Friday, September 26, 2008

Candice's vows

First a comment from Candice:
I know you and Dad were freaking out... lol I do talk to my brothers, I always know whats going on. ;)..... But I knew what I wanted. Why would I have a religious stranger marry me?? But just like when I was planning this everyone freaked  that the girls werent going to be wearing matching dresses and the guys werent in suits... and how Aunt Tina was freaked out when I had FAITH in Kristina doing the Bridal Shower, everything came together.... I wanted a ceremony that wasnt stuffy and showed Michael and I's personality and love for one another... and I feel that it was just that. It was  beautiful, intimate without being rigid and formal. Which is exactly what I wanted!! I looked at the wedding as a celebration of Michael and I's new life together verses conforming to a ceremony just for the sake of an outdated tradition. Kameron did an AMAZING JOB!!!!! And it was soo meaningful because of it. And you are GREAT for standing back and letting me have the wedding of my dreams even if during the process you wanted to question my judgement, you didnt. For that I am so grateful, because it was exactly what I wanted and not what I thought everyone else wanted for me. It was everything and more!!!!   I wouldnt have changed  any of it, because it was personal, meaningful, and everyone had fun!!!

Love you
 
Now her vows...
Greeting:
We are gathered here this day, not to witness a beginning of what will be, but to celebrate and affirm what already is.
Micheal and Candice want to welcome you to this celebration of their love for one another. They believe we, their family and friends, have touched each of their lives in a special way. Each one of you has played a part in who they are as individuals and who they will become as a married couple. Your presence this morning is a gift of support and caring, and they appreciate your sharing this very special moment. Today we celebrate with Michael and Candice,  the wonderous and joyful relationship they have created.

The beach today serves as a beautiful metaphor for marriage. Just as the conditions on the sea range from a blissful calm to a raging storm, so our relationships change through time. The shore absorbs the pounding of the surf as our love endures the pressures of change and growth. It is a strength that binds yet ennobles our human experience.

BLESSING OF THE PARENTS
Weddings such as this one have been public occasions where family and friends gather to express the joy and approval they feel for the new couple. Let me therefore ask the parents:
    Do you, _Sam & Kendra Silva, Brenda Kenan, Jeff & Gayle Kenan, who have raised and nurtured these two, give your blessings to them as they e nter into this new relationship, and do you aspire in the days and years ahead to give them your deepest love, understanding, and support during both good times and bad? If so, please say, “We do.

Charge:
Do you, Michael, knowing this woman's love for you and returning it, realizing her strengths and learning from them, recognizing her weaknesses and helping her to overcome them, take Candice to be your  wife?

Micheal: I do.

Do you, Candice, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take Michael to be your  husband?

Candice: I do.

Vows:

Please face each other and join hands as we reflect for a moment on the partnership you are entering into.

Michael, repeat after me.

Today, Candice, I join my life to yours
as your friend who respects you
and your lover who is true to you.
Let me be your trusted companion
through laughter and tears.
I promise to endure your love for Pink and country music.And to love you as your husband and best friend, and respect you as an individual, with all I have to give, and all that I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever.

Candice, repeat after me.

Today, Michael, I join my life to yours
as your friend who respects you
and your lover who is true to you.
Let me be your trusted companion
through laughter and tears. I promise to comfort you when the lakers and 49ers lose, celebrate with you when they win.
,to love you as your wife and best friend, and respect you as an individual, with all I have to give, and all that I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever.


Explanation of the Rings:


Made from metals drawn from deep within the earth, may these rings remind you that your love, also, must be drawn from deep within you. Forged in heat and with great effort, may these rings remind you that your marriage is also crafted daily and tempered in the forge of daily giving and forgiving. Bright like the sun, may these rings remind you that your love is meant to illumine your lives. Round like arms that embrace, may these rings remind you that human love is a gift to this world.
_____, please repeat after me as you place the ring on _____‘s finger.

_____ I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love.
As it encircles your finger,
may it remind you always
that you are surrounded by my  love.


Sand Ceremony:

Michael & Candice, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings, and this  is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. Today, this relationship i s symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One, representing you, Michael, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, Candice, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, so will your marriage be.

Micheal and Candice have requested that Kendra read the "Beach Chairs" as they pour individual containers into one.


Closing:

Family and friends, this is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile, relationships are fragile too. Every marriage needs the love, nurturing and support of a network of friends and family. On this wedding day I ask you not only be friends of Michael & Candice, but the friends of Michael & Candice together.


Pronouncement:

Michael & Candice, having witnessed your vows of marriage with all who are assembled here with you, I announce with great joy that you are, from this day forward, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

(Have the Groom and Bride turn and face the guests.)
It is now my pleasure to present to you for the first time,
Mr. and M rs. Kenan.
 

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL on Candice she is still knows, she's like me I remember telling Lauren that just because you live in another town I still know what you do remember that.
That was so great of you to step back and let her do her thing and how great that she knows you did that for her.
That ceremony was awesome. I loved it.
Take care and Hugs, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

Being cynical on both the macro & micro level, I say any vows you want, but make sure there is a prenup. Mary's only concern. ;o  ~Mary

Anonymous said...

I loved it! Kameron did a wonderful job! The whole wedding was flawless. I've been to weddings that were not as perfect...my own included! But, this was was absolutely beautiful!
Give Candice a hug for me, ok?
Love, Pam

Anonymous said...

OH MY LORD.....it is PERFECT!!!!  It is actually exactly what I wanted when I was getting married except we had a friend who was a priest and we wanted HIM to marry us but he is only allowed to do catholic weddings in a CHURCH.  Those Catholics are so damn PICKY!!  Anyway, my mom had a million reasons why I couldn't do it MY way and since they were paying, I had to do what they said.  Plus, the arguing would have been just too ridiculous.   You are a WONDERFUL, AWESOME mom for biting your tongue at times and letting your daughter have EXACTLY what she wanted on what is probably one of the most important days of her whole life!!!

I can't wait till Christmas....but only to see YOU....not the in-laws!! (lol)

((hugs))
Jeanne

Anonymous said...

You two raised a hell of a bright and independent young lady. Those vows sound WONDERFUL!! XO

Anonymous said...

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....thats awesome !!

~~Emma~~

Anonymous said...

Yes Candice, your wedding was the greatest!! I'm so glad that God gave me that chance to be there with you and Michael..... and the times we had at Pam H's.

Love you,

Gram Pam