We have come together today in celebration of the union of and . Today, they affirm their love and commit to an enduring dedication to each other. Guided by a star of hope, who never leads her followers astray, they make dreams more than dreams.
Life oftentimes bears rough seas and black skies, but Love promises brighter skies and a good wind. But it is not the ship, so much as the skilful sailing, that assures the prosperous voyage. To ride out the turbulent seas, we must have perseverance, strength of will, wisdom, and unfailing courage. The heart cannot be weak, but it cannot carry a marriage on its own. A heart must be receptive to advice, must share its burden with its match, and must love and be loved to weather the storm.
Today is no storm. Today is the joining of these hearts, so that they might unite at the helm and guide this marriage through Life's oceans. Today, and embark on their journey together. A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships were made for. It is in this spirit that we have come together today.
Please join hands,
"I, , take you, my beloved to be my wife. I will stand by you, as yours, and yours alone. I will wait for you when the sea parts us, and I will be the joy in your heart when you return. I swear to be the hands that wipe your tears when you are sorrowed, to be your source of strength, and to bring you a smile each sunrise and sunset. I promise to share the depths of my soul with you. I vow to love you with every beat of my heart, and to live without regret by your side. You are my best friend, and I will love and respect you always."
You may now place the ring on her finger.
"I, , take you, my beloved to be my husband. I will stand by you, as yours, and yours alone. I will wait for you when the sea parts us, and I will be the joy in your heart when you return. I swear to be the hands that wipe your tears when you are sorrowed, to be your source of comfort, and to fill our home with warmth and love. I promise to share the depths of my soul with you. I vow to love you with every beat of my heart, and to live without regret by your side. You are my best friend, and I will love and respect you always."
You may now place the ring on his finger.
Let these rings serve as locks–not binding you together–but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Though hardship may dog your footsteps, know that your love is more than a match for its shadows. Do not let the fears and doubts of others weaken your resolve.
As Mark Twain once wrote, " Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did”. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails,explore, dream, discover, love, live.
By the authority of the State of South Carolina, I now pronounce you to be husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
I present to you, Mr. and Mrs.______.