Joshua & Erika and the Clifton House Wedding

I did a really fun and beautiful wedding this weekend at the Clifton House Bed and Breakfast. The setting was elegant with the ceremony taking place at the base of the grand staircase.

The Clifton House was built in 1900 as a private residence. A very lavish home with raised wood panels in the dining room and entry, lovely built in book cases on either side of the fireplace in the main parlor and a large wrap around porch. In its day this was a palace and still is very much a beautiful home to this day.

The home was decorated with fall colors and the smell of a wonderful feast waft through the air as the guests gathered in the central hall. The bride and groom made their entrance together down the grand stairs and took their place at the base. I then stepped in and began the ceremony.

This couple were really very easy to work with. One of the goals with my wedding ministry is to provide a means for couples of different faiths, different backgrounds, or people who want to get married for any reason to be able to get married in a totally non-judgemental manner. This couple both were believers but were not practicing and needed some one to bring them together in marriage. I am happy I was able to help them. The following is a copy of the ceremony that I did for them.

Ceremony for Josh and Erika

Welcome and Greeting. Hello - Welcome all today as we begin our celebration of the wedding of Josh and Erika. Today, in the sight of God they will exchange their vows with you their family and friends as witnesses. Josh and Erika- this a very happy day and we are honored that you have chosen us to celebrate it with you.

Intent

Today you come here freely and with out reservations to be joined together in Holy Matrimony. Is it your intent that you be wed to each other here today to be husband and wife for as long as you both shall live?

Answer, It is or yes.

Message

Today is the one day in your lives that you will look back on and remember with
fondness and love. This is the day that will
truly begin the rest of your lives.
This day if full of excitement with beautiful clothing, flowers, food and drink; but none of that really matters when you think about the true reason we are all gathered here today. We are here to celebrate the joining of two very special people in the most sacred of unions - Joining two very separate lives into one united life long partnership.
You have chosen each other to be with the rest of your lives. You have each chosen the one person the whole world who makes you the happiest. The one person in the world that you will grow with - in the good times and not so good times. You have chosen this one person to be your life long best friend, your lifelong confidant - the one person who will know all of the secrets in your heart and soul. You have chosen the one person that you will grow old together with. You have chosen your one true love.

VOWS
When you are sad, I will dry your tears,
When you are scared, I will comfort your fears,
When you are worried, I will give you hope,
When you are confused, I will help you cope,
And when you are lost and can not see the light
I will be your beacon shining ever so bright.
This is my oath; I pledge to the end.
Why you ask?
Because you are my lover and my best friend.Now I have a very important question for you both,
Josh, do you take Erika to be your lawfully wedded wife? Loving what you know of her and trusting what you do not know yet, with respect for her integrity, and faith in your love for her, through all of your years, and in all that life may bring?
I DO

Erika, do you take Josh to be your lawfully wedded husband? Loving what you know of him and trusting what you do not know yet, with respect for his integrity, and faith in your love for him, through all of your years, and in all that life may bring
I DO

Ring Ceremony

“My heart smiles every time I see my wedding ring”

Today you will exchange rings, a perfect circle with no beginning or end.
An outward symbol to the world that you have pledged your love to one person,
A gift from your best friend who has become your spouse today.
A cherished ring that will mean more to you than any other possession.
When you look at your wedding ring think of that one person who makes you the happiest and your heart will smile

Josh, please take the ring you have chosen for Erika
place it on her finger and repeat after me:

I give your this ring
And with it I give you my love

Erika please take the ring you have chosen for Josh place it on his finger and repeat after me.

I give you this ring,
and with it I give you my love.

Apache Wedding Prayer

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will shelter the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth for the other.
Now there will be no loneliness,
for each of you will be companion for the other.
Now you are two persons,
but there will be three lives before you:
His life
Her life
And your life together.
Go now to your dwelling place to enter into your days together.
And may all of your days be good and long upon the earth.

Pronouncement

Josh and Erika, It is with great pleasure that by the power vested in me by the great State of Ohio
I pronounce that from this moment on you are Husband and Wife.


You may Kiss your Bride



Present Mr. And Mrs. Joshua



Good Luck and God Bless...... Rev Ben