Many people were moved during our ceremony, especially us! Wow, we were feeling love from each other and all those in the room. This is a copy of what was said:
Introduction:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the presence of God, family, and friends to participate in a most joyous occasion, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to acknowledge the wedding of Britton and Lauren.
Presenting of the bride:
Who presents this woman to be married to this man?
Dad: her mother and I do.
Message:
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing
together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the
whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or
sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to
wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for
perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and
forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is
finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good
and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence
is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only
marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
Declaration of Intent:
Britton, do you promise to give Lauren
Your deepest love and complete devotion,
As you create a home together that is a place of joy and comfort,
Being her faitful companion, partner, and best friend? Answer: I do.
Will you love, respect and honor her throughout your years together? I will.
Lauren, do you promise to give Britton
Your deepest love and complete devotion,
As you create a home together that is a place of joy and comfort,
Being his faithful companion, partner, and best friend? Answer: I do.
Will you love, respect, and honor him throughout your years together? I will.
Solo: Lost in the moment - Big&Rich (Janna Sayer - Bride's friend)
Exchange of vows:
Britton: Lauren, Today I give myself to you, my best friend, to be my partner in marriage. I promise to encourage you and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to accept you the way you are. I fell in love with you for the qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you possess and will not attempt to change you. I promise to respect you as an individual with your own interests, desires, and needs, and to realize that those may sometimes be different, but not less important than my own. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my personal world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets, and dreams. I promise to grow along with you , to be willing to face change as we both evolve allowing our relationship to mature. And finally, I promise to love and honor you in good times and in bad, will all I have to give, and all I feel inside, in the best was I know how, completely and forever.
Lauren (whispered): Britton, Today I give myself to you, my best friend, to be my partner in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to acceot you the way you are. I fell in love with you for the qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you possess and will not attempt to change you. I promise to respect you as an individual with your own interests, desires, and needs, and to realize that those ma be different, but no less important than my own. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my personal world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets, and dreams. I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face change as we both evolve allowing our relationship to mature. And finally, I promise to love and honor you in good times and bad, *whether I can speak or not,* with all I have to give, and all I feel inside, in the best way I know how, completely and forever.
Giving of Rings:
(Mr. Hilliker asks Foster for bride's and groom's rings)
Mr Hilliker:
These rings mark the beginning of a long journey filled with wonder, surprises, laughter, tears, celebration, grief, and joy. May these rings glow in reflection of the warmth and love which flow through the wearers today.
Britton: (placing the ring on Lauren's finger):
Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you.
Lauren (placing the ring on Britton's finger):
Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you.
Mr Hilliker:
Britton and Lauren are now beginning their married life together. We hope that they will have the loving acceptance of their family, the constant support of freinds, and a long life with good health and everlasting love. Britton and Lauren, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Prayer:
Father in heaven,
You ordained marriage for your children,
and you gave us love.
We present to You, Lauren and Britton
who came this day to be married.
May the covenant of love they make be blessed
with true devotion and spiritual commitment.
We ask that You, Oh lord,
will give them the ability to keep the covenant that they have made.
When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity;
when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength;
when there is a misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness;
if sorrow and struggle become part of their lives,
give them a strong faith and an abiding love.
Amen.
Presentation of the couple:
Mr. Hilliker:
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the lovely couple
Mr. and Mrs. Britton and Lauren Crigler
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