Allysa and Michael
Welcome
On behalf of Alyssa and Michael, I welcome all of you, and am elated that you could join us for this marriage celebration. We are here today to encourage, celebrate, and support the covenant these two special people are preparing to make. In marriage, two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a bold step into an unknown future. It is risking who we are for the sake of who we can be.
The Vows
Do you, Michael, take Alyssa to be your lawful wedded wife?
I do.
Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?
I do.
Do you, Alyssa, take Michael to be your lawful wedded husband?
I do.
Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?
I do.
Please face each other, and join hands. In this simple act of holding hands today, and in countless times to come, I want you to always remember that:
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of life, 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 alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no others can.
These are the hands that will hold you tight when you encounter fear or grief.
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 raise your children, and guide them into the world.
These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to go after your dreams.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you struggle through difficult times.
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.
Rings
The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without beginning or end. Today, Michael and Alyssa give and receive these rings as confirmations of their vows to join their lives, to work at all times to create a life that is whole and unbroken, and to love each other without end.
The ring is a circle. It has no beginning, and no end. Just as your love for each other is unending.
Michael, will you please place the ring on Alyssa's finger, and repeat after me:
I, Michael, choose you, Alyssa, To be my Wife,
Loving what I know of you,
trusting what I do not yet know.
Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you.
I promise to love you for who you are,
and for who you are yet to become.
I promise to be patient,
and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love.
I promise to nurture your dreams
and to help you reach them.
I promise to share my whole heart with you,
and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you,
no matter the challenges that may come our way.
I promise to love you loyally and fiercely—
as long as I shall live.
Alyssa, will you please place the ring on Michaels finger, and repeat after me:
I, Alyssa, choose you, Michael, To be my Husband,
Loving what I know of you,
trusting what I do not yet know.
Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you.
I promise to love you for who you are,
and for who you are yet to become.
I promise to be patient,
and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love.
I promise to nurture your dreams
and to help you reach them.
I promise to share my whole heart with you,
and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you,
no matter the challenges that may come our way.
I promise to love you loyally and fiercely
—as long as I shall live.
Wrap-up
Alyssa and Michael,
As a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little, were it not for the love and commitment you pledged to one another here, at this most beautiful place. Your vows may have been spoken in minutes, but your promises to each other will last a lifetime.
May God bless and watch over this marriage.
Pronouncement After the Marriage Vows
By the authority vested in me by the State of California, witnessed by your friends and family, I have the pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.
The Kiss
Michael, ... you may now kiss your bride!
Presentation
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great pleasure of presenting to you Michael and Alyssa, husband and wife.