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We gather here today to witness the joining of Matthew & Jennifer in marriage. Marriage is a wonderful event in which family and friends gather to watch two people dedicate themselves to each other forever. It is an honorable institution which is not to be entered into lightly but reverently and with great love and in all sincerity.

In truth, Matthew & Jennifer, this outward commitment is only a symbol but the real truth starts in your hearts and yes, the church can solemnize it and the state can make it legal but only a true mutually abiding and deep love can fulfill it. And today what starts here will take a life time to fulfill.

To endure, the marriage of two persons must be a promise from each to each other, and from both to the community of which they share their lives with. Love is a wonderful thing and it is meant to be shared. It makes that which is heavy, light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven. Love carries a burden of two more easily because the two of you share the burden. Love carries with it the ability to share life’s rich experiences with those around you. It allows you to go places that you dare not go alone because you know now that you have someone standing beside you and you are not afraid to take risk.

Though weary and tired…love will not ever be extinguished…though pressed…it will not feel defeat…though alarmed…love will not be confounded. Love will always force its way upward…through struggles, And so…it is always to be cherished and nurtured and held dear in your hearts because you never want to get to that place where you have to test yourselves. Because even though love will go on…it is so much easier to nurture day by day than to rekindle. A simple hug, a simple kiss, a simple I love you…to sit and listen to your spouse, to focus on them instead of yourself is one of the greatest gifts any human being can give to one another. So remember that as you move forward in your lives. Be there for each other.

I’d like to now invite Matthews cousin David up for a special reading

You Are All of This to Me

You are all of this to me
You’re the thought that starts each morning,
the conclusion to each day.
You are in all I do,
and everything I say.
You’re the smile on my face,
the twinkle in my eye.
The warmth inside my heart,
the fullness in my life.
You’re the hand that’s laced in mine,
and the coat upon my back.
My friend, my love,
my shoulder to lean on.
You’re my silly, mature, caring,
thoughtful, bright and honest guy.
The one who holds me tightly,
when I need to cry.
You’re the dimple in my cheek,
the ever-constant tingle in my soul.
The voice that makes me weak,
the happiness of my life.
You are all I’ve wanted,
you are all I need.
You are all I’ve dreamed of,
you are all of this to me.

Thank you David

And now as the groom and bride would like to share with you a special celebration called the Unity Candle. The lighting of the unity candle is a vivid reminder that in marriage our lives are merged, even as we remain individuals. Bride and Groom the two lighted candles symbolize your separate lives, your separate families and your separate sets of friends. I ask that you each take one candle and that together you light the larger center candle. The individual candles represent your individual lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light and represents the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one.

Officiant: So now, in the presence of your families and closest friends, I ask you:

[To Groom:] Matthew, will you have this woman, bride to be your wife, to live together in the sacred estate of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and pledge to be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?

Groom: I Will.

[To Bride:] Jennifer, will you have this man, groom to be your husband, to live together in the sacred estate of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and pledge to be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

Bride: I Will.

Inasmuch as bride and groom have consented together in marriage, and have witnessed the same before you, and thereto have pledged their faith to each other, and have declared the same by joining hands and giving and receiving rings, therefore by the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife.

May you always remain sweethearts and friends. May your marriage be full of kindness. And may the years bring you happiness and contentment– forever in love. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Matthew & Jennifer husband & wife!

Let the Festivities Begin!