Groom: (Facing the bride) "I offer you this rose, which has sprung forth from a tiny seed, as has
our love, and blossomed into the beautiful expression we share today." (He holds a single long-stemmed rose).
Bride: (Facing the groom) "I offer you this vase, filled with nurturing waters, to sustain this rose, to keep
it as fresh and fragrant as it is today." (She holds a bud vase, then places it on a small plant stand beside
them).
Groom: I acknowledge its thorns, as well as its soft petals, in recognition that its maintenance will not always
be easy, that its sustenance will require patience, devotion and commitment. (He places the rose into the vase).
Bride: I acknowledge its leaves of green, as well as its red, passionate bouquet, in recognition that it is the
simple day-to-day efforts that will keep it alive and vibrant.
Groom: I will bring you another rose on each and every anniversary of our union, in honor of our pledges made today,
that they may always remain colorful reminders of our passion for one another.
Bride: I will perpetually refill this vase and receive your roses with renewed commitment, insuring they will not
wither with neglect, apathy or indifference.
Groom: With your acceptance of my rose, I hereby offer you my friendship, love and devotion, putting you first
and foremost, above all others, in all that I say or do in this life.
Bride: With your acceptance of my waters, I hereby offer you my friendship, love and devotion, putting you first
and foremost, above all others, in all that I say or do in this life.
Groom: With your waters to nurture me, I pledge to you my best efforts to understand you, to share myself with
you, and to honor and protect you in all my words and deeds.
Bride: With your roses to inspire me, I pledge to you my best efforts to understand you, and to honor and protect
you in all my words and deeds.
Groom: As these petals fade, and we experience hardship and difficulties in our life together, I promise
to remain as rigid and unwavering as this stem in my commitment to you and to the union we share.
Bride: As these waters recede, and we experience hardship and difficulties in our life together, I promise to remain
as rigid and unwavering as this stem in my commitment to you and to the union we share.
Groom: And when there are no more roses to be plucked on your behalf, I pray that God may grant me as much beauty,
joy , and acceptance in the next life, as He has blessed me with in this life, through you, my soul-mate on earth.
Bride: And when this vase is empty, I pray that God may grant me as much beauty, joy, and acceptance in the next
life, as He has blessed me with in this life, through you, my soul-mate on earth.
Groom: I hereby declare before God and these witnesses, that you are the calming river of my spirit, the liquid
sustenance of my soul, the exclusive water for which I thirst.
Bride: I hereby declare before God and these witnesses, that you are the sweet scent of my spirit, the fragrant
sustenance of my soul, the exclusive aroma that intoxicates me.
Groom: I further declare that I now take you as my wife, from this day forward, having already taken you as my
best friend, companion, and partner in life.
Bride: I further declare that I now take you as my husband, from this day forward, having already taken you as
my best friend, companion, and partner in life.
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