THE WEDDING of JEANNINE & RAY

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ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDE & GROOM

“Doe Eyes (Love Theme from the Bridges of Madison County)”

INTRODUCTION

Celebrant:

We gather today to celebrate the marriage of Jeannine and Ray, five years to the day from when they started dating.

Jeannine and Ray met at work, and began playing tennis together. Jeannine says that once he started winning, she became interested in him. Their first date was a trip to Atlantic City – a trip that sealed their fate. After they kissed for the first time, Ray told Jeannine, “I can’t believe I kissed a manager!” They fell in love quickly. Jeannine knew about a year later that she wanted to be with Ray forever. They were spending most of their time together, and when he wasn’t there, she missed him.

Ray admits that at this point in his life, he was a little afraid of making a lifetime commitment. But this all changed when the couple split up for a few days. Without Jeannine, he was miserable. “I knew then,” he says, “that I didn’t want to be without her.” He got down on one knee and proposed. Jeannine was so shocked, she couldn’t speak for about five minutes. Then, of course, she said yes.

Jeannine loves Ray’s unique blend of kindness and strength, his impersonations of Cher and Elvis, and how much he shows that he cares for her. Ray loves Jeannine because she is so generous and has such a good heart. “She is always there for me,” he says. They love relaxing at home with a good movie and a couple of drinks. They love to do things for each other. They look forward to living a long, healthy and unstressed life together, and to being as happy tomorrow as they are today.

They are grateful for your presence here today to share in their happiness. They wish to acknowledge their love for their present and future families, especially their children, who stand with them tonight.

Ray and Jeannine do not enter into marriage lightly, but with an experienced and mature view of how much work a strong marriage requires every day. In many ways, today is a public recognition of a marriage of the human spirit that already exists in the hearts of this couple. They hope that you leave here today filled with their happiness, and spread it to others. Ray would like to hear people leave saying: “They look like a good match. It will be a good marriage.”

THE VOWS

Celebrant:

The couple has written their own vows, and before they recite them, they want everyone to understand that although parts of the vows may sound humorous, these promises they make to each other are sincere and heartfelt. Indeed, in my experience, Ray and Jeannine, by their vows, recognize those things that truly make a marriage strong – living everyday life together with grace and patience.

Now, I, a Civil Ordained Celebrant, am duly authorized to solemnize this marriage according to the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Ray and Jeannine, please face one another to make your vows.

Jeannine:

I, Jeannine, take you Ray

to be my husband,

best friend,

lover,

confidant,

and gambling partner.

To love and to cherish, from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

for the rest of my life.

I promise to be true,

to be faithful,

to support your stock market endeavors,

to tolerate your coughing,

and despite any faults you may have,

I promise to love and stand by you all the days of my life.

Ray:

I, Ray, take you Jeannine

to be my wife,

best friend,

lover,

confidant,

and consigliore,

To love and cherish, from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

for the rest of my life.

I promise to be true,

to be faithful,

to root for the Dallas Cowboys,

to tolerate your smoking,

and despite any faults you may have,

I promise to love and stand by you all the days of my life.

THE RING CEREMONY

Ray:

Jeannine,

This wedding band I give you

has no beginning and no end.

It symbolizes my unending love for you.

Jeannine:

Ray,

This wedding band I give you

has no beginning and no end.

It symbolizes my unending love for you.

FAMILY CANDLE CEREMONY

Celebrant:

This wedding ceremony represents more than just the joining of a couple, we are also witnessing the creation of a new family. I invite Ray’s and Jeannine’s children to join their parents at the table here in the center.

Ray, Jeannine, Chris, Lisa, Amy and Cory, to symbolize your unity as a family, you will now join in lighting the Family Unity Candle. You will each dip your taper candle into the already-lit votive candle. Then, you will join your flames together to light the Family Candle in the center.

Music Selection/Candle Lighting: Piano Selection

Celebrant:

As you join your candles together to light the single Family Candle, the flame flares higher than before. The united flame is a strong symbol. It symbolizes the unity of family, and how all of your lives will be richer because of your common bond of love.

From this moment forward may the light of life shine bright for you all.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

Celebrant:

Jeannine and Ray have declared before us that they will live together in marriage. They have made special promises to each other and to their children. They have symbolized their union by taking vows and exchanging rings. Therefore, on behalf of the community, I now declare them to be husband and wife. I am honored to introduce you to Mr. & Mrs. Ray Marinello!

You may kiss each other!

RECESSIONAL

“I Finally Found Someone” by Bryan Adams & Barbara Streisand