Karyn Finley Thompson

Dearest Friends and Honored Guests,

We are gathered tonight as the sun sets and the New Moon In Sagittarius rises to join Barbara Lou French and Gary Ray Willey in the spiritual union of marriage.

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

A marriage is a voluntary and full commitment. It is made in the deepest sense to the exclusion of all others, and it is entered into with the desire and hope that it will last forever.

*(Intention)*

Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.

Gary, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Barbara in marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Gary:

I do.

Officiant:

Barbara, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Gary in

marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Barbara:

I do.

Officiant:

Barbara and Gary, having heard that it is your intention to be married to each other, I now ask you to declare your marriage vows.

Please face each other and hold hands.

Officiant:

Barbara, please repeat after me…

*(Vows)*

Barbara:

Gary Ray Willey , all that I am, and all that I have, I offer to you, in love and in joy.

From this day forward I will love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

Officiant:

Gary, please repeat after me…

Barbara Lou French, all that I am, and all that I have, I offer to you, in love and in joy. From this day forward I will love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days of our lives.

*(Rings)*

Officiant:

May I have the rings please.

Your wedding rings are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites your two hearts in love.

Gary, place the ring on Barbara's finger

Officiant To Gary: Do you give this ring to Barbara as a symbol of your love for her?

Gary: I do.

Officiant To Barbara: Barbara, Will you take this ring from Gary as a symbol of his love for you. And will you wear it as an expression of your love for him?

Barbara: I will.

Officiant:

Barbara, place the ring on Gary's finger

Officiant to Barbara: Do you give this ring to Gary as an expression of your love for him?

Barbara: I do.

Officiant to Gary: Gary, Will you take this ring from Barbara as a symbol of her love for you and will you wear it as an expression for your love for her?

Gary: I will.

May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love.

I would like to end this ceremony with a Native American Blessing:

NOW you will feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter for the other.

NOW you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.

NOW there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other.

NOW you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place to enter the days of your togetherness.

MAY beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.

MAY happiness be your companion, and MAY your days together be good and long upon the earth.

May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and devotion for one another.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE:

AND now by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Florida I now pronounce you wife and husband!

You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

I am pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Willey!