HANDFASTING Examples

The vows you make today signify that your spirits are bound eternally. You have made these vows with the understanding that you are committing to be a partner to one another, and to honor the connection your souls now share. Knowing this, Gwyneth and Cody is it your intent to enter into this union with one another, having your hands fasted in the ways of old? - The couple says, “it is” in unison I bid you to look into each other’s eyes, and join your hands, left to left, symbolizing your heart-to-heart union. In joining hands in this moment, you are taking the final step of offering yourselves to one another. These are the hands that will love and cherish you through the years. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times and will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. This cord I hold in my hand is made of 9 individual strands, wound together to create a cord, that is as unique as your love 3 strands of rope, representing you, Cody as you enter this marriage, wholly and completely - mind, body, and soul. 3 strands of rope, representing you, Gwyneth as you enter this marriage, wholly and completely - mind, body, and soul. The final 3 strands represent this moment, your past, present and future being united, just as you are in marriage. These strands are white to symbolize a new beginning. The verse from Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” As you are united in marriage today, you come together in a union that can not be broken, because just as these cords are woven together making them stronger, so will your marriage and life be. Destiny has made your paths to cross. Today as your hands are bound by these cords, you will continue your journey together. Two entwined in love, bound body, mind, and soul by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, hardship and victory. All of which brings strength to this union. (Jenn drapes a cord over the couple's hands) Gwyn, do you declare your love for Cody, committing to always stand by his side and to be a faithful partner in life, choosing him as your husband and soul mate? Cody, do you declare your love for Gwyn, committing to always stand by her side and to be a faithful partner in life, choosing her as your wife and soul mate? The universe has witnessed your oath today. As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. (Jenn takes the cords and ties the knot - it hangs loosely on your hands) The knot of this binding is not formed by these three chords but instead by your promises, on this day, your wedding day. (Jenn takes ahold of the top of the knot) Will you each take ahold of the cords… Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making of breaking of this union. Hold tight to one another through both the good times and bad and watch as your strength grows. As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. (You each pull the cords, and “tie the knot”)