Anchors Away
Personalized & Pre-Written Ceremonies

SELECTION #1: SHORT AND SWEET

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Welcome:

 

Welcome! We are gathered here today to join the lives of (1) and (2) in marriage.

 

Optional: Who gives their blessing for this couple to be wed?

 

Client’s Escort: “I do.”

 

Thank you. Guests you may be seated.

 

Invocation:

 

Today, we witness one of life’s greatest moments, the coming together of two hearts.  Out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened.  They met each other, fell in love and now have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together.

 

A good marriage must be created.  It is being open and honest with each other as well as with yourself.  It’s taking responsibility for your part in the relationship, good or bad. It’s remembering to say “I love you” and “I’m sorry”.  It’s about creating as much love and happiness in each other’s lives as possible. It’s learning and growing together, remembering to forgive quickly, and putting their needs before your own. It’s laughing until your cheeks hurt, dancing even if you don’t feel like it and kissing slowly every chance you get. Marriage takes hard work, but through the highs and lows, it’s worth it. It's fun, rewarding, and fulfilling. You have someone who will always laugh with you, cry with you, someone to support you, encourage you, and love you amongst all your imperfections.  You get to spend every day loving your best friend.

 

Declaration of Intent:

 

So I ask: Do you, (1), take (2) to be your husband/wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him/her for as long as you both shall live?

 

(1): “I do.”

 

Optional: Vows

 

Repeat for Client (2)

 

Ring Vows & Exchange:

 

At this time, may we please have the rings?

 

(1) to receive (2)’s ring and (2) to receive (1)’s ring.

 

Wedding rings are an unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this couple in marriage.  They are made of precious metal, which symbolizes that their love is the most precious element in each other’s life. The opening in the middle of the bands symbolizes a doorway to the future, to the known and unknown where they will venture, side by side. Since they are a perfect circle, rings represent eternity; having no beginning and no end. As they place these symbols on each other’s finger, it signifies that there shall be no end to their love, to their marriage, and no end to the happiness that they will both share in this life together.

 

(1), place the ring on his/her finger and repeat after me:

(2), this ring is

my sacred gift,

a symbol of

my never-ending love,

with my promise

that I will always respect you,

cherish you and honor you

all the days of my life.

 

Repeat for Client (2)

 

Closing:

 

I leave you with the words of James Dillet Freeman:

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitement marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding.

May you always need one another - not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness.

A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it.

May you need one another, but not out of weakness.

May you want one another, but not out of lack.

May you entice one another, but not compel one another.

May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another.

May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces.

May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults.

If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back.

May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another's presence - no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities.

May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy.

May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.

 

Pronouncement:

 

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of California, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife/married and introduce you for the first time as ________________________!

 

You may kiss the bride/groom/You may seal this moment with a kiss!

 

SELECTION #2: NON-RELIGIOUS MODERN

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Welcome:

 

Welcome friends and family. We’ve come together today to witness the marriage and celebrate the love of (1) and (2).

 

Optional: Who gives their blessing for this couple to be wed?

 

Client’s Escort: “I do.”

 

Thank you. Guests, you may be seated.

 

Invocation:

 

Family and friends, you’ve all been invited here to not only witness the wedding of (1) and (2) but to be a part of their marriage as well. You’ve all played important roles in their lives, raising them with honest values and strong morals, guiding them as they grew into beautiful individuals and watching as their relationship blossomed. With so much of your love, emotion and time invested in these beautiful people, it’s no wonder you all want to make sure they’re happy! Today’s promises will show you, as their community, that your loved ones will always be well cared for. (1) and (2) not only want you to celebrate with them today but also ask you to be continued sources of support, encouragement and love throughout their journey together.

 

Today, a new chapter of your story unfolds. The next pages will be some of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and yet challenging to write. Marriage is founded on love which requires trust, compromise, open and honest communication, and dedication.  But as important as it is to remember the hard work involved, let’s be honest, that’s not why you’re getting married. Marriage is supposed to be awesome and exciting and fun! It’s about how many times you can make each other smile from compliments or simply texting "I love you" or “I miss you”. It’s getting lost along the way but having a great story to tell afterwards. It's about laughing so much, your cheeks hurt, dancing even if you don’t feel like it and kissing slowly every chance you get.  It's continuing to grow from each other and with each other.  It's about learning to love their differences and imperfections. It's remembering the little things but not sweating the small stuff.  Marriage is having an ultimate partner in crime, a teammate and a cheerleader, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, someone to come home to, and a beloved to create a beautiful family with. You get to spend every day loving your best friend.

 

Declaration of Intent:

 

In a moment, you will exchange your vows. These promises are meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. The beauty of these vows lies in the unknown. For you will be making promises about a future that you can’t be sure of, a life that you don’t know how it will turn out, and a marriage that you don’t know what it’ll face. But these words you speak promise that come what may, the two of you won’t have to face it alone.

 

So I ask: Do you, (2), take (1) to be your husband/wife, promising to be loyal and trustworthy, to be patient, understanding and empathic, to be open and honest in your communication and willing to compromise, to be comforting in times of need and joyous in times of celebration, and to love and cherish him/her from now until the end of your days?

 

(2): I Do.

 

Then please repeat this vow after me:
(1), I promise
To be honest and faithful,
To never give up on us,
To never take you for granted,
And to keep our relationship
Forever young and fun.
I promise to encourage your dreams,
To love you unconditionally,
And to be your stronghold
When life gets tough.
I take you to be my husband/wife,
My family and my love
From this day forward. 

 

Repeat for Client (2)

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Ring Vows & Exchange:

 

May we please have the rings?

 

         (2) takes (1)’s ring and (1) takes (2)’s ring.

 

Today, two lives join as one; creating a circle of love, full of compassion and kindness. May this circle, symbolized by their rings, have no beginning and no end. May these rings always belong to their hands and their love always belong to each other’s hearts. Let these rings forever remind them of the commitment they have promised here today and be a symbol to all the world of their everlasting love for one another.

 

(2), as you place the ring on (1)’s finger, please repeat after me:

 

(1), I give you this ring

As a symbol of my promise

To trust and respect you,

To apologize and forgive quickly,

To be dependable but not reliant,

And to be flexible with change.

I promise to appreciate you,

To show my love for you every day,

And to never stop being silly

Just to make you smile.

I choose you to be my husband/wife

and I will always choose you

over and over again

for as long as I live.

 

Repeat for Client (2)

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Closing:

 

I leave you with the words of an Apache Marriage Blessing:

 

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, may happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. Treat yourselves and each other with respect and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

 

Before I pronounce you married, I have one more thing for you to do. So many times you hear that wedding days just fly by. It’s an emotional day of celebration and love where many recall how fleeting the day truly is. So, I ask you look into each other’s eyes. Think about how you feel at this moment, think about your love and happiness and let it really register in your heart and mind.

 

Pause

 

Pronouncement:

 

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife and present you for the first time as _________________!

 

You may kiss the bride/groom/You may seal this moment with a kiss!

 

SELECTION #3: LOVE

 

Welcome:

 

Welcome friends and family. We’re all so excited to be here to celebrate the love of (1) and (2) and to witness the two of them create an extraordinary marriage.

 

Optional: Who gives their blessing for this couple to be wed?

 

Client’s Escort: “I do.”

 

Thank you. Guests, you may be seated.

 

Invocation:

 

Throughout history, humans have searched for the meaning of life and universal connection.  Whether people connect through a higher power in a religious way, or with nature and art in a spiritual way, we have always searched for something bigger than ourselves and yearned to know we’re on this Earth for a greater purpose other than to simply exist. We seek the truth of who we are as individuals, connect with others in society to feel a sense of purpose and adapt how we define ourselves through experiences and relationships.

 

One of the most craved connections has always been love. Love is universally recognized in every culture, every country, every language and showcased throughout time in pieces of literature, art and rituals. The literal definition of love states words such as affection, attachment and devotion but it takes on many forms. Love is being patient, showing kindness, keeping yourself honest, giving empathy and showing humility. Love requires giving yourself freely, never being jealous or holding grudges, protecting from harm’s way and enduring through the difficult times. It’s everlasting, resilient, and priceless.

 

The first form of love is all of you! Guests, you are all here today because you truly love (1), (2) and their connection. You deeply care about their wellbeing, their happiness and their dreams and have shown your unwavering support and encouragement throughout their relationship. Without your guidance, friendship and affection, today would not have been a possibility. So on behalf of (1) and (2), thank you for your love.

 

The second form of love is that of romance between (1) and (2). When they met, their flames of passion ignited into a roaring and bright fire.  Over the years, the fire has mellowed into a hearty and deep burning ember. Marriage is their promise to stoke that flame, keeping it alive year after year. The formal definition of marriage is the unity of two people, committing their love to one another. Some even say it's the start of your lives together, however, the reality is you've already built a life together and your commitment today does not wipe the slate clean of years of memories, adventures and love.  It's simply a new chapter in your story.  Now, that's not saying today isn't important because a lifelong commitment should not be taken lightly.  But you have already done the hard work of building a foundation that will be steadfast, strong and resilient.

 

Reading:

 

The foundation of marriage is love. (1) and (2) would like to share the following poem by Susan Schultz titled "Love is".

 

Love is
being happy for the other person
when they are happy
being sad for the other person when they are sad
being together in good times
and being together in bad times
Love is the source of strength.

Love is
being honest with yourself at all times
being honest with the other person at all times
telling, listening, respecting the truth
and never pretending
Love is the source of reality.

Love is
an understanding that is so complete that
you feel as if you are part of the other person
accepting the other person just the way they are
and not trying to change them to be something else
Love is the source of unity.

Love is
the freedom to pursue your own desires
while sharing your experience with the other person
the growth of one individual alongside of
and together with the growth of another individual
Love is the source of success.

Love is
the excitement of planning things together
the excitement of doing things together
Love is the source of the future.

Love is
the fury of the storm
the calm of the rainbow
Love is the source of passion.

Love is
giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other's needs and desires
Love is the source of sharing.

Love is
knowing that the other person
will always be with you regardless of what happens
missing the other person when they are away
but remaining near in heart at all times
Love is the source of security.

Love is the source of life.

 

Declaration of Intent:

 

Look at one another and remember this moment. Your next words will take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you two. For after your vows, you will now say to the world, this is my husband and this is my wife/ this is my spouse.

 

So I ask: Do you, (2), take (1) to be your husband/wife, promising to celebrate with him/her in times of joy and comfort him/her in times of sorrow, to share in his/her dreams and support him/her as  he/she strives to achieve his/her goals, to listen with compassion and understanding and speak with encouragement, to be his/her stronghold when life gets tough and to love him/her unconditionally from now until the end of your days?

 

(2): I Do.

 

Please repeat these vows after me:

(1), I chose you to be my husband/wife.

From this moment on, I promise

To be honest and faithful,

To never take you for granted,

To laugh with you

Until our cheeks hurt,

To dance with you

Even if I don’t feel like it,

To kiss you slowly

Every chance I get,

And to keep our relationship

Forever young and fun.

I love all of you

because you are you

And you bring out the best in me.

 

Repeat for Client (1)

 

Ring Vows & Exchange:

 

At this time, may we please have the rings?

 

(1) to receive (2)’s ring and (2) to receive (1)’s ring.

 

Rings are more than just a physical sign to show the world you’re off the market. These rings will be a physical symbol of your vows. Words can be hard to come by and difficult to hold on to. So instead of trying to grasp something without a form or trying to remember your spoken words, these rings will be a tangible vessel to keep your commitments close at hand.

 

(2), as you place the ring on (1)’s finger, please repeat after me:

 

(1), I give you this ring

As a symbol of my promise

To honor and respect you,

To love and appreciate you,

And to be yours forever.

​

Repeat for Client (2)

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Pronouncement:

 

Now that you have pledged your love to one another, witnessed by those you hold most dear and have exchanged rings of commitment, it is my honor to pronounce you husband and wife/married and present you for the first time as ________________.

 

You may kiss the bride/groom/You may seal this moment with a kiss!

 

SELECTION #4: JOURNEY

 

Welcome:

 

Welcome honored guests! We’re here to begin the adventure of a lifetime for (1) and (2) as they join their lives in marriage.

 

Optional: Who gives their blessing for this couple to be wed?

 

Client’s Escort: “I do.”

 

Invocation:

 

Once upon a time, a boy met a girl, she gave him her hand and he held it tight.

Together, they set off down the unknown path in front of them.

Sometimes they walked slowly; sometimes at a quicker pace.

Sometimes they ran so fast it felt kind of like flying.

Whenever he lost his footing, she steadied him and whenever she tripped, he helped her back up.

Whenever she grew weary, he’d carry her.

Sometimes they didn’t know which direction to go, but though they would occasionally lose their way, they never lost each other.

They wandered contentedly and lived happily, forever and always side by side.

Poem by Kathy R. Jeffords

 

Sometimes right in the middle of ordinary life, the extraordinary happens; a chance encounter by two people. It’s a moment they soon won’t forget because it’s the start of their story. Two people whose paths just so happen to stumbled upon one another, initially attracted by beauty and strength, and eventually, they fall in love with intellect and personality. They find some in this crazy world who makes them strive to be better versions of their selves, someone who allows them to real and authentic, and fills in the gaps of their shortcomings with reassurance and acceptance.  Someone they can’t get out of their head, and the first person they want to tell the most exciting and the most mundane of things to. They find someone to experience spontaneous and wild adventures with and someone who finds just as much enjoyment from simply watching TV and cuddling together on the couch. Someone who wants to take care of them when they’re grossly ill, will feed them when they’re starting to get hangry, and will deal with extreme temperatures since ones always too hot and the other’s too cold.  Eventually, they decide they have such a good thing going that they should keep doing it for the rest of their lives. And that is why we’re here today.

 

We’re here because in this life-changing moment, we turn a page for (1) and (2) into a new chapter of their life. Their relationship will have a deeper and more intimate connection emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Today, in this moment, they pledge that no matter what disasters or discoveries cross their path, the adventure will always be together. And the most important part of their marriage will be filling their lives with as much laughter and as much love as possible. What an amazing thing to be a witness to this life changing moment.

 

(1) and (2), as the next part of your story unfolds, don't be afraid to often look back on your journey. This moment is a creation of years of amazing memories, hard lessons learned and new and exciting experiences together. Creating shared meaning through your story is essential to marriage, as it generates a true sense of purpose for the present and excitement for the future. And the best stories and marriages are filled with adventure, discovery, challenges, climactic moments and of course, love.

 

Declaration of Intent:

 

(1) and (2), marriage is the greatest adventure of a lifetime. You will now speak your words of commitment to one another to travel on this amazing journey together and these promises will be your road map to follow along the way.   

 

So, I ask: Do you, (1), take (2) to be your husband/wife, promising to laugh with him/her in times of joy and comfort him/her in times of sorrow, to share in him/her dreams and support him/her as she strives to achieve him/her goals, to listen with compassion and understanding and speak with encouragement, to be him/her stronghold when life gets tough and to love him/her unconditionally from now until the end of your days?

 

(1): I Do.

 

Optional: Vows

 

Repeat for Client (2)

 

Ring Vows & Exchange:

 

At this time, may we please have the rings?

 

(1) to receive (2)’s ring and (2) to receive (1)’s ring.

 

Rings are more than just a physical sign to show the world your union.  Traditionally, rings represent eternity as they are a perfect circle having no beginning and no end.  However, there is a bit more to them. Rings are made from precious metals; natural elements taken and painstakingly molded into precious tokens, purified by the heat of fires. They represent the wealth that resides inside each of you, the hot and dirty work required of marriage and the purity of your love for one another.  They come from humble beginnings made by imperfect beings, and represent how the flames of passion can make something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.

 

(2), as you place the ring on (1)’s hand, please repeat after me:

 

(1), accept this ring

As my promise to

Climb every mountain,

Cross every river,

And trek through every valley

Life brings our way.

I promise to blaze new trails with you,

But also enjoy our routine paths.

I promise to weather out every storm,

But also, to enjoy the sunshine.

I love you for being you,

And bringing out the best in me.

I cannot wait to explore

This newest adventure with you.

 

Repeat for Client (1)

 

Closing:

 

I leave you with the words of “Chapter One of One Thousand” by OJ Preston:

 

"For two people this dawn brought on a magical day,

Now husband and wife, they head on their way.

As a boat setting sail may their journey begin,

With calmest of waters, most helpful of wind.

And if they should stumble upon turbulent sea,

May it pass them un-harming, leaving them be.

For here are two people whom love has well bitten,

Here opens their book which has yet to be written.

As the first page unfolds and their life inks its path,

May it write a true story where forever love lasts.

Let their journey be happy till death do they part,

Of one thousand chapters may this be the start."

 

Pronouncement:

 

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife/married and would like to introduce you for the first time as ____________________!

 

You may kiss your bride/groom/seal this moment with a kiss!

 

 

SELECTION #5: RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

 

Welcome: 

 

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of God, to join the lives of (1) and (2) in holy matrimony. 

 

Optional: Who gives their blessing for this couple to be wed?

 

Client’s Escort: “I do.”

 

Thank you. Guests, you may be seated.

 

Opening Prayer: 

 

Let us pray: Dear God, One who gives us the longing for love and the capability of loving, we give thanks to You for (2) and (1), for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the love that they embody here in our presence.  Be with them on this joyous occasion as two become one, and be with us, their community, as we rejoice in what is said and witnessed here. Amen. 

 

Invocation:

 

Marriage was created by God to fill our need for companionship.  The covenant was established so that we may join together for mutual joy, comfort and love through all of life’s celebrations and adversities.  He wants us to find solace in each other, rejoice in another’s accomplishments, grieve for their losses, be the strength when they’re weak and their encouragement with they are down. Marriage is two people creating one life and as you each add your own love to this one life, you will find twice as much happiness within it.

(1) and (2) would like to share the following scripture from the Word of God; Song of Soloman Chapter 8, Verses 6-7:

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for loved is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

When these words are closely examined, we find five characteristics of true love. The first quality of true love requires giving yourself freely to one another. In biblical times, rings were worn with a personalize imprint and used with hot wax to seal documents to define the owner. By asking her partner to place a seal on his heart with her, the reader is not only willingly offering herself to him but marking his love as taken. The seal in marriage are symbolized by the exchange of wedding rings, showing the world their union.

True love is long lasting. The word “Jealously” was also used to mean passion so when the author mentions it being unyielding as the grave, she is referring to her affection as being consistent and permanent. The references made simply mean that true love lasts until death do they part.

True love is also like fire, powerful and beautiful. At first, love catches on fire, growing radiant and hot, and overtime, matures into a deep-burning ember. The heat reminds us to show warmth, comfort and tenderness and the light reminds us to help guide one another.  Love is alive and vibrant just as the flames are, and it must be stoked so that the flames remain ablaze.

True love is resilient. No matter how dreadful or threatening the circumstances, nothing can destroy it. The author uses the threat of water, a strong and powerful element with the ability to flood lands as quick as a flash and carve landscapes into valleys and canyons. As the earth changes, the water changes with it just. Love must bend and shift with the ebb and flows of life. As paths alter, love will have to continue to quiet literally “go with the flow”. Today, the vows spoken are this couple’s commitment for their love to persevere.

Lastly, true love is priceless. No amount of worldly possessions or currency can be exchanged for love. It’s never bought or purchased; it can’t be given a price tag. True love is only given freely.

(1) and (2), remind yourselves often of what true love is composed of. Remember to give yourself openly but also remember what a precious gift you have received. Remember your commitment to be strong, flexible and everlasting. And finally, remember that God is love and His love is the truest of all. His gift to us is the ability to love one another.

​

Declaration of Intent:

 

(2) and (1), have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?

 

            Together: We have.

              

Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?

 

            Together: We are.

                   

Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?

 

            Together: We are.

 

Then I ask: Do you, (2), take (1) to be your husband/wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward until death do us part?

 

(2): I Do.

 

Repeat for Client (1)

 

Ring Vows & Exchange:

 

At this time, may we please have the rings?

 

(1) to receive (2)’s ring and (2) to receive (1)’s ring.

 

Wedding rings are your seal of commitment, a physical sign to show the world your union.  They are made of precious metal, which symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in each other’s life. The opening in the middle of the bands symbolizes a doorway to the future, to the known and unknown where you will venture, side by side. Since they are a perfect circle, rings represent true love’s eternity; having no beginning and no end. As you place these symbols on each other’s finger, it signifies that there shall be no end to your love, to your marriage, and no end to the happiness that you will both share in this life together. We ask God to bless these rings and this union.

 

(2), as you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me:

 

(1), I give you this ring

As a symbol of my promise

To be honest and faithful,

To respect and appreciate you,

And to love you unconditionally.

I take you to be my wife,

From this day forward

In the name of the Father, 

The Son and the Holy Spirit. 

 

Repeat for Client (1)

 

Closing:

 

I leave you with the words from “Prayer of Love”: 

 

“Our prayer for you is this: 
That you will always remember the qualities 
that attracted you to each other when you first met 
and how you felt as your feelings of attraction 
turned into respect, admiration and finally love. 
That you will work hard to turn your feelings of love 
into acts of love so that nothing and no one can divide you. 
That you will always have kind and loving hearts 
that are quick to ask for forgiveness when you are wrong 
as well as to forgive when your partner is wrong. 
That your love might grow to hear all things, 
believe all things, and hope for all things, endure all things. 
we pray you place your marriage in God’s hands, 
and that your love increases and overflows, 
beyond anything you can yet imagine.” 

 

Pronouncement:

 

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries, the State of California, and bound by the Holy Spirit, it is my honor to now pronounce you as husband and wife/married and present you for the first time as ________________.

 

You may kiss the bride/You may kiss the groom/You may seal this moment with a kiss!