Robert and Yimin's Simple, Romantic Ceremony Script.

​I think Robert and Yimin were my first Chinese-American Couple.  Yimin embraced the idea of an American wedding ceremony but thought it was a little funny because in China you just go to the proper authority and sign a paper.  They both embraces the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in their ceremony.  

Opening Words
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Welcome friends and family of Yimin and Robert.  Thank you for joining us this morning as we celebrate their love and joining together in marriage.  

Readings
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LOVE by Roy Croft

I love you, 
Not only for what you are, 
But for what I am 
When I am with you. 

I love you, 
Not only for what 
You have made of yourself, 
But for what 
You are making of me. 

I love you 
For the part of me 
That you bring out; 
I love you 
For putting your hand 
Into my heaped-up heart 
And passing over 
All the foolish, weak things 
That you can't help 
Dimly seeing there, 
And for drawing out
Into the light 
All the beautiful belongings 
That no one else had looked 
Quite far enough to find. 

I love you because you 
Are helping me to make 
Of the lumber of my life 
Not a tavern 
But a temple; 
Out of the works 
Of my every day 
Not a reproach 
But a song. 

I love you 
Because you have done 
More than any creed 
Could have done 
To make me good, 
And more than any fate
To make me happy. 

You have done it 
Without a touch, 
Without a word, 
Without a sign. 
You have done it 
By being yourself.

The Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.
May your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Vows
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Do you, Robert take Yimin as your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death parts you?

Groom: I do

Do you, Yimin, take Robert, to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death parts you?

Bride: I do

The Exchange of Rings

Meaning of the Rings
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Bride and Groom, your rings are an external and visible sign of the bond of love which unites you. May they serve as a seal of the vows the two of you have made to one another. Bless these rings, symbols of eternity, beauty and strength. Bless You, the couple who give them and wear them—may they ever live in love and happiness from this day forward.  As you exchange rings, may you remember that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. May your hearts provide shelter and in each others’ arms may you find your home.

The couple exchanges rings.

The Hands Ceremony
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Bride and Groom are facing each other and holding each other’s hands, so that they may see the gift that they are to each other.

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 promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.
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 give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.

And lastly, 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.

The Declaration of Marriage
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Life and love are the greatest gifts bestowed upon humanity.
May your union grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding
as well as the passion and excitement every marriage should possess.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you support one another, as a sign of mutual independence.
May you continually rediscover your love in one another, as the greatest gift of all.


I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride!!