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We are gathered
here by the sea to celebrate with Michael
and Manon, the love that they have for each other and their desire to
unite
their lives in marriage. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the natural
beauty
around us, to listen to the surf and to see the incredible colors of
the earth,
the sea and the sky. Let us breathe in that beauty, let it fill us up
and then,
let us breathe it out as love so that we may all appreciate and feel
the love
that we are here today to witness.
Michael and Manon,
you have learned to know and to love each
other. Now you have decided to live your lives together as husband and
wife.
You have promised to face the future together, accepting whatever may
lie
ahead. For the love and commitment that has brought you to this moment,
you
must be grateful. Nothing is easier than saying words and nothing is
harder
than living them. What you promise today must be renewed and re decided
tomorrow. Legally, you are husband and wife, but you must examine your
marriage
daily in order to fulfill the commitments you are making here today.
Real love is
something beyond the warmth and the glow, the
excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much
about the welfare
and happiness of your loved one as about your own. But real love is not
a total
absorption in each other. It is looking outward, in the same direction
together. Love makes burdens lighter because it divides them. It makes
joys
more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so that you
can
reach out and become involved in life in ways that you dared not risk
alone.
Will you please
join right hands?
Michael, you have
taken Manon to be your wife. Will you love
and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by
her not
matter what may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary
so that
you can genuinely share your life with her? If so say “I will”.
And Manon, you have
taken Michael to be your husband. Will
you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you
stand by
him not matter what may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are
necessary
so that you can genuinely share your life with him? If so say “I will”.
Michael, do you have a
ring? Please take the ring, place it
on Manon’s finger and say to her these words:
“Manon, I give you
this ring. It is a symbol of my love for
you. Let it remind you daily of the love, respect and loyalty that I
promise
you today.”
This ring serves as
an outward symbol of the commitment that
you make here today. Let this ring serve not as a lock, but as a key
unlocking
the secrets of your hearts for each other to know and thus bringing you
closer
together forever.
Today you have
promised to share your lives in marriage.
Recognize and respect the covenant you have made. It is not a minister
standing
before you who makes your marriage real. It is the honesty and
sincerity of
what you have said and done here today before these witnesses.
Michael and Manon,
having witnessed your vows for marriage
with all who are assembled here, and by the authority vested in me, I
announce
with great joy that you are husband and wife.
May the sun
bring you new energy by day.
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries.
And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love and happiness.
Michael, you may
kiss your Bride.
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