~Our Wedding~ Part III

LIGHTING OF UNITY CANDLE

From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a brighter light goes forth from them being united. As a symbol of their marriage, Carrie and Jeremy will light their unity candle. The two outside candles have been lit by their mothers to represent their lives to this moment. The lights, representing the faith, wisdom and love they have received by their parents, are individual and unique, and burning alone. Carrie and Jeremy light the center candle to symbolize the union of their lives. This is what God meant when He said, On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one. From now on their thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves. Their plans shall be mutual, their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. By allowing the flame of the two smaller candles to remain lit, they also accept the individuality of each other. May the radiance of this one light and their journey together be a testimony of their unity.

RINGS

Is your intent in this circle of family that you commit to your new life together and ask for their blessings?

Response: It is.

Carrie and Jeremy, please turn toward each other and take each other's hand.
Is it your mutual desire to be united by me in this marriage to one another?

RESPONSE: It is.

Facing the GROOM:

Do you Jeremy take Carrie to be your wife, secure in the knowledge that you will be her constant friend, her faithful partner in life, and her one true love? In the presence of God and your family, do you promise to stay by her side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love her without reservation as long as you both shall live?

RESPONSE: I do.

Facing the GROOM:

Jeremy, please place the ring on Carrie's finger, and repeat after me.

Let this ring serve as a key, unlocking the secrets of our hearts for only each other to know and thus bringing us closer together forever. As the ring is gently placed on your beloveds finger, the unbroken circle of the wedding band represents eternity, a circle of love that has no end.

Do you, Carrie, take Jeremy to be your husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be his constant friend, his faithful partner in life, and his one true love? In the presence of God and your family, do you promise to stay by his side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love him without reservation as long as you both shall live?

RESPONSE: I do.

Facing the BRIDE:

Carrie, please place the ring on Jeremy's finger, and repeat after me.

Let this ring serve as a key, unlocking the secrets of our hearts, for only each other to know and thus bringing us closer together forever. As the ring is gently placed on your beloveds finger, the unbroken circle of the wedding band represent eternity, a circle of love that has no end.

You came to me as two single people and you will now leave me as a married couple, united to each other by the binding contract of love that you have just entered.

Our Family

Oh, and yes we almost caught the church on fire!