3 Wedding Ceremony Wording, Poem and Vows

This is an excerpt from our wedding ceremony, including the poem and vows.

Venue: Southwark Register Office
Date: Friday, 19 October
_________________________________________________
[Music - Bride’s Entrance to Mendelssohn: Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Jazz/Classical by Nick Reynolds & Tim Parsons]

Andrew and Eleanor wish to make their vows for a life long union together in the presence of their family and friends.
It gives great public recognition, of a mutual and private devotion.
You all may have a special, relationship with one of them or both of them and your presence here today gives significance to that relationship and support to their marriage.

Andrew’s sister Jane, will now give a reading:

A poem called THE PROMISE by Eileen Rafter

The sun danced on the snow with a sparkling smile,
As two lovers sat quietly, alone for a while.
Then he turned and said, with a casual air
(Though he blushed from his chin to the tips of his hair),
"I think I might like to get married to you"

"Well then, she said, "Well there's a thought,
But what if we can't promise to be all that we ought,
If I'm late yet again, when we plan to go out.
For I know I can't promise, I'll learn to ignore
Dirty socks and damp towels strewn all over the floor.

So if we can't vow to be all that we should
I'm not sure what to do, though the idea's quite good".
But he gently smiled and tilted his head
Till his lips met her ear and softly he said

"I promise, to weave my dreams into your own,
That wherever you breathe will be my hearts home.
I promise, that whether with rags or with gold I am blessed
Your smile is the jewel I will treasure the best.

Do you think then, my love, we should marry - do you?"
"Yes" she said smiling "I do".
____________________________________________

Marriage is a promise of companionship
Of having someone to share all of life’s experiences
Marriage does not promise that there will not be any rough times
Just the assurance that there will always be someone who cares
Marriage does not promise eternal romance
Just eternal love and commitment
Marriage cannot prevent disappointment or disillusionment
But it can offer HOPE, COMFORT AND ACCEPTANCE
Marriage cannot prevent you from making individual choices
But it will help to reassure you that there is someone always waiting to listen and inspire you.
Marriage is the joining of two people who share the promise that only marriage can bring.

Before you are both joined in Matrimony, it is my duty to remind you both of the Solemn and binding vows you are about to make today.

Marriage according to the law of this country is the union of love, of one woman to one man voluntarily entered into for LIFE to exclusion of all others.
(Do you both understand this?) :- WE DO.


Our own personal Vows

Andrew:
“As your husband, I promise to be your constant, attentive faithful partner and to love, honour, respect and cherish you throughout our future together”

Eleanor:
“I promise to stay by your side as your wife through good times and bad.
I promise to love, honour and respect you,
to grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”

Will the best man Stephen, come forward with the rings

"I give you this ring as a token of my love and affection please wear it with a feeling of warmth and pride".

The time has come for these two people to contract their marriage before you their witnesses, can I ask all who is able to please stand.

I Call upon our family and friends here present to witness that I Andrew to take thee Eleanor to be my lawful wedded Wife

I Eleanor to take thee Andrew to be my lawful wedded Husband

Congratulations you are now legally Husband and Wife.

[Music - Bill Pursell: "Our Winter Love" during the signing of the register]

Presenting of the marriage certificate: Welcome the Bride & Groom, Mr and Mrs Parkin!

[Music - The Cure: "Just Like Heaven" piano version]

Witnesses: Karen, Paula, Graham and Rachel.