Megan Sue Machinski

Harris Wedding, 10/17/20

PROCESSION

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Brian: “Her mother and I”)

INVOCATION

Welcome Honored Guests, Family, Friends, and those looking down from Heaven above. We are gathered today to join Amber & John in the spiritual unity of marriage.

What greater thing for two people, than to join together, to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joy, and to belong as one in whatever life brings you.

This is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

Remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Amber & John, today begins a life of giving and sharing, nurturing and support; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals, while developing your mutual spirit as the time passes.

In marriage, it is about establishing a relationship in which independence is equal and dependence is mutual.

VOW EXCHANGE

Amber & John, you are about to make your promises to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love and your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous in marriage.

Amber, please share your commitment in marriage to John.

John, please share your commitment in marriage to Amber.

SAND BLENDING

Today, you are beginning your lives together as husband and wife in marriage, so shall you blend the sand together and join your two lives into one.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Do you, John, take Amber, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in sorrow, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live? (I do.)

Do you, Amber, take John, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and in sorrow, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live? (I do.)

RING EXCHANGE

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised one another.

John, please place this ring on Amber’s finger and repeat after me.

Amber, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and that I am choosing you to share my life’s journey. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow and always.

Amber, please place this ring on John’s finger and repeat after me.

John, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and that I am choosing you to share my life’s journey. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow and always.

BLESSING

I’ll leave you now with the following:

May all that you are, always be in love. May all that is love, always be in you.

May your love be as beautiful on each day as it is on this day of unity.

And may each day be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love.

May you always see and encourage the best in each other.

May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger,

And may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.

PROUNOUNCEMENT

By the power vested in me by the State of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

John, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present to you, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Harris!