This page addresses family matters – it is intended for couples who want to include children in their vows, and for brides and grooms who want to honor their parents as part of the wedding ceremony. I typically involve your guests by welcoming them and acknowledging their encouragement towards you.  Readers, musicians and soloists, sponsors, and others can also be included in the ceremony.  Options for doing this will be offered upon request.

___________________

Your wedding preparation began long ago.  Fathers and mothers raise daughters with tenderness – preparing them to be married into the hands of a worthy man.  Mothers and fathers raise sons with integrity – preparing them to hold the respect of a discerning woman in marriage.  And each of you have been refining your ideals throughout life. It is these preparations that brought you to this moment – a ceremony that consists of your mutual consent, sincerely and freely given.

Likewise, if you are bringing children into this marriage, they are accepting this family as their own.  Together you are pledging one another the relationship you’ve always desired.  You are each entrusting yourselves to one another and, all together, are promising a lifetime of love and care.

Your guests, too, are part of the “big picture”.  Marriage is to be honored and upheld by all.  It is therefore with joy that your guests will come together to celebrate your wedding – and to pledge their continuing commitment to your complete unity.

And you will pledge to one another that if ever marriage is difficult – you will believe it can work, will want it to work, and will do your part to make it work! - and that when all is wonderful, you will rejoice over your life together and keep your marriage growing and strong so long as you both live!