Gregory and Jessica, Kittery Point [Fort McClary Park], Maine, August 8th 2008
Ceremony:
Welcome, we are here today to witness the joining in marriage and family of Jessica and Gregory. Marriage is a promise, made in the hearts of two people who love each other, which takes a lifetime to fulfill. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's lover, teacher, listener, critic, and best friend.
It is into this state that Jessica and Gregory are entering this day.
Who brings this woman here today? to father....her mother and i do....
hand over bride.....
Jessica and Gregory met while both attending Endicott College. At first they were "just friends" or as Greg has put it he chased her around until she gave in. Apparently a wise move as then their relationship turned into a love like no other. Both knew it was something special, they knew had found The One. So when Greg said "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be", of course Jess said YES!
Reading from "The Art of Marriage"
- by Wilferd Arlan Peterson
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 each day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is not only marrying the right partner...
It is being the right partner.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
Do you, Jessica and Gregory, pledge to help each other in developing your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, patience, and wisdom, as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life, and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, and joy?
J&G: We Do
Do you pledge to support each others journey, to continually shine light on each others spirit of individuality and virtue, even when it doesn't directly benefit yourself? Do you pledge to reinforce and complement each others strengths?
J*G: We Do
EXCHANGE OF VOWS
includingEXCHANGE OF RINGS
Rings are a symbol of unending love, as they have no beginning and no end. Today Jessica and Gregory are exchanging rings to solemnize their vows.
Will you please, as an expression that your hearts are
joined together in love, now join your hands. [place ring on finger..and say..with this ring]
Gregory, do you take Jessica to be your
wedded wife, to live together in marriage.
Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honour and
keep her
For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness
and health
And forsaking all others, be faithful only to her.
So long as you both shall live?
[Gregory]: “I do”
Jessica do you take Gregory to be your
wedded husband to live together in marriage
Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honour and
keep him
For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness
and health
And forsaking all others, be faithful only to him
So long as you both shall live?
[Jessica]: “ I do”
Declaration of Marriage
Rev. D: No one but you can declare yourselves married. You have begun it here today in speaking your vows before this company, and you will do it again and again in the days to come, standing by each other, sharing all the sweet and the bitter of life. Each tender act, each loving word will be the declaration of what was marked here today.
By the power vested in me by the State of Maine
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. D