This is a lovely reading from the Christian tradition used in the ceremony of Jackie and Pete. It was offered by the bride's aunt as a sweet blessing on their marriage and to honor the family's faith. It was adapted from a prayer by Rev. Edward M. Hays, from his book Prayers for the Domestic Church.

Blessed are you, Lord, Our God,
Who crowns marriage with Love and Affection.

Lord of Love,
We thank you for the gift of married love.
In your wisdom and generosity you have blessed the union
of man and woman with deep beauty in the song of love.

A sacred unity arises when two hearts are fused as one
in the Love of the Eternal One.
We thank you, God, for this holy gift.

Creator of life, your loving union with your people
is symbolized in wedding feasts and intimate unions.
No other vocation in life have you, Lord, so richly blessed
by interlacing intimacy and affection in the sacred union of hearts and bodies.

As we share in the joy and wonder of marriage
so also must we share its burdens.
But moments of loving affection, so human and holy, lighten our trials
and nourish us day by day in our common journey.

May the happiness and union that we celebrate this day
bless us and sustain us all our lives.

Blessed are you, Lord Our God,
Who Crows Marriage With Love and Affection.

- Adapted from Prayers for the Domestic Church, by Rev. Edward M. Hays.