WEDDING CEREMONIES: Gavan & Stefanie (Greek Crown Ceremony)

Text in italics are words spoken by the Bride & Groom or Ceremony participants other than the Celebrant. Text in { } are words spoken by the Celebrant to the guests, and generally explain what is happening or about to happen in the Ceremony. Text in [ ] are actions by the Bride & Groom, Celebrant, or other Ceremony participants. All other text are words spoken by the Celebrant directly addressing the Bride & Groom, and/or the guests.

Processional: Rigaudon

Opening Words

Welcome everyone to the marriage ceremony of Stephanie and Gavan. We have come together, family and friends, in the presence of God to uphold Gavan and Stefanie as they make their vows of marriage. We celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and we support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. Marriage is a holy estate born in the love of God. It is a relationship entered into thoughtfully, reverently, with gratitude for the past and hope for the future. True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage for two persons. It is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between a man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgement be made. This acknowledgement is the prime objective of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife, of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

Opening Prayer

Let us pray. God of light, who gives us the longing for love and the capability of loving, we give you thanks for Stefanie and Gavan, for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here. Amen.

Remembrances

At this time, Gavan and Stefanie would like to extend their love and blessings to the family and friends back in Australia who were unable to make the trip. Even though they cannot be here today physically, they are here in spirit and in our hearts.

Reading

{And now, Stefanie & Gavan's friend Cassie will present a reading.}

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfish. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. Love protects all things, has faith in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. The gifts of prophecy will in time fail; and knowledge too will vanish away. But love does not come to an end. Know you, then, that there are three things that last: Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is Love.

Expression of Intent

{Gavan and Stefanie will now make public their intention to marry…}

Gavan, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

Gavan: I will.

Stefanie, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health: and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

Stefanie: I will.

Crown Ceremony

For thousands of years, people in Greece have been crowned with floral wreaths, signifying achievement. At weddings the wreaths signify mastery of the bride and groom's home. These wreaths, the Stephana, are bound by a single cord, a cord of love and commitment. The flowers represent romance and life's sweet blessings. As they are crowned, Gavan & Stefanie are forever united. We now call forth, Kristen, who has the honor of exchanging the wreaths three times, as is the custom.

[Kristen exchanges the wreaths three times]

Stefanie and Gavan, may all that you have already become, which has brought you to this day, and all you will become as a consequence of it, in the lifelong joining of your hearts and minds, continue to show you your purpose. May you always be brought most beautifully and steadfastly into the presence of yourselves and of one another, and may you live long and happily fulfilling all that you are. Amen.

Vows

And now, Gavan and Stefanie will recite their wedding vows...}

Gavan, please repeat after me:

I Gavan, take you Stefanie, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

Stefanie, please repeat after me:

I Stefanie, take you Gavan, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.

The Blessing of the Hands

{Stefanie's Aunt Tracy will now perform the Blessing of the Hands}

[Aunt Tracy stands in front of Stefanie & Gavan]

Gavan and Stefanie, please look at the hands you are holding so that you may see the gift they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Exchange of The Rings

{At this time, Gavan and Stefanie will exchange their Wedding Rings...}

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Gavan,

[Celebrant Hands Bride's Ring to Gavan]

may place a ring on the finger of your bride and repeat after me…

Stefanie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.

By the same token Stefanie,

[Celebrant Hands Groom's Ring to Stefanie]

you may place a ring on the finger of your groom, and repeat after me…

Gavan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.

Pronouncement of Marriage

{At this time we come to the Pronouncement of Marriage. The Pronouncement is my public, and legal, proclamation that Stefanie and Gavan are married. }

Gavan and Stefanie, now that you have heard the words about love and marriage, now that you have shown us the example of your love and celebrated your union by giving each other these beautiful rings, it is with great joy and happiness that I pronounce you husband and wife.

Permission to Kiss

You may kiss the bride!

Benediction

These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that man will find there a friend. And may their two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them.

Presentation of The New Couple

[Bride Takes Bouquet back from Kristen]

[Celebrant asks Stefanie & Gavan to Turn and Face Their Guests]

It is my pleasure to present to you, for the first time...
Mr. & Mrs. Gavan and Stefanie Last Name!

Recessional: Le Rondeau ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)

Here are more versions of and more information about the songs used in this ceremony:

Rigaudon

Le Rondeau

Next, check out a ceremony with a couple of readings and bubbles!