[Sage3627]

My fiancee has a 21 year old daughter, and I have 2 daughters, 6 years old and 15 years old. We want to include them in a portion of our wedding. (We are getting married in our back yard by the creek.) I would like the officiant to say something about us accepting the others' children. Looking for suggestions...

[RevSusanna]

After you and your beloved say your vows to one another, you can together state a vow to your children. Or you can include your children within your vows, i.e. I promise to be a devoted, caring friend and stepfather to... Or I promise to care for (name) and (name) loving them as my own.... If you light a unity candle, you can also light candles represent each of them or light a separate family candle (indicating the light of love and devotion to the children including each other's children). Also, after you present your rings to one another, you can give them gifts....pendents, inscribed bracelets, pins or an inscribed watch for a boy. You can give each child a rose with attached personal notes from both of you (telling them how much you love and care for them). Your officiant can bless you as a family. As an officiant, I sometimes speak to the children myself.

There are so many ways! Come from the heart, be creative... It will make all the difference! Speak to your officiant. He or she may have his/her own suggestions. If you or they weep, that is okay too! It just adds to the beauty of it all.

Blessings upon your new expanded family!

Rev. Susanna