Often marriage is thought of as the joining of two people. In reality, marriage joins many lives. This is most apparent when the bride and/or groom have children. With children present, marriage becomes the proclaiming of a new family. And without a loving commitment to those children, a wedding ceremony is incomplete.

The presentation of a family medallion to a child is just one of many ways of honoring children during a ceremony. Speaking to them on bent knee while presenting the medallion, and assuring your love, gives them peace of mind as well. Their lives change with yours on wedding day.

In the ceremony proper, a bride and groom take an oath of fidelity to each other (the exchange of vows). A similar oath can be taken with children as well known as a Parental Vow.

Let's say that the groom "Brian", is marrying "Sarah" who has two children whose names are Paige and Katie. In mid-ceremony, after exchanging vows and rings to each other and after the giving of roses to VIPs, I would ask that their children be brought before them.

I would now ask the bride and groom: