Below is our typical ceremony, followed by optional vows and prayers.
This wedding is a celebration of the love and commitment you both share. In presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the love and devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and dreams that you bring here today.
Your marriage is an outward symbol of an inward union of your hearts. Always remember that your love is a special gift and never forget how lucky you are to have found each other. Establish that your love will never be obscured by the ordinary in life. Always remember to laugh together, cry together and love together because life is more precious when you share it with the person you love. Treat yourselves, each other, and your relationship with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Let everything you do, be done out of love.
Only with this spirit can you forge a union that will strengthen and endure all the days of your lives.
VOWS
The exchanging of vows is a commitment to make a life together and to share the uncertainties of the future, knowing that your love for one another remains constant through it all. Today's bond of marriage is the first step toward your life together as husband and wife. Please face each other and join hands.
(Groom) please repeat after me.
I, (groom), take you, (bride), as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, asking that you be no other than yourself, in all the ways that life may find us.
(Bride) please repeat after me.
I, (bride), take you, (groom), as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, asking that you be no other than yourself, in all the ways that life may find us.
RINGS
You have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of the promises you are making today. The giving and receiving of rings symbolizes your love for one another, which like the circle, knows no end.
(Groom) place the ring on (bride’s) finger and repeat after me:
(Bride), I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. I will be faithful and honest with you. I will respect, love and care for you. I will share my life with you.
(Bride) place the ring on (groom’s) finger and repeat after me:
(Groom), I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. I will be faithful and honest with you. I will respect, love and care for you. I will share my life with you.
May this day shine eternally in your lives.
May you care for each other in all sadness.
May you give cheer to each other.
May you give strength to each other in all undertakings.
May your life together be a source of inspiration to yourselves, your families, your friends, and to all whose lives you touch.
You have expressed your love and commitment through the vows you have taken today and with the exchanging of rings. By the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Florida, I have the pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.
OPTIONAL VOWS
TRADITIONAL VOWS
OPTION 1 - I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
OPTION 2 - In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
BEACH WEDDING INTRODUCTION
As we stand witness beside the ocean tide, may the love always be as constant and unchanging as these never ending waves that roll next to our feet, floating endlessly from the depths of the sea turning to foam touching softly upon the sands, as did their love comes softly upon their hearts
While these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, so will there never be a day without love for each other, love that will nourish and sustain you until the end of time.
NON-TRADITIONAL VOWS
(Bride and Groom), today’s bond of marriage is the first step toward the life you will share together. Please face each other and join hands.
(Groom) please repeat:
I, (Groom), take you, (Bride), as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, asking that you be no other than yourself, in all the ways that life may find us.
(Bride) please repeat:
I, (Bride), take you, (Groom), as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, asking that you be no other than yourself, in all the ways that life may find us.
VOW TO CHILD FROM NEW STEP-PARENT:
(Bride/Groom) please repeat:
I promise to love (child) for all of our days and to treat her as if she was my own. I gladly accept the obligations that go along with this pledge. I love (child) and want her to be a part of my life. (Note: at this point a special gift such as a ring or necklace may be presented to the child.)
RING EXCHANGES
(Bride and Groom) you have chosen to exchange rings as the sign and seal of the promises you are making today. The ring is an ancient symbol of such vows, as the circle is considered to be the most perfect form of all forms in nature. As one unbroken circle, your ring symbolizes your unending love and commitment to each other.
(Groom) as you place this ring on (Bride’s) finger, please repeat after me:
(Bride), I give you this ring, as a symbol of our marriage, for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come. Wear this ring as a sign of my love, and as a constant reminder, of the promises we exchange today.
(Bride), as you place this ring on (Groom's) finger, please repeat after me:
(Groom), I give you this ring, as a symbol of our marriage, for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come. Wear this ring as a sign of my love, and as a constant reminder, of the promises we exchange today.
DOVE RELEASE CEREMONY
It has been said that if doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured. Doves, which mate for life, have traditionally symbolized love, fidelity, peace and prosperity. They are the perfect symbol for the union of a bride and groom. The release of doves by (Bride and Groom) will symbolize the newly wed couple embarking together on a life long journey.
UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY
(Bride and Groom) are going to light their Unity Candle, a symbol of their marriage relationship. The candles from which they light it have been lit by their mothers to represent their lives to this moment.
The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love they have received from their parents, are distinct, each burning alone. [Name] and [Name] will light the center candle to symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one.
From now on, your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity. May these candles burn brightly as symbols of your commitment to each other, and as a tribute to your parents' lasting and loving marriages.
PRAYERS
APACHE PRAYER OF BENEDICTION
Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you
Will be warmth for the other.
Now there is no loneliness
For each of you
Will be companion for the other.
You are two persons,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling
To enter into the days
Of your life together.
CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13, VERSE 7
Love is patient and kind.
Love is neither jealous nor 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.
Love never ends.
"HAND" PRAYER
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, 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 cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
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 help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
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.
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Cruises Offered by the International Cruise Center Romance Department