Opening Words by Officiant

Welcome, everyone. We are here today to celebrate love, warmth, and togethernesslifes
greatest and richest gifts, and to consummate those gifts with the formality and commitment of
marriage. In deciding to take this step, Jeff and Nancy have decided that the life and the future
they can have together is so much fuller and more meaningful, for themselves and for everyone
who loves them, than the independent lives they would have on their own. They are confident
that they share a strong enough bond, and have more than enough in common, that whatever
differences they might have, and whatever compromises they may have to make for the sake of
their union, are insignificant and surmountable. They feel a reciprocal loyalty and devotion
toward one another, they stand on equal footing, and they are eager to come together now, to
declare their love for one another, for each others children and parents, and to be united in
marriage.

Marriage deepens, strengthens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; successes
and accomplishments are greater, shared memories more enjoyable, commitment deeper and
tighter, and pain is less severe because it is absorbed together.

The power of the wedding vows Jeff and Nancy are about to recite is merely a reflection of a
reality that has existed in their hearts and minds for several years now. Nancy and Jeff, no words
I can say, and nothing you can say to each other today, will ensure a long and happy, satisfying
and committed marriage. It is only your love for one another, and your integrity to make this

commitment today, that can do that. I have every confidence you will succeed wildly in this
endeavor.

I hope you will always laugh at, and never tire of, one anothers jokes, quips and quirks, that you
will continue to delight in being in each others presence, that you will always appreciate your
good fortune in having met and come together, that you will never take one another for granted,
not even in moments of consternation or annoyance, that you will never go to sleep angry, and
that you will freely say I love you so much to one another, every single day.

My hope for you both is also that you will always be able to stand together in facing anything the
world throws your way; that the good things will be better together, and that all that is tragic and
painful in your own personal world and the world at large, will be less so when you are in one
anothers presence and facing it together.

May you always set a beautiful example for your children of a relationship founded not only
upon love, but on mutual respect, reciprocity, appreciation and admiration, and where you each
take pride in supporting one another in your independent endeavors and in the activities and
interests you pursue together, and in doing all you are capable of doing to enhance each others
lives and the lives of your loved ones.

May you wake up every morning with joy in your hearts knowing that you will face a new day
together, not necessarily in a perfect world, or as perfect people, but perfect for one another, in a
safe and nurturing environment where you can each grow and thrive individually, as well as
together.

Vows/Exchanging of Rings

Do you, Nancy, accept this man, Jeff, as your husband joining with him today in matrimony
offering your friendship, comfort, support and loving care cherishing and respecting

him, loving and embracing him in times of adversity and in times of joy? If so, answer now, I
do. (Nancy responds)

Then please repeat after me:

With this ring / I thee wed. / Take it as a sign / of my everlasting and unconditional love / with all
that I am / and all that I have / from this day forward / as your wife.

Do you, Jeff, accept this woman, Nancy, as your wife joining with her today in matrimony
offering your friendship, comfort, support and loving care cherishing and respecting her,
loving and embracing her in times of adversity and in times of joy? If so, answer now, I do.
(Jeff responds)

Then please repeat after me:

With this ring / I thee wed. / Take this as a sign / of my everlasting / and unconditional love /
with all that I am / and all that I have / from this day forward / as your husband.

These wedding rings are a symbol, in a visible and physical form, of the intangible yet unbroken
circle of your love, so that wherever you go, and no matter what distance you are apart, you may
always return to your shared life together. May the mere sight of these rings always call to your
minds the power of your love for one another.

Pronouncement

Nancy and Jeff, in the presence of your family who have joined you today in this glorious setting
to share this moment of joy, you have declared your deep love and affection for each other. You
have formed your own, new union, based on love, respect and honor. Therefore, it is my joyful
responsibility and privilege to officially acknowledge your union as Husband and Wife. You
may now seal your marriage with a kiss.

Final Blessing for Your Marriage

May the glory which rests upon all who love you, bless you and keep you, and fill you with
happiness and a gracious spirit. Despite all changes of fortune and time, may that which is noble
and lovely and true and charitable remain abundantly in your hearts, giving you strength for all
that lies ahead.

Breaking of the Glass

Jeff and Nancy, now that you are married, your first activity as husband and wife is to conclude
the ceremony on a high note by stepping on and crushing this glass. Shattered glass symbolizes
the fragility of relationships and reminds us that we must treat our special relationships with
special care. You are also breaking a glass as a reminder that even at the height of personal joy,
we must nevertheless always bear in mind there is still pain and strife elsewhere in the world.
Finally, the significance of breaking the glass is to protect your marriage with everyones best
wishes, blessings and hope that it will last as long as it would take to repair this irreparably
shattered glass.
(Jeff steps on glass and everyone says Mazel Tov!)

Introduction of Bride and Groom

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff
and Nancy Lewis!