Hannah Sprackett and Alexander Jackson Wedding

Word of welcome

Welcome. My name is Reverend Michael Scott and I have the privilege of performing this marriage ceremony

today.

On behalf of Hannah and Alex welcome and thank you for being here. They are delighted

that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives.

By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their

decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

As we begin today’s celebration I would like to ask who presents this woman to be married to this man?

(Answer. ‘Her mother and I do’ or ‘I do’ etc)

Address to the assembly

Today their relationship changes. All of us know it will grow, and become stronger and better.

Indeed this day is a day of hope. A day in which [Hannah and Alex demonstrate their

commitment, devotion, and mutual respect, as well as their faith and love in one another.

You who are gathered here as witnesses are called to continue your support and encouragement as they unite in

marriage.

Address to the couple

We all know marriage is more than two people standing up here repeating vows. There is an art to any creative

activity. So too in marriage.

Part of the art of marriage is finding room for the things of the spirit.

So to you two I say continue in your search for the good and the beautiful in this life.

Part of the art of marriage is being flexible. So in your marriage cultivate flexibility, patience, understanding

and a sense of humour.

Part of the art of marriage is to comfort each other and strive to be each others best friend. Most important,

develop the capacity to forgive and heal your differences day by day.

Always remember that your love can prevail. It can be the miracle that invites you to learn, to blossom, to

expand your horizons.

This ceremony today is a most serious covenant made before all of us as witnesses.

From your new marriage relationship can come the nurture and strength you two need to face the world. Only

from this moment on you will face the world together in a new way.

Today a new family is born and our world will be the better for its birth. For this we all celebrate.

Reading

Now a reading that expresses the sense of joy and love on this occasion. These two are dedicating it to one

another. It is called 'The Key to Love':

The key to love is understanding... The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word, but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness... to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.

The key to love is sharing... Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving... without thought of return, but with the hope of just a simple smile, and by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect... realising that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all... It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work... but the rewards are more than worth the effort... and that is the key to love.

Expression of intent and consent

Now just a few questions. First for you Alex.

Alex, you have chosen Hannah to be your wife]. Will you love and

respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by

her] through whatever may come? (Answer: 'I will')

Hannah, you have chosen Alex to be your husband. Will you love and

respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by

him through whatever may come? (Answer: 'I will')

And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may

continue to live in a harmonious relationship together? (Answer: 'We do')

The Question of Impediment

These two people have come here today to become one in this union.

If any one of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully married, declare it now or hereafter remain

silent.

Affirmation of family and friends

Now, in the spirit of joy and affirmation, I want to ask your families and friends a question:

Do you, the families and friends of Hannah and Alex, give them your blessing and support, wishing them a

wonderful life together? (All answer: ‘We do’)

Exchange of vows

written own vows

Giving and receiving of rings

May I have the rings please.

Alex, please repeat after me:

Hannah, I give you this ring, that you may wear, as a symbol of the vows, we have made this day. I

pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you.

Now, Hannah, please repeat after me:

Alex, I give you this ring that you may wear as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I

pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you.

Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days.

Affirmation of the marriage

Now may the love which has brought you together continue to grow and enrich your lives.

May you meet with courage the problems which arise to challenge you and may your relationship always be one

of love and trust.

May the happiness you share today be with you always and may every word you have pledged here be a living

truth in your lives.

Declaration of the marriage

Hannah and Alex, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We

recognize and respect the covenant of marriage you have made here this day before each one of us as witnesses.

Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, it is my honour and delight

to declare you henceforth to be husband and wife.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Signing of the register

Introduction of the couple

It is my personal privilege and a great joy to be the first one to introduce Alex and Hannah

as husband and wife.

Please greet them warmly.

Recessional

(couple leave back down the aisle when music starts) [end]