Amanda and Derek's Ceremony with Handfasting
This ceremony includes a special reading, a unity sand ceremony and handfasting element. It also includes traditional vows and then the couple reads their own vows, that they have written to each other.
Greeting:
Officiant:
We gather here today, in the presence of family and friends to join Derek and Amanda in matrimony. We celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. We remember that marriage is a time when growing love is made public, when two people share mutual promises. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations.
Amanda and Derek would like to thank each one of you for sharing this happiest of days with them. This is a special time of celebration and joy that they will forever remember, and because of this, they are grateful and delighted that you are here to share in their happiness.
Invocation (this is the beginning prayer or blessing/good wishes on this ceremony)
Officiant:
Derek and Amanda may you always need one another, not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. Look for things to praise, often say 'I love you' and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another.
Charge to the bride and groom (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take):
Officiant:
The covenant which you are about to make with each other is meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows to each other, and as you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy, with deep conviction that you are committing yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support and caring love.
I would like to share a quote by Bob Marley that has been specially chosen by Derek and Amanda
Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.
When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.
The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.
In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby.
Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.
You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.
You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.
You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end.
Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.
Greeting:
Officiant:
We gather here today, in the presence of family and friends to join Derek and Amanda in matrimony. We celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. We remember that marriage is a time when growing love is made public, when two people share mutual promises. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations.
Amanda and Derek would like to thank each one of you for sharing this happiest of days with them. This is a special time of celebration and joy that they will forever remember, and because of this, they are grateful and delighted that you are here to share in their happiness.
Invocation (this is the beginning prayer or blessing/good wishes on this ceremony)
Officiant:
Derek and Amanda may you always need one another, not so much to fill the emptiness as to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. Look for things to praise, often say 'I love you' and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another.
Charge to the bride and groom (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take):
Officiant:
The covenant which you are about to make with each other is meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows to each other, and as you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy, with deep conviction that you are committing yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support and caring love.
I would like to share a quote by Bob Marley that has been specially chosen by Derek and Amanda
Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.
When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.
The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.
In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby.
Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.
You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.
You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.
You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end.
Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.
Betrothal/Pledge (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will)
Officiant:
To Derek: Will you, Derek have Amanda to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and keep her, and forsaking all others remain true to her as long as you both shall live?"
Derek- I will
Officiant:
To Amanda: Will you, Amanda, have Derek to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain true to him as long as you both shall live?"
Amanda: I will
Vows:
Officiant: Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Derek, repeat to Amanda, after me, these words:
Amanda, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife.
(Derek says) Amanda, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife.
To have and to hold from this day forward
(Derek says) To have and to hold from this day forward
For better, for worse
(Derek says) For better, for worse;
For richer, for poorer
(Derek says) For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health,
(Derek says) In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
(Derek says) To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
Officiant: Amanda, repeat to Derek, after me, these words:
Derek, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband.
(Amanda says) Derek, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband
To have and to hold from this day forward
(Amanda says) To have and to hold from this day forward
For better, for worse
(Amanda says) For better, for worse;
For richer, for poorer
(Amanda says) For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health,
(Amanda says) In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
(Amanda says) To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
At this time I would like to invite Derek and Amanda to share their own heart felt personal vows that they have written to each other.
Officiant:
To Derek: Will you, Derek have Amanda to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort and keep her, and forsaking all others remain true to her as long as you both shall live?"
Derek- I will
Officiant:
To Amanda: Will you, Amanda, have Derek to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain true to him as long as you both shall live?"
Amanda: I will
Vows:
Officiant: Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Derek, repeat to Amanda, after me, these words:
Amanda, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife.
(Derek says) Amanda, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife.
To have and to hold from this day forward
(Derek says) To have and to hold from this day forward
For better, for worse
(Derek says) For better, for worse;
For richer, for poorer
(Derek says) For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health,
(Derek says) In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
(Derek says) To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
Officiant: Amanda, repeat to Derek, after me, these words:
Derek, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband.
(Amanda says) Derek, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband
To have and to hold from this day forward
(Amanda says) To have and to hold from this day forward
For better, for worse
(Amanda says) For better, for worse;
For richer, for poorer
(Amanda says) For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health,
(Amanda says) In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
(Amanda says) To love and to cherish ‘til death do us part.
At this time I would like to invite Derek and Amanda to share their own heart felt personal vows that they have written to each other.
Exchange of rings, the blessing:
Officiant:
May we please have the rings
These rings have no beginning and no end. They set forth the eternal nature of real love. They will represent the love and trust that Derek and Amanda promise to each other this day.
To Derek: Derek will you take this ring and place it upon Amanda’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring.
(Derek will say): I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(Derek will say) as I give you myself,
With love and affection
(Derek will say) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(Derek will say) Wear it in peace always.
To Amanda: Amanda will you take this ring and place it upon Derek’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(Amanda says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself
(Amanda says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection
(Amanda says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(Amanda says) Wear it in peace always.
Sand Ceremony:
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate Derek and Amanda’s union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
Derek and Amanda may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other. You have just sealed your relationship by giving and receiving of rings.
This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand The first represents you , Derek (he pours a portion of her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be,
And the other representing you Amanda (she pours a portion of her sand on top Groom’s sand), and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.
(Both Groom & Bride together pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Officiant:
May we please have the rings
These rings have no beginning and no end. They set forth the eternal nature of real love. They will represent the love and trust that Derek and Amanda promise to each other this day.
To Derek: Derek will you take this ring and place it upon Amanda’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring.
(Derek will say): I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(Derek will say) as I give you myself,
With love and affection
(Derek will say) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(Derek will say) Wear it in peace always.
To Amanda: Amanda will you take this ring and place it upon Derek’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(Amanda says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself
(Amanda says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection
(Amanda says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(Amanda says) Wear it in peace always.
Sand Ceremony:
Officiant:
Now we shall celebrate Derek and Amanda’s union as it is symbolized through the pouring of sand.
Derek and Amanda may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other. You have just sealed your relationship by giving and receiving of rings.
This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand The first represents you , Derek (he pours a portion of her sand in vase) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be,
And the other representing you Amanda (she pours a portion of her sand on top Groom’s sand), and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination.
Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.
(Both Groom & Bride together pour their remaining sand in the central vase)
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will the love and bond between the two of you render you inseparable.
~we walk back to center and continue the ceremony~
Handfasting and Pronouncement
Officiant:
Derek and Amanda have chosen to conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternals.
Please join your hands.
(Couple can choose to either hold hands and cord is wrapped around wrists in a figure 8 type fashion-the infinity symbol-or they hold elbows, Groom right to Bride left, and then bind over the forearm lose enough for them to drop into holding hands for the kiss as the cords make the figure 8 around their wrists, then make a comfortable exit.)
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
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 comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.
Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife!
You may kiss the bride!
Officiant will remove the cord as say:
Officiant:
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.
Officiant:
It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Allen
Officiant:
Derek and Amanda have chosen to conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternals.
Please join your hands.
(Couple can choose to either hold hands and cord is wrapped around wrists in a figure 8 type fashion-the infinity symbol-or they hold elbows, Groom right to Bride left, and then bind over the forearm lose enough for them to drop into holding hands for the kiss as the cords make the figure 8 around their wrists, then make a comfortable exit.)
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
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 comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.
Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife!
You may kiss the bride!
Officiant will remove the cord as say:
Officiant:
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.
Officiant:
It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Allen
