Hands of the Bride and Groom

[read just before the vows]

Officiant: At this time, I would like to invite our maid of honour and the best man (or two other readers) to share a reading entitled the 'Hands of the bride and groom'.

Maid of Honour reads:
[Bride], please face [Groom], and hold his hands, palms up, so you see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Best Man reads:
[Groom], please hold [Bride's] hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.