The Brooklyn Bridge is one of my husband's favorite examples of architecture. I created this unique wedding ceremony as a tribute.
Brooklyn Bridge Ceremony
Statement of Purpose
Today we are gathered on the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate the union of (Groom) and (Bride). As this bridge connects the island of Manhattan to the island of Brooklyn, we are gathered here to connect together the life, love, respect and trust of (Groom) and (Bride).
Once simply known as “The Great Bridge,” this bridge symbolizes patient stability; it is the synthesis of art and engineering, and represents a passage from the old to the new.
Let this symbolism be reflected in your marriage as you remember to be patient of each other and provide stability for one another. As this bridge has stood the test of time and inclement conditions, let your marriage stand strong against times of hardship and may you never cease to craft and build upon the strength of your partnership. Your marriage, like this bridge will link together the past, present and future of your individual cultures, traditions and history into one unified and solid formation.
Vows
Please face one another and join hands.
(Groom), please repeat after me:
(Bride), I join my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. For good or ill, in happiness and sadness, come riches or poverty, I take you as my wife, and will give myself to no other.
(Bride), please repeat after me:
(Groom), I join my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. For good or ill, in happiness and sadness, come riches or poverty, I take you as my husband, and will give myself to no other.
Ring Ceremony
You have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of your unity.
Today we are gathered on the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate the union of (Groom) and (Bride). As this bridge connects the island of Manhattan to the island of Brooklyn, we are gathered here to connect together the life, love, respect and trust of (Groom) and (Bride).
Once simply known as “The Great Bridge,” this bridge symbolizes patient stability; it is the synthesis of art and engineering, and represents a passage from the old to the new.
Let this symbolism be reflected in your marriage as you remember to be patient of each other and provide stability for one another. As this bridge has stood the test of time and inclement conditions, let your marriage stand strong against times of hardship and may you never cease to craft and build upon the strength of your partnership. Your marriage, like this bridge will link together the past, present and future of your individual cultures, traditions and history into one unified and solid formation.
Vows
Please face one another and join hands.
(Groom), please repeat after me:
(Bride), I join my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. For good or ill, in happiness and sadness, come riches or poverty, I take you as my wife, and will give myself to no other.
(Bride), please repeat after me:
(Groom), I join my life with yours. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. For good or ill, in happiness and sadness, come riches or poverty, I take you as my husband, and will give myself to no other.
Ring Ceremony
You have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of your unity.
(Groom), please place the ring on (Bride)’s finger, hold her hand in yours and repeat after me:
(Bride), I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.
(Bride), please place the ring on (Groom)’s finger, hold his hand in yours and repeat after me:
(Groom), I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.
Poetry Reading
The tall spans within these Gothic arches have been an inspiration for many poets and artists. I will now read an excerpt from the poem On the Brooklyn Bridge by Shep.
Suspended in a web of steel
between sky and the reflection of sky
I raise my arms in emulation of
the cables' parabolic grace -
Tensile meridians cascade to me
and we capture in timeless genuflection
a stillness beyond the river's teeming flow,
the soar and dive of raucous gulls.
Angel wings on either side of me
ascend to Gothic arches and down again
to Brooklyn and Manhattan shores.
The moment stretches out
like a cable strand spun taut and singing
the perfect one unwavering note.
Pronouncement
By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your unity with a kiss.
Contact us if you would like us to perform this ceremony for you on the Brooklyn Bridge.
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