Opening with Hawaiian Chant and special Hawaiian ring blessing
Onaona i ka hala, E ka lehua, E hale lehua oia na ka noe O ka’u no ia, e ano’i nei, Ea li’a nei, ho’i o ka hiki mai, A hiki mai no ou kou, a hiki pu no me ke aloha Aloha e Aloha e
The “Oli Aloha” is a chant, which offers a word of greetings. It says, in part, ” that, this is the sight for which you have longed. Now that you have come, love has come with you.
( Officiant translates) There was a seeking of a loved one, now she is found. A mate is found. Someone to share the chills of winter with and the warmth of summer. Love has made a plea that you are to become united here in Hawaii, Hawaii is a perch, a perch in the Heavens. You two are now to become one. For the Day is here at last! You are to be wedded.
Aloha and E komo mai
which means welcome
LEI EXCHANGE:
At this time I would like to have you present to each other these leis. In Hawaii we exchange leis as a symbol of our love. The beautifully crafted lei with its hand picked flowers and twine, carefully bonded together with love, is a reflection of your love and Aloha for one another. As you exchange these leis you will begin to weave your lei in life together with love. And now, with loving aloha (island style) please present your leis to one another with a smile and a kiss upon each other’s cheek.
Gathering Words:
We gather here today to celebrate and dedicate the joy and deep meaning0 of the union of —————and ————– in this sacred commitment. The essence of this covenant is the acceptance of each other as Lover, Companion and Friend. It is therefore a decision which is not entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for ourselves and each other.
This ceremony can set the tone for your entire life together. It is the visible symbol of the ongoing wedding process in which the two of you grow in love and union. It represents the welding of two souls as one. It is also a demonstration of the bonding which will strengthen and free you to each grow in your unique way but yet still together.
(The Vows – contemporary)
AND NOW WILL YOU PLEASE FACE EACH OTHER AND JOIN HANDS.
Please repeat after me:
I,—————– receive you, —————– as my partner and love Beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears,
in sickness and in health, in conflict and serenity, asking that you be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not know, in all the ways that life may bring.
You have vowed your love to each other. Are you now ready to confirm that love in the responsibilities of marriage?
If so answer, “WE ARE”.
*Hawaiian Ring blessing (beach weddings only) Rings are placed in a Hawaiian Koa Wood bowl, partner one holds the bowl while partner two holds a conch shell filled with ocean water. Minister blesses rings in the salt water…
*(Please note the Hawaiian Ring Blessing is optional and must be requested before wedding date).
Your rings by their very shape are symbols of eternal unity without beginning or end. They are the emblem of the love that exists between you and characterize your devotion to one another. Let them always remind you of the commitments you make today.
(Each person places the ring on the other’s fourth finger on the left hand and both repeats vows one at a time, separately)
—————-, with this ring I promise to grow with you, to build our love, to speak openly and honestly, to listen to you, and to love and cherish you for all the days ahead. From this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter. and my arms will be your home.
With this ring I thee wed.
Final benediction and pronouncement:
I would now like to end this celebration with this very special blessing.
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other. Now, there is no loneliness for you. Now you are two persons but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness and may your days be good and long together.
And now by the power vested in me by the State of Hawaii it is my honor and privilege to pronounce you ( husband and husband, wife and wife, life-time partners, married, etc) and you may seal this covenant with a kiss.