As a wedding Officiant I have the joy of performing ceremonies for all religious backgrounds. As an Officiant I can create a ceremony to fill the spiritual needs of a couple, who are of different faiths, do not belong to a church, or do not practice a religion.

In our planning meeting we will talk about what traditions or customs that each of you would like to include in your ceremony. Today I am sharing wording for a wedding ceremony that includes the bride’s Greek heritage and the grooms Christian upbringing.

The Greek Orthodox /Christian wedding ceremony are quite easy to combine since both religions honor the Holy Trinity- The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. In fact in the Greek Orthodox ceremony, many elements are done 3 times as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Both ceremonies place God at the center of the marriage and remind the couple to seek the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In a Greek Orthodox ceremony the couple is joined together in faith, and in oneness of mind, in truth, and in love. They acknowledging that their love is rooted in God, who is love itself.

In a Christian ceremony the couple makes a covenant (a solemn promise) to each other in the presence of God. This ceremony will include an invocation (beginning prayer to invite God to be present and bless this ceremony) as well as other elements. 

In the ceremony below I have combined some elements of both religious traditions.
There are other Greek Orthodox traditions that you can include such as the wine/common cup. The sharing of wine symbolizes that they now share with each other every joy and sorrow. The couple I made this ceremony for will be doing a wine toast at their reception so we left it out of the ceremony

Another Greek tradition is the bride and groom are given white lighted candles to hold. The
lighted candles symbolize the purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of virtue.
In the ceremony below I combined the Catholic unity candle lighting and The Greek Candle lighting.
Also in a Greek ceremony when the couple completes their walk around the table the Officiant will take the bible and use it to separate their hands saying “What God has joined together let man not out asunder (separate)”. This is traditionally said after the pronouncement in a Christian ceremony 

~Please note all my ceremonies can be tailored to reflect same-sex weddings and vow renewals~ 

The greeting:

Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:

We welcome each of you to this joyful occasion in the life of Groom and Bride. We are gathered here today to 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 before God and before us. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love, and their expectations.

On behalf of the bride and groom I would like to thank you all for sharing this happiest of days with them. They would also like to acknowledge loved ones who are no longer physically with us, but are here with us in spirit today as we celebrate this joyous occasion.

Invocation (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service) 

Officiant:

Let us pray
Our Father, love has been your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between two souls which matures into marriage is one of your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless Groom and Bride in their marriage. Surround them and us with your love now and always. Amen.

Charge to 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 union into which you are now about to enter is the closest and most tender into which human beings can come. It is a union founded on mutual experience and affection and to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ; it is a union in the Lord. Marriage is Gods institution, intended for the happiness and welfare of human kind.

Remember that love alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home. Let Christ be your example. Let the apostle Paul be your teacher, who wrote” Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” If you keep this steadfast love ever before you and remaining faithful to each other, resolutely endeavor to fulfill the vows you now make, God’s blessings will be upon you, and the home you establish will endure through life’s every change. 

Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):

Officiant:

To  Groom:  Groom, will you have Bride  to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?

 Groom Responds: I will

Officiant:

To Bride: Bride, will you have  Groom to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?

Bride Responds: I will.

Vows:

Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant:  Groom, repeat to Bride, after me, these words:

I, Groom, receive you, Bride as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,
(Groom says): I, Groom, receive you, Bride as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,

And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;
(Groom says): And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;

Through times of laughter and tears,
(Groom says): Through times of laughter and tears,

Health and sickness,
(Groom says): Health and sickness,

In plenty and in want,
(Groom says): In plenty and in want,

At work and at play
(Groom says): At work and at play

I promise to cherish you,
(Groom says): I promise to cherish you,

And to always hold you in highest regard.
(Groom says): And to always hold you in highest regard.

For as long as we both shall live
(Groom says): For as long as we both shall live

Officiant:  Bride repeat to Groom, after me, these words:

I, Bride, receive you, Groom as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,
(Bride says): I, Bride, receive you, Groom as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,

And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;
(Bride says): And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;

Through times of laughter and tears,
(Bride says): Through times of laughter and tears,

Health and sickness,
(Bride says): Health and sickness,

In plenty and in want,
(Bride says): In plenty and in want,

At work and at play
(Bride says): At work and at play

I promise to cherish you,
(Bride says): I promise to cherish you,

And to always hold you in highest regard.
(Bride says): And to always hold you in highest regard.

For as long as we both shall live
(Bride says): For as long as we both shall live 

Exchange of rings:

Officiant:  May we please have the rings

At this point the best man will give the rings to the Officiant.

Officiant:

Heavenly Father we ask for your blessing on these rings that Groom and Bride are about to exchange. Grant that the love which they feel for one another on this day resides always in their hearts. May these rings forever remind them of the vows which they have pledged to one another today, and may their compassion and kindness for each other always be, as these rings, with no beginning and no end. Amen

To Groom:  Groom will you take this ring and place it upon Bride’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:

I give you this ring,
(Groom says) I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my vow
(Groom says) As a symbol of my vow

And with all that I am
(Groom says) And with all that I am

And all that I have
(Groom says)  And all that I have

And with it, I may you
(Groom says) And with it, I marry you

And join my life with yours
(Groom says) And join my life with yours

To Bride: Bride will you take this ring and place it upon Groom’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Bride says) I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my vow
(Bride says) As a symbol of my vow

And with all that I am
(Bride says) And with all that I am

And all that I have
(Bride says)  And all that I have

And with it, I may you
(Bride says) And with it, I marry you

And join my life with yours
(Bride says) And join my life with yours 

Crowning:

Officiant;
 
For thousands of years, people in Greece have been crowned with wreaths, signifying achievement. In Psalm (8:5) we read "For thou hast made them a little lower than the angels, and have crowned them with glory and honor."

At weddings the wreaths signify mastery of the couple’s home and give honor to the spark of divinity that resides within them both. This is a symbol of how in marriage it is our higher selves that the couple promises to one another and the very best that they have to give.

These wreaths, called "stephana", are bound by a single cord, a cord of love and commitment. The pearls represent romance and sweet blessings. As they are crowned, they are forever united as one.


Officiant to Couple- Please hold each others right hands (This is to symbolize that it is the right hand of God that blesses; it was to the right hand of the Father that Christ ascended)

Officiant to Best man: “Best man” will you exchange the stephana three times as is custom, as we offer a blessing in each exchange.

Best man holds the stephana above the couple's heads

Heavenly Father you have granted this couple a foretaste of your heavenly blessings on earth by giving them the gift of sacred union. We ask that you make their marriage strong in faith, truth and love, that they may be joined forevermore as one mind, one heart, one spirit.

Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom
Best man exchanges stephana and continue to hold them above the couple's heads

May the Lord Jesus Christ grant this couple a lifetime of mutual love and understanding. May their love and care for one another be always in the foreground of their thoughts, granting them health, happiness and peace.

Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom
Best man exchanges stephana for the third and final time and continue to hold them above the
couple's heads

Holy Spirit, Guardian of all that is seen and unseen, As the Father, Son and Holy spirit are joined in sacred and mystical union may the sacrament of marriage enrich the connection of these two souls that they may grow in depth of love and glory to God.

Bride and Groom are offered one another's stephana to kiss before placement. Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom and the couple is crowned

Ceremonial walk:

With the crowns now on their heads, I lead them around the table 3 times. The couple still holding right hand-the Officiant reaches back and places her hand on top of theirs and leads them around the table. The maid of honor follows holding the ribbons from the crowns –On the table should be the bible and the cross (I can provide these if you need). This represents the word of God and our redemption by Jesus. The couple walking around the table symbolizes that Christian living is at the center of their married life and 3 times is for the holy trinity. During the walk a hymn is usually played.

The Removal of the Crowns
At the conclusion of the Ceremonial Walk, The Officiant removes the crowns saying:
Heavenly Father, grant that Bride and Groom enjoy a long, happy and fruitful life together. Amen 

Unity Candle Ceremony

Officiant:

Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the lighting of the unity candle.

The lighting of the unity candle can be a very meaningful expression in a Christian wedding ceremony. It symbolizing your individual spirits, as well as your individual connections with God. In a Traditional Greek ceremony the lighted candles symbolize the purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of virtue.

Groom and Bride please light the two taper candles. These candles represent your individual spirits, your individual connections with God, all that you are and, all that you have been, and all that you will become.

The center candle represents your relationship. It is the symbol of your marriage, the symbol of the joining of 2 spirits, 2 lives, 2 souls. Now you will take the tapers and light the center candle. As you do so, keep in mind the pledge you made to each other today. It is the pledge of the truth and purity of your every breath. The constant friendship of your hearts, the passion and fire of your spirits and the deepest love your souls have to give. It is the pledge of all that is within you-The only true pledge that one heart can offer to another.

You are now as husband and wife offering yourselves, and all that has come to pass unto each other, towards the creation of your future, and to all that is yet to come. The candle of your marriage shall burn brightly, but the two tapers of yourselves are not diminished. You do not disappear in marriage. You remain you. But in joining, both lights are brighter, each supports the other and miracles can happen. True Love shines brightly and today is but a beautiful beginning of the miracles to come.

Prayer: Prayer of blessing upon your new marriage 

Officiant:  Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage

We thank you O God for the joy and excitement of this blessed Occasion. It is you who has given us life and experience and you who has led us to this present moment. We ask that you bless Groom and Bride as they begin this new phase of their journey through life. Safeguard them from perils both seen and unseen. Give them such fulfillment of mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Let the sun always rise on their good will and let it never set without it. Abide in their home as the one who imparts value to their relationship and meaning to all their efforts. Shelter them from the tragedies so common to human life, or support them that they may stand when visited by adversity. Grant that their wills may be knit together in your will, and their spirits in your spirit that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen 

Pronouncement:

Officiant:

Inasmuch as you, Groom, and you Bride, have thus consented in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God, family and friends, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

You may kiss the Bride!

Benediction (It brings ceremony to an end. It is another blessing):

Officiant:

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.

It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. _________ 

For more information on my packages, prices, sample ceremonies and more
See For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant 

 It is very common for couples to ask me to personalize their ceremony with something that reflects them. For example I have had a couple who met at a concert and share a love of music, or a couple who shares a love of travel, or making their own wine.

Every so often I will get a request for a themed wedding such as a Steam Punk theme or Halloween.

I recently had a couple request a Disney themed wedding ceremony. They wanted me to use as many Disney Quotes as I could. I really like the way it came out so I thought I would share it. Enjoy!

*I made a notation- just for reference of what Disney movie/song etc.. the wording came from; I do not actually read that part.. This ceremony is non-religious but can easily be changed to include prayers. 

The greeting:

Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:

Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale:

It is a tale as old as time, a tale true as can be (Beauty and the Beast). Groom and Bride  started out as high school  friends, They embarked on many adventures together, as time went by it became crystal clear, they had fallen in love, This love opened up a whole new world for them with new horizons to pursue. (Aladdin) Today Groom and Bride begin this new chapter in their storybook. Today they give recognition to the worth and beauty of this love as they become husband and wife. 

We celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations. 

Invocation/opening blessing (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service-or for non-religious it is an opening blessing or poem)

Officiant:

I would like to share a reading : Winnie the Pooh, by A. A. Milne

“Pooh” whispered Piglet.
“Yes, Piglet” replied Pooh.
“Nothing,” answered Piglet,
“I just wanted to be sure of you.”
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.”
“It’s so much more friendly with two.”
“Pooh, promise me you won’t forget about me, ever. Not even when I am a hundred.”
Pooh thought for a little.
“How old shall I be then?”
“Ninety-nine.”
Pooh nodded. “I promise,” he said.
“Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.”

Charge & Pledge combined (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take, the pledge is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):

Officiant

Groom and Bride; as you continue on your journey together, I ask you to remember this advice:

When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably: (Walt Disney) --- ……Believe in this union without reservations.

Make the Best of Every Situation (Cinderella):
…..Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created.

Accept Your Differences (Pocahontas):
……Know that your interests and desires will not always be the same.

Achieving Goals Is Hard Work: (The Princess & the Frog)
…..Celebrate in the accomplishments of one another.

Go after what you want (The Little Mermaid)
…..Have a mutual sense of values and common objectives:  Stand together facing the world.

Listen with your heart: you will understand (Pocahontas):
……Accept one another as an equal and as a unique individual.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever (Walt Disney)

Marriage is telling the person you love that you’re not going anywhere and that’s a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another. And so this is love. This is what makes life divine. (Cinderella)

 (To Groom):  With this understanding, do you Groom, take Bride to be your wife; to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Groom says:  I do.

(To Bride):  With this understanding do you Bride, do you take Groom to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Bride says: I do.

Officiant:  Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another. 

Groom, repeat to Bride, after me, these words:

I, Groom take you Bride to be my wife
(Groom says): I, Groom take you Bride to be my wife

I vow to you from this day forward
(Groom says): I vow to you from this day forward

Whatever we may do
(Groom says): Whatever we may do,

You are here for me
(Groom says): You are here for me

And I’ll be there for you
(Groom says): And I’ll be there for you (Aladdin)

From this day on
(Groom says): From this day on

Now and forever more
(Groom says): Now and forever more,

You’ll be in my heart
(Groom says): You'll be in my heart. (Tarzan)


Officiant:  Bride, repeat to Groom, after me, these words:

I Bride, take you Groom to be my husband
(Bride says): I, Bride, take you Groom to be my husband

You are the best thing
(Bride says): You are the best thing,

I never knew I needed
(Bride says): I never knew I needed (Princess and the frog)

With you here,
(Bride says): With you here,

I know that life is much more fun
(Bride says): I know that life is much more fun (Winnie the Pooh)

I vow to you
(Bride says): I vow to you

From this day on
(Bride says): From this day on

Now and forevermore
(Bride says): Now and forever more,

You’ll be in my heart.
(Bride says): You'll be in my heart. (Tarzan)

With this love begins a new circle of life (Lion King), and to symbolize this new circle Groom and Bride will exchange rings.

May I please have the rings:

(At this point best man hands Officiant the rings)

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It has no beginning and no end-and so it is with love, love is a song that never ends. Let this ring be a symbol of your never ending love song.

Officiant to Groom:  And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Groom, may place a ring on the finger of your bride, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Groom says): I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love
(Groom says): As a symbol of my love

Wear it as a reminder
(Groom says): Wear it as a reminder

That my love is a song
(Groom says): That my love is a song

That never ends
(Groom says): That never ends

Officiant to Bride:  And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Bride, may place a ring on the finger of your groom, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Bride says): I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love
(Bride says): As a symbol of my love

Wear it as a reminder
(Bride says): Wear it as a reminder

That my love is a song
(Bride says): That my love is a song

That never ends
(Bride says): That never ends

(*note “that my love is a song that never ends” from Bambi)

Prayer: closing prayer or blessing upon your new marriage 

Officiant:  

Bride and Groom may the love that you have expressed here today grow in time, in song and rhyme into a legendary tale full of happiness and joy. May the inward aspirations of your hearts be the outward reality of you home. May your home always be a magic kingdom, of light and truth, of beauty, of joy and happiness all the days of your lives.

(Note; some wording adapted from Walt Disney Poem : Magical Kingdom)

Pronouncement:

Officiant:

Groom and Bride, Your two hopeful hearts, once worlds apart;
Together there is no end to what your dreams can start.
Like two eagles soar as one, upon the river of the wind
With the promise of forever, you will take the past and learn to begin. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter, and may you live happily ever after! ..(Pocahontas)

By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife! 

Officiant to Groom: Go on and kiss the girl! (Little Mermaid)

 “It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs.___________

For more information on my services or to read more sample ceremonies see me at For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services.

Peace, Love and Be Married!

Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant
call/text 848-333-9948
thisjoyous@gmail.com

A man should be the first to congratulate the bride. It's bad luck if a woman gets there first.

It's good luck to rise with to the song of birds on your wedding day.

It is good luck if it rains on your wedding.

It's bad luck to put on your own veil; have a well-married woman do the honors.

The bride should never take both feet off the floor when dancing with her new husband. It gives the fairies an edge!

Marry in white, everything's right
Marry in blue, lover be true
Marry in pink, spirits will sink
Marry in grey, live far away
Marry in brown, live out of town
Marry in green, ashamed to be seen
Marry in yellow, ashamed of your fellow
Marry in black, wish you were back
Marry in red, wish you were dead
Marry in tan, he'll be a loved man
Marry in pearl, you'll live in a whirl

The chime of bells reminds a couple of their wedding vows. That's why giving a bell as a gift has become an Irish tradition.

Many Irish brides carry a small porcelain horseshoe in their wedding bouquets for good luck

The wearing of Claddaugh rings are probably the most popular Irish wedding rituals. When worn on the right hand, the ring indicates that love is "being considered." When the ring is placed on the left hand the wearer is married or has been handfasted. 

Irish Blessing, Version #1

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Irish Blessing, Version #2

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again my friend
May God hold you in the hollow (palm) of his hand
May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children’s children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in Blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the joys of today
Be those of tomorrow.

Irish Wedding Blessing, Version #3

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.

Irish Wedding Blessing, Version #4  short version

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Irish Wedding Blessing option 5

May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet, trials to keep you strong, success to make you eager, friends to give you comfort, wealth to meet your needs, enthusiasm to look for tomorrow, and a growing love to make each day better than the day before.

Irish Wedding Blessing, #6- said after pronouncement as a benediction, end ceremony the kiss

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

 Option 1

Officiant:
_____ and ___ will 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 eternal.
Please join your right hands.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

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Option 2

Officiant:
_____ and ___ have will 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 eternal
Please join your right hands.
Officiant:
_____ and ___ this cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. Up until this moment, you have been separate in thought, word and action. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, shall your lives be bound as one. May you be forever be one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty for all time to come.
****************************************************************************

Option 3

Officiant:
_____ and ___ will 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 everlasting
Please join your right hands.
Officiant:
This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and peace, happiness and prosperity.

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Option 4

Officiant:

_____ and ___ will 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 everlasting

Please join your right hands.

Officiant:

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.

I am always happy to customize your wedding ceremony with the traditions of your heritage. For more information on my services see For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services.

Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
call/text 848-333-9948

Peace, Love and Be Married!
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant