Religious wedding ceremony

By Pastor James "Kimo" Kirkman

Groom and Bride, We Have Gathered Here Today To Celebrate Your Marriage. This Day You Have Chosen To Affirm Your Love For Each Other With Spoken Words, With Prayer, And With The Sharing Of Symbols.

(Verse By The Sea):

Marriage is a commitment to life. To the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth no other Human Relationship can equal; a physical and emotional journey that is Promised for a lifetime.

Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of Life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant; lover; teacher, and listener. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other brings healing; of steadfastness, that establishes the marriage covenant.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, and commitment is stronger.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes that life is unable to avoid. Yet it encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences; new ways of expressing love through the seasons of Life.

When two people pledge to love and care for each other, in Marriage; they seem to create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, made in the hearts of two people who love each other, and this will take a lifetime to fulfill.

(Aloha to You both, Welcome).

Sharing Of Leis:

For those of us who call Hawaii home, the flower LEI is a symbol of love for us; it is also a symbol of things that are fragile, temporal. For a flower Lei will only last for a day or two, and then it is gone. Our lives are like the Lei. Within the span of eternity. Therefore live with tender consideration for each other, continue to love one another, and your marriage will last. May the Leis you now offer each other, be recognized for the earnestness of your love for one another.

(The Hawaiians Have A Traditional Saying: Honi Ka Waha. Kiss Her/Him On The Mouth).

(Declaration Of Intention):

Groom, Do You Wish For Bride, To Be Your Wife? If So, Please Say "I Do."

Bride, Do You Wish For Groom, To Be Your Husband? If So, Please Say "I Do."

Groom and Bride, Do you promise to let your love for each other grow, as it will; and as it must, so that in the years to come you will Renew your acceptance, your understanding, and your trust of one another?

If So, Please Say "We Promise."

(Marriage Vows. Bride And Groom Repeat After Minister:

I Groom, Take You Bride, To Be My Wife. I Promise To Love You, Only You, And Cherish You. I Will Be A Companion To You. I Will Share My Strengths And My Achievements. I Promise To Respect You And Be A Friend To You. For Better Or For Worse, For Richer Or For Poorer, In Sickness And In Health, As Long As We Both Shall Live.

I Bride, Take You Groom, To Be My Husband. I Promise To Love You, Only You And Cherish You. I Will Be A Companion To You. I Will Share My Strengths And My Achievements. I Promise To Respect You And Be A Friend To You. For Better Or For Worse, For Richer Or For Poorer, In Sickness And In Health, As Long As We Both Shall Live.

Ring Ceremony:

The wedding rings are a symbol of longevity in the marriage covenant. The circle of the ring symbolizes a never-ending circle of love and commitment that you are making. Always see the best in each other and each day that you are together, when you look at the beauty of these rings; remember the love that you have for each other, is forever.

Groom, Repeat After Me Your Ring Ceremony:

Bride, I Give This Ring To You As A Sign Of My Love.

I Give Myself To You To Be Your Husband

From This Day Forward

You Shall Not Walk Alone

I Feel So Honored To Have You As My Wife

I Vow To Love And Sustain You

In The Covenant Of Our Marriage

For As Long As We Both Shall Live

Bride, Repeat After Me Your Ring Ceremony:

Groom, I Give This Ring To You As A Sign Of My Love

I Give Myself To You To Be Your Wife

From This Day Forward

You Shall Not Walk Alone

I Feel So Honored To Have You As My Husband

I Vow To Love And Sustain You

In The Covenant Of Our Marriage

For As Long As We Both Shall Live

Pronouncement:

We have been witnesses to this special day. Therefore, I and those of us that are here with you recognize that you have become Husband and Wife, and we and all of your family and friends shall honor you as the same from this day forward.

(Prayer Of Blessings In Hawaiian, Then Interpretation):

Imau Aku Kaloko Mai Ka'i O Ka Haku O Iesu Cristo Me Kealoha O Keakua A Mekalauna Puana O Ka'uhane Hemolele Me Ka Ko Apa'u.

May The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ And The Love Of God And The Communion Of His Spirit Be With You Always. May God Bless You And Keep You, May God's Face Shine Upon You And Be Gracious Unto You; May God Lift Up His Countenance Upon You And Give You Peace. Amen

Benediction:

Groom and Bride, Remember This Day Here In Beautiful Anywhere, Maui With Joy And Thanksgiving. May You Love To Live, And Live To Love.

Now By The Power Given Unto Me As A Minister Of The Gospel, and By The Laws Of This State of Hawaii: I Now Pronounce That You Are Husband And Wife. Therefore (Honi Ka Waa) You May Kiss Your Bride!

I Present To You As Husband And Wife, Mr. And Mrs. Groom and Bride Last Name!

Whom God Hath Joined Together. Let No Man Put Asunder!

Aloha E! Aloha E! Aloha E!