Julia G Jones

(OPENING)

Welcome cherished friends and family. We gather on this day to celebrate the relationship of Jameson Chmela and Lyndsay Jones. Today we will fuse these two, and a half (Jaxson), individuals into one loving family.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Always remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

(WHAT IS LOVE)

It is often said that ‘love makes the world go round’. However, without doubt,

it is friendship that keeps us going. True friendship is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony. It is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. Jameson and Lyndsay came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship.

In the eyes of God, love comes with many promises. According to 1Corinthians 13:4-8,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

To Lyndsay, love is a safe space, a home and comfort. To Jameson, love is pure bliss. To them both, it can mean getting fired up about little things or scrunching their nose when they lie. They agreed on one thing above all: Their love is effortless.

(VOWS)

Marriage is joining two people in a covenant with God. It is built on intimate promises of affection and devotion to your partner presented in your vows. Before you marry your best friend, I invite you both now to share your loving words with one another. But, of course, ladies first. (Personal vows)

Jameson, do you take Lyndsay to have and to hold as long as you both shall live? (I do)

Lyndsay, do you take Jameson to have and to hold as long as you both shall live? (I do)

(RINGS)

Do we have the rings? Raise them up so we may admire them.

The wedding band is a physical manifestation of the promises binding them together. This unending circle symbolizes the unending nature of eternal love. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it is traditionally believed that this finger has a direct connection to the heart – the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment.

For this exchange, place the ring on your partner as you speak.

Jameson, repeat after me:

“Lyndsay, with this ring, I thee wed.”

Now Lyndsay, repeat after me:

“Jameson, with this ring, I thee wed.”

(CLOSING/PRONOUNCEMENT)

As this ceremony nears its end, a beautiful marriage finds it’s beginning. Your vows have shown us the depth and warmth of your connection, and a glimpse of the love and joy that continues into your union. As Jameson and Lyndsay enter into marriage, we wish them a lifetime of happiness. We ask God to bless their family with a long and prosperous future. May you never forget your foundation in friendship.

Jameson and Lyndsay, by the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Chmela!