within. The custom of handfasting has been known the world over, through many different periods in history. It was observed the world over long before there were legalities to marriage. During the Middle Ages to be seen in public holding hands was a sign that a couple were exclusive to one another. And while rings were for the very rich, love knows no bounds and a simple cord such as a vine would do just fine. Fastening the hands together could be where the term “Tie the knot.” came from. Do you both wish to have your hands fastened together today as a symbolic gesture that you choose to walk through all the days of you life together, hand in hand? Both answer: We do. This is the cord with which I will bind their hands. This cord will be a part of their home for their lifetime as a memory of today and the promises they are making. While tying first knot: Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. While tying second knot: Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. While tying third knot: Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. With hands on top of knots Now you are two bodies, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth. Today we have witnessed the union of man and wife: one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever. I now declare you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!! Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you the happily married couple!! Audience cheers and waves bells/wands. Comments are closed.
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Diversity Statement
Marry Me In Indy celebrates the diversity of the human race. We are open to marrying anyone. Every race, creed, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, or neuro-diversity. All are welcome here! Our goal is to meet each couple where they are and help them have a positive wedding experience. We approach every wedding with an open mind - We don’t know anything about you until you tell us, and that’s only if you choose to tell us. Wedding ceremony scripts have been written for years for brides and grooms. Some couples are choosing to forego traditional gender roles altogether and are using the terms spouse or partner. If you have made the choice to use non-traditional pronouns, please let me know, and I will be happy to honor your preferences. Any wedding ceremony script can be changed to reflect your personal preferences. The only second language we speak is German, but we do our best to communicate with everyone.
Marry Me In Indy celebrates the diversity of the human race. We are open to marrying anyone. Every race, creed, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, or neuro-diversity. All are welcome here! Our goal is to meet each couple where they are and help them have a positive wedding experience. We approach every wedding with an open mind - We don’t know anything about you until you tell us, and that’s only if you choose to tell us. Wedding ceremony scripts have been written for years for brides and grooms. Some couples are choosing to forego traditional gender roles altogether and are using the terms spouse or partner. If you have made the choice to use non-traditional pronouns, please let me know, and I will be happy to honor your preferences. Any wedding ceremony script can be changed to reflect your personal preferences. The only second language we speak is German, but we do our best to communicate with everyone.
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