About Us & Ceremonies

 

Romantic Florida Beach Weddings is a service of:  Love & Lite, LLC

Owner/Officiant: Rev. Diane Thomas-Gonzales: Non-Denominational and Interfaith Minister for over 15 years.  Specializing in heart felt ceremonies.  Rev. Diane is a Florida native.  She loves the beach!  She brings joyful attention to detail and warmth to every ceremony.

Office Manager/Officiant: Rev. Laura Beers: Assisting you with customizing your Florida beach wedding plans.  You'll find that her organizational skills and beach wedding knowledge is very helpful when planning a destination wedding. She is also a Spiritual, Non-Denominational, Interfaith Minister who prides herself on warm and respectful ceremonies.

 

 Our Committment to you?

Our mission is simple: to provide a stress free planning experience with the best products and service to our brides and grooms and at the lowest prices possible. We take great pride in our company, our commitment to you and your wedding or vow renewal date. Our online store is designed to provide you with a safe and secure environment to browse, create a customized beach wedding package and make your reservations.  A deposit to hold your date can be made online or by mail.

 

Our Ceremonies

Select one of our ceremonies or you can create your own unique ceremony that is traditional, spiritual or non-religious by mixing and matching.  Personal touches and substitutions are welcome; such as personally written vows or a scripture reading.  All faiths and wedding tracitions are welcome. The vows and/or ring exchange can be asked as a question instead of repeated.   Our four ceremonies are located below.  We use the same ceremonies for vow renewals by changing a few key words.

 

Ceremony #1

Welcoming:
 
We have gathered here today, in the presence of or Creator and this company to join ______ and ______ in holy matrimony.  And, we are here also, to bear witness to the transforming power of love.  Love is a quality of spirit and an attitude of the emotions.  But, marriage is a life's work and a spiritual art form.  Therefore, this is an occasion of both profound joy and great responsibility.  And, we who partake in this occasion lend ourselves as witness to the transforming labor of love that _______ and ______ are undertaking here today.

Blessing:
In acknowledgement of the beauty and sacredness of this occasion, let us take a few moments of silence so that we may each, in our own way, honor this union with a silent prayer or blessing.
 
Address: Marriage is a Journey
We are gathered here today to celebrate a marriage; a spiritual union that embodies love's most profound possibilities.  When we speak of marriage in spiritual terms we invite ourselves into a higher level of love and awareness.  To participate in a marriage of this kind, you not only look to your partner for sharing happiness; but you see the union as a path for personal transformation.   When you choose this person to love and to share your life with, you choose to be affected.  You will be polished through the actions and inactions of your beloved; by the praise, the criticism, the excitement, and the frustration.  In this regard, it is important to remember that more than you possible imagine, you are subconsciously drawn (or God has drawn you) to precisely the person who possesses the qualities that you need to be affected by in order to grow and to change.   And, these are the very qualities which will both inspire and irritate you.  But, as you both learn to apply these qualities that you at first lack, but your partner possesses; you will find that your spirits blossom and you will know that you are making more than just superficial changes.  Marriage is indeed a path for personal transformation.  It is a journey of discovering who you really are and awakening to a deeper potential within yourselves for love; love for yourselves, your partner, and all of God's creation.  Please let us bow our heads for a prayer.

Prayer:
Dear God of all creation, You give us the longing for love and the capacity to love. We give You thanks for ______ and ______; for their open hearts and willing spirits. And, we give You thanks for the example of love, which they embody here in our presence today. We ask the You walk lovingly with them as they join their lives and travel lifes journey together. Please give then peace of heart and strength of spirit so that they may honor the vows, which they are making here today. Amen.
 
Intent:
_____/______, now that you have heard the high calling of marriage, do you take ______/______ to be honored and cherished wife/husband; to love her/him and live with her/him in this sacred union of marriage?   "I do."
 
Vows:
______/______, I commit my life to our partnership and marriage I promise to comfort you and encourage you in all walks of life.  I promise to express my thoughts and emotions to you and to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow.
I love you.   You are my closest friend.  Will you let me share my life and all that I am with you?   I will.

Blessing of the Rings:
As God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is never-ending, so let the seamless circle of these rings symbolize the endless circle of your love.

Exchange of Rings:
______/______  As a sign of my love  and that I am choosing to share my life's journey with you and of my knowing that in marrying you I shall become Much more that I am I give you this ring.

Unity Candle: (Optional: Indoor Weddings Only)
 As ______ and ______ light their unity candle, please let us reflect on the meaning of this symbolism which is two lives and two hearts joining together as one.  May the brightness of the candle that you light together shine throughout your lives; giving you courage and reassurance in the darkness. May its warmth give you shelter from the cold. And may its energy fill your spirits with joy and strength.
Pronouncement of Marriage:
______ and______, may your love continue to blossom and deepen throughout the years. May you share the same dreams and goals for the future. May you accept each others weaknesses and praise each others strengths. May you always speak with kindness, understanding, and patience. May you continue to hold each others hands with warmth, tenderness and love. May you always remain the best of friends. And, may the blessings of God be your constant companions. Now, it is with great joy that in the presence of our Creator and this company that I pronounce you husband and wife.
 
You may kiss the bride.
>>>>>>KISS<<<<<<
May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________.
 
Ceremony #2
Welcoming:
We are gathered here today to celebrate with ______ and ______ as they unite in marriage.   This is a beautiful and joyous occasion because it acknowledges their commitment of deep friendship and love.  This is not a new beginning, but one that has been tested, matured, and evolved over time.   And, with this knowing and understanding, you have each decided to spend your lives together.   This partnership which had grown strong has allowed the both of you to grow from within and become aware of yourselves as unique individuals united in the oneness of love.  And, it is here today that we honor this.
But, how can you become one without losing your individuality?  And, how can you maintain your individuality without distracting from your unity?  The answer is found in love; for when your hearts share love you surrender yourselves to the other.  But, you need not lose yourselves in the other.  With love encouragement and support is freely given.  This is the beauty and the mystery of true love.
 
Address: What is Love?
Love begins as friendship with appreciation, trust, and respect.  Love is nurturing, healing, and forgiving.  It is loyalty through the good times and the difficult times.  It exists in spite of the human imperfections and weaknesses that we all have.
Love is enjoying your own company and having a passion for living.  And, love is sharing that appreciation of your own life with others.  In a marriage, love is the foundation that is needed for the day-in and day-out chronicle of irritations, disappointments, compromises, growth, and working towards common goals.
Love is breaking through the fears and barriers that separate us.  Love is compassion.  It is the gentle and creative energy that flows through our hearts.  Love is all around us and love is within us.  Love is sharing the uniqueness of our souls freely; with trust and without the requirement that it be returned.  Love gives meaning to life and love creates life.    Please let us bow our heads for a prayer.
 
Prayer:
Dear God of all creation, You give us the longing for love and the capacity to love. We give You thanks for ______ and ______, for their open hearts and willing spirits. And, we give You thanks for the example of love, which they embody here in our presence today. We ask the You walk lovingly with them as they join their lives and travel lifes journey together. Please give then peace of heart and strength of spirit so that they may honor the vows, which they are making here today. Amen.
 
Intent:
_____/______, do you take ______/______ to be wife/husband; to love, honor, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?  
"I do."
 
Vows:
 
In the name of God I, _____/______ Take you ______/______  To be my wife/husband  To have and to hold  From this day forward  For better or for worse,  For richer or for poorer,  In sickness and in health,  To love and to cherish  Until death do us part.  This is my solemn vow.

Blessing of the Rings:
Bless O Lord these rings and bless ______ and ______ so that they may abide in God's peace and favor as they join their lives and travel life's journey together.
 
Exchange of Rings:
______/______  With this ring I thee wed  And give to you  As a symbol  Of my pledge   Of abiding Loyalty  And love.
I accept this ring from you ______/______  As a symbol   Of your abiding loyalty    and love.
 
Family Unity Sand Unity: (Optional: For Couples with Children)
______ & ______, we have gathered here today to celebrate the love that bonds you together. And, today we also celebrate that loves that surrounds you; your children, ______, ______,  and______.   May this family please gather around the altar.
These vases of sand represent the blending of two family's each with their individual personalities and the love and traditions they have shared with each other throughout the years.
As the members of this family combine these grains of sand into one vase they are not only honoring the love and traditions of the past but it also represents their hopes and dreams for the future.
Just as it is impossible to separate these grains of sand and place them bask into their separate vases, so it is impossible for your lives to ever be separate from one another again.
 
Pronouncement of Marriage:
Now, it is honor and celebration, that in the presence of our Creator and this company that I pronounce you husband and wife.
 
______, you may kiss the bride.
>>>>>>KISS<<<<<<
May I introduce to you for the first time..
Mr. and Mrs. ___________.
 
Ceremony #3
  
Welcoming:
Welcome family and friends; ______ and______ would like to thank you for being here today.  They are truly grateful for your presence.  ______ and ______ have come here today to join their lives in marriage. And, we are here to witness their celebration of love and their vows of commitment.
In marriage two people share their dreams and goals; their weaknesses and strengths. In marriage two people share all the joy and sadness of life; and they share the pleasures. In marriage two people share their emotions and feelings; the tears and the laughter. May this marriage be the most fulfilling relationship that each of you have and may the love that you share as husband and wife be forever beautiful.
 
Blessing:
In acknowledgement of the beauty and sacredness of this occasion, let us take a few moments of silence so that we may each, in our own way, honor this union with a silent prayer or blessing.
 
 Poem: Side by Side
In a marriage walk a path together   Side by side whenever possible   Remember to hold each other   When it is cold
If the air between becomes too close   Make a little space so each can breathe   When the path becomes narrow
Pick one to go first   Always be willing to follow   And don't be afraid to lead   Trust your partner   And trust yourself
For marriage is a journey   That leads to great love.
 
Intent:
______/______, do you take ______/______ to be your lawfully wedded wife/husband; joining with her /him today, in the spirit of love?  Do you promise to care for her/him and share with her/him, learn from her/him and laugh with her/him, listen to her/him and grow with her/him? If so, please respond by saying, I do.
 
Vows
______/______, I promise   before family and friends   to commit my love to you,   to respect your individuality
to hold your hand and walk with you   through all of life's changes   I promise to nurture and strengthen
the love between us   for as long as we both shall live.
 
Blessing of the Rings:
The shape of a ring is wonderfully symbolic.  When we trace the circumference, we notice there is no end.  We these rings symbolize the endless circle of your love.
Exchange of Rings:
______/______,   I join my life with yours today   without hesitation   and with an open and loving heart.
Whatever we may encounter   let us face it together.   Please take this ring   and with it my commitment
to be the best husband/wife   that I can be.
 
Sand Ceremony (Optional: Indoor & Outdoor Weddings)
_______ & _______, you have just sealed your relationship by the exchanging of vows and the giving of rings. You have committed the today to share the rest of your lives together.
Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two vases of sand, one representing each of you..... all that you were, and all that you are, and all that you will eve be. 
As these two vases of sand are poured into the center vase, the individual vases of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vases, so will your lives and your marriage be.

Pronouncement of Marriage: With Native American Blessing
______ and ______, may your love that you hold for each other continue to mature; and may you be a source of strength and inspiration for each other.  Now, you will feel no rain; for each will shelter the other.  Now, you will feel no cold; for each will be warmth to the other.  Now, there is no more loneliness.  Now, you are two persons; but there is only one life before you.  May your days be good and long upon the earth.
And, now it is with great joy that on this ______ day of _______, 2010, that I pronounce you husband and wife.
______& ______, you may seal your union with a kiss..
 
May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________.
 
Ceremony #4
Welcoming:
 
Welcome.  We have gathered here on God's beautiful beach to celebrate one of life's greatest moments; to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love which shall unite ______ and _______ in Holy Matrimony.  We are here to witness their affirmation of love and the vows they will make to each other.  ______ and ______ want to thank all of you for sharing in this celebration.
   ______ and ______,  may your love be as unchanging and dependable as the tide; flowing endlessly
from the depths of the sea.  May love continue to flow softly upon your hearts,  Just as the waves glide softly upon the sand.  
   Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow; may there will never be a day without love for one other.  As the ocean waters nourish the earth and sustain life, may your constant devotion to each other nourish and sustain you until the end of time.

Prayer:

In acknowledgement of  the beauty and sacredness of this occasion, please let us bow our heads for a prayer.

Dear Ever Loving God, our hearts are filled with great happiness on ______ and _____'s wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another.  Bless this union we pray and walk beside them throughout all their lives together.   Amen.
"The Cypress & the Oak"  by Gibran
 
Love one another,  but make not a bond of love  
Let it rather be a moving sea  between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread,  but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping;
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
 
 
Intent:
______ and ______, today you join yourselves together for life; as friends and lovers, husband and wife.  As the surface of the sea is sometimes calm and often storm tossed, so also, is a marriage.   _______/______, do you promise to weather the storms of life with ______/_______; side by side, hand in hand and heart to heart?   " I do."
 
 Vows:
 ______/______, repeat after me please.   ______/______,I pledge to you  my love and my loyalty.
I will always seek your counsel  when I make decisions.  I will respect your needs and concerns.
No matter what course we set  we will do it together
 

Blessing of Rings:
Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage.  Wedding rings are made more  precious by our wearing of them.  Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together.  Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul and that despite it's occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.

Exchange of Rings:
 ______/______, I give you this ring as a token and pledge  of my constant faith and abiding love which is as powerful and endless as the sea.


Pronouncement of Marriage:
  _______ and ______, remember to treat both yourself and each other with respect and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty, or fear overwhelms your marriage, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the times when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together will be marked by abundance and delight.

_______ and ______, having witnessed the vows you have made to each other and by the virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the state of Florida, it gives me great honor and pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. 

 You may seal your union with a kiss.  Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be the first to introduce to you...

Mr. & Mrs. ____________________.

 

Optional Ceremony Additions:

 
Tribute:
Welcome family & friends.  _________ & _________ would like to thank you for being here today.  They are truly grateful for your presence.  As we celebrate this wedding day, please let us acknowledge the loving presence of all family and friends who are not physically present.  Some are with us in thought and some are with us in spirit.
And, let us pay a special tribute to the memory of  (bride's or grooms' name) (relationship to loved one:  father, mother, grandfather, etc.) (loved one's name)  (more than one loved one can be honored from bride and/or groom's families) 
They are with us here today in spirit and in our hearts and the love that they gave lives on in the love that
______ & _____ bring to this marriage.
 
 ****************************************************

Blessing Stones or Wishing Shells:

Ladies & gentlemen, at this time ______ & ______would like you to be an active part of their ceremony by joining them at the shoreline for the blessing stone (wishing shell) ceremony.  This is a chance for each of you send love and good wishes to our lovely couple by placing your blessings on a stone (shell) and tossing it into the sea.

Everyone including the bride and groom walk to the shore line.  The officiant says the words below and everyone throws a stone (shell) into the sea at the same time.

 May ______ & _______ have many years of good fortune and happiness through the prayers and wishes of family and friends. Let us take a few moments of silence and then on the count of three we will toss the blessing stones (wishing shells) into the sea.

****************************************************


I Corinthians XIII
 
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.