Weddings

Photography by Kathryn Regier
Maui

In the introductory remarks to my Wedding Ceremony,
 There is a passage that reads,

"Marriage is, without compare,
The most important commitment
Two people make in their lifetime . . .
It is a Union to enter into reverently."

I might add this also describes my role in your Wedding:
That to unite the two of you in Matrimony
Requires a commitment of consideration
From myself, as well.
My gentleman's agreement with you
Is this is a commitment I enter into with reverence.
Your Ceremony will be a special memory all of us cherish forever.

As with most things in life, there is no "one" Wedding Ceremony.
They are as varied & unique as is each couple being Wed.
With that in mind, the following suggestions
Are offered for your Service:

  NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY

As many of the couples I marry represent inter-faith unions,
It is most often requested I perform a non-denominational Service.
This is a traditional Ceremony, containing no references to religion. 

  RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

If a religious Service is desired, it will be a traditional Ceremony,
With the mention your Holy Union is taking place in the sight of God.
The Service will also include Scripture relevant to the occasion.
If you have Scripture choices of your own, please let me know & I will include them.

  A CEREMONY OF YOUR OWN

If you wish to write your own Vows, please feel free to do so.
Some couples prefer to start from scratch, while some couples research
The many Wedding sites on the Internet to find Vows
That strike a chord with them. And some couples mix & match:
They begin with my Ceremony, then add words of their own choosing.
Any of these paths are fine, the most important concern being
The end result is a Service you feel comfortable with,
One that reflects you.

  SPECIAL READINGS  

In addition to the traditional Service,
Special readings can be included in your Wedding
To add a personal touch, to make the Ceremony uniquely your own.

Suggestions would include:

  1ST CORINTHIANS
(excerpt)

"Love is patient and kind . . .
Love rejoices in the truth . . .
Love never fails."

  APACHE WEDDING BLESSING
(excerpt)

"Now you will feel no cold . . .
Now you will feel no loneliness . . .
Now your days will be good and long upon the Earth."

  THE ROSE CEREMONY
(excerpt)

The Bride and Groom exchange single roses,
Then the Minister reads:

"The Rose has always been a symbol of Love.
The exchange of a single rose says, 'I Love You.' "

Beyond these suggestions,
Couples often wish to have family or friends
Recite favorite readings of their own.
Simply let me know & I will pause during the Ceremony
To give your loved ones time for their special words.

  COMMUNION

Some couples wish to receive Communion
During the course of their Wedding.
If you do, please let me know and I will include
This Rite in your Service.

  JAPANESE WEDDING CEREMONY

Relating back to the years my wife & I lived in Hawaii,
I also perform Weddings in the Japanese language.
If you, your family or guests
Wish to hear parts of the Ceremony in Japanese,
Please let me know.

REV. MICHAEL CARTWRIGHT