Kevin Dean Bennett

Karissa & Tyrel

6/5/2021

We are gathered here today to marry this cowpoke and cowgirl in holy matrimony.

*(Parents blessing)*

Who gives this cowgirl in marriage?

*(Karissa’s dad - Keith will be giving her away)*

*(Keith responds)*

If anyone objects they can just stay seated and be quiet or have a talk with my Colt 45.

Now marriage is a sacred get together.

So I wrote a poem for the occasion.

"Marriage is forever

You can't leave each other never.

It's nice to have silver and gold.

It's better to have love when you're old.

So hold each others hand

And celebrate the range you ran

Cause when you got each other

You don't need another."

Before we get to the vows, I have some advice for the loving couple.

First some scriptures selected by Karissa and Tyrel’s parents:

First a reminder for Tyrel from Ephesians:

*(Ephesians 5:25-33)*

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourished and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

And a reminder to both of you from 1st Peter:

*(1 Peter 4:8)*

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins

From Ecclesiastes, we see the benefits of this marriage:

*(Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)*

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

And a final word on love from Corinthians:

*(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)*

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

Now we all know that love is good stuff.

That you found each other is like drinking water from a fresh clean stream.

Marriage is wonderful.

It is fantastic to find that one special person that you want to annoy the rest of your life.

That great cowboy Will Rogers (who was born just a few miles from here) offered wise advice on marriage.

He said, "Before the wedding keep your eyes wide open. Afterwards keep them half closed."

And now the last bit of advice from this pastor: “Happily ever after is not a fairy tale, it is a choice!” Remember that every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. You choose whether you are happy and how you react to those around you, so let me repeat - “Happily ever after is NOT a fairy tale, it is a choice!”

*(Pastor to the Bride:)*

Now Karissa, husbands are sometimes like a Maverick steer.

They are hard to keep in the corral.

The best way to get your man to do something is to suggest that he is too old to do it.

You got your rope around him, now give him a little slack.

*(Pastor to the Groom:)*

Tyrel, remember that wives are like a Texas bluebonnet; beautiful, delicate and to be appreciated. Never forget to tell her she is beautiful.

Then you will always get the last two words in every discussion.

Just make sure the words are "Yes dear."

Always remember the three magic words: "You're right dear."

Admit it when you're wrong.

When you're right, just shut up.

*(Preacher to the Groom:)*

Since you are here to declare your devotion, do you promise to love Karissa more than your horses, your dogs, and that early morning cow catching call?

Will you always take off your spurs when you come to bed?

When it’s 10 degrees outside, will you loan Karissa your coat?

If it's over 100, will you fan her with your Stetson?

Do you promise to keep the dog in the backseat of the truck and let Karissa ride shotgun?

Will you put the toilet seat down and rinse the dishes before you put them in the sink?

Do you promise to love, honor, saddle her horses, fix her vehicles, surrender your share of the blanket to, and drive her everywhere, until death do you part?

Groom: I do.

*(Preacher to the Bride:)*

Karissa, do you promise to love Tyrel more than his horses and dogs?

Will you make sure the grub is always on time, even if he can’t give you a time?

Do you promise to keep the cooler full and the barn fuller?

With the Lord and your friends as your witness, do you promise to put up with his grubby buddies and their muddy boots?

Will you even grab your apron and whip up a prime rib and tatters when they are hungry?

Will you comfort him when he can’t figure out what the tick in the engine is?

Will you hand him the wrong size wrenches while he tries to figure it out?

Do you promise to love, honor, cook for, clean up after, surrender your share of the blanket to, and let him go unshaven indefinitely, until death do you part?

Bride: I do.

*(Preacher to the Groom )*

Tyrel, repeat after me:

I, Tyrel, take you Karissa to be my beloved wife.

I promise to love you and be your faithful partner,

but I would appreciate time off for calving season,

gun shows,

rodeos,

and cow catching!)

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness, and in health,

I will be true and loyal,

and cherish you for all the days of our lives.

(Tyrel, place the ring on Karissa’s finger)

*(Preacher to Bride )*

Karissa, repeat after me:

I, Karissa, take you Tyrel, to be my beloved husband,

I promise to love you and be your faithful partner,

I would appreciate two nights a week off from cooking!

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

in health is easy.

sickness… only if I have to…

Just remember a common cold is not equivalent to the bubonic plague.

to love and to cherish;

from this day forward until death do us part.

(Karissa, place the ring on Tyrel’s finger)

Now to symbolize their lives joining together, they will create their brand.

*(Unity Branding)*

Because you have promised to take care of the horses, the dogs, and oh yea, each other, by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Oklahoma I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Tyrel, you may now kiss your bride!

I would like to introduce Karissa and Tyrel Bennett!